Molly Tea has taken over social media and drawn long lines since it first arrived in the United States, but is it really worth the hype?
On April 9, we went to find out why this Chinese jasmine tea chain generated so much buzz. Here’s what people have to say.
Filmed, edited and produced by Tommy Ngo
Reporting by Laila Zedan
Transcript:
0:00
LAILA ZEDAN (voiceover) – LA VOZ REPORTER: Tucked away in Cupertino, Molly Tea has quietly been building quite the reputation. We came here today to see what all the hype is about.
0:07
SOO LIM – SAN JOSE RESIDENT: This is my absolutely first time visiting Molly Tea. My friends are raving about it so that’s why I’m here.
ZEDAN And what do you think so far about the atmosphere?
LIM: It’s very chic. I like the whole layout with, like, a pink details so I love it so far. (laughs)
ZEDAN And what drink did you order?
LIM: I ordered the premium jasmine green tea.
ZEDAN: Are you excited?
LIM: Yes.
0:32
ZEDAN (voiceover): While she takes her first sip of Molly Tea, we spoke to the people who know this place the best.
ZEDAN (on camera): What is your favorite drink?
ERIC LE – 19, COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR, MOLLY TEA EMPLOYEE: My personal favorite drink is jasmine mango smoothie. It’s sort of limited due to the ripeness of mangos. Umm, it’s a smoothie drink with tea and also has a bunch of toppings as well.
ZEDAN: What’s your experience working here?
LE: I’d say the atmosphere is really nice. The music’s always playing. It’s a chill, cozy vibe. I’d say the atmosphere is a 5/5 and the environment is also really good. It’s a little hectic, but I’d say it’s still pretty fun.
1:06
ZEDAN: So, is this your first time here?
HEATHER LU – UC DAVIS LAW STUDENT: Uh, no I’ve been here several times.
ZEDAN: And do you usually come here to study or relax or…?
LU: Uh, just to get a drink and sit here for a while to enjoy my drink.
It’s called Tongmu Lapsang milk tea. It’s some sort of black tea that I really like. It’s definitely on the higher end–I’d probably put it like 9 out of 10 for this place. I like milk tea with a strong tea taste and I think this place has a very strong tea taste.
ZEDAN: What would you rate the atmosphere of this place?
LU: It’s a pretty nice place, but it can get really crowded and noisy sometimes. Today is definitely one of the quieter days, but there are days that there are way more people here.
1:51
ZEDAN: So, what do you think of the drink?
LIM: It’s really great. I like the jasmine flavor a lot so it has, like, a rich flavor of jasmine. It’s hitting my palette so good! (laughs)
ZEDAN: Would you consider coming here again?
LIM: Yes, for sure. A hundred percent!
ZEDAN (voiceover): Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, Molly Tea is clearly doing something right.
