Peanut's Bubble Tea 花生米 — Restaurant in Richmond

Amazing that this food court bubble tea shop has been open for 30 years! Their prices are also like a step back in time - maybe not 30 years back, but before food prices skyrocketed in the past few years. You can get a drink with toppings for $5-7 and the wheel cakes are a little over $1. Some of the toppings are a little expensive, but with the base price of the drink as affordable as it is, you can still get a premium topping and have a drink at a reasonable price. My drink, a green bean slush with taro paste, plus two wheel cakes was $9.75. Cash only. Despite the low prices, I was impressed by the quality of my drink. The earthy and natural flavour of the green bean paired with nutty taro was really nice. The taro paste was thick but smooth, and they were generous with it. Didn’t taste like "cheap" bubble tea even if the price is not too high. The wheel cakes were also so good! They have 10 flavours that they make, but only 4 were ready when I ordered. Luckily they had two that I wanted to try: radish and taro. They're constantly cooking the wheel cakes so mine were still nice and warm when I got them. The cakes were super soft inside and generously filled. The warm taro paste was almost custardy and the savoury radish filling was also tasty. The woman who took my order was super nice! There was a bit of a line but it moved fast. I probably got my order less than 10 minutes from the time I...

I have been getting bubbles teas from Peanut's since 1993 when bubble teas became popular in Taiwan and my BF at the time wanted to open a tea shop in Taiwan. In search of the perfectly-made bubble tea, he declared at the time that Peanut's drinks are the best in Vancouver: tea sufficiently strong and bubbles perfectly "Q" (chewy). Since then, Peanut's drinks have not changed at all: the same quality and flavor, run by the same dedicated family. Their prices are a lot lower than other trendy tea places, and they have not increased their pricing significantly, like other vendors, yet you are still getting the same quality that they have maintained since my first drink there almost 30 years ago. When you get your drinks there, don't forget to try their carefully-crafted (literally, with toothpicks!) wheel cakes for a nice snack to go with their refreshing drinks.

There will always be good bubble teas elsewhere, but are the quality and flavor consistent? Only time and repeated patronage can tell. Peanut's has certainly proven this over their decades...

Peanuts Bubble Tea

Location: Richmond Public Market 8260 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC

Situated on the second floor of Richmond Public Market, this bubble tea establishment stands out as one of the best in the area. With a menu offering a variety of beverages and desserts, it caters to those seeking both refreshing drinks and indulgent treats.

On this visit, I did ordered for the winter melon drink along with their cheesecakes. The winter melon drink had a well-balanced sweetness with a subtly herbal undertone, making it both refreshing and enjoyable. The cheesecakes, served hot, were a highlight—rich, creamy, and perfectly warm, enhancing their texture and flavor.

Service was another strong point. The staff was exceptionally friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. Their attentiveness and efficiency contributed to a seamless visit.

For those exploring Richmond Public Market, this spot is well worth a stop. Whether for a quick refreshment or a sweet treat, it delivers quality and...