Tastea Newark — Restaurant in Newark

Tastea is pretty fantastic. They have a huge menu, including multiple versions of milk teas (standard, oolong, Jasmine, Thai, matcha, ube, mango, horchata, strawberry, Jasmine, and more), simple teas, smoothies, freezes, and even three iced coffee options. And even with all these choices, quality and taste are quite good. Stevia is sugar substitute option. Finally, the boba is in my top 3 ever. That alone is probably worth a drive. Topping options are two kinds of boba, all the jellies, and fruit bits. That said, they are on the more expensive side ($6-7) and for about $1.75 more you can upgrade your cup from a 20 oz (equal to a large in most places) to a 32 oz bucket. To offset the prices, there is no charge for no ice or to upgrade from non-dairy to whole, oat, or almond milk. Service is usually friendly and pretty quick despite the fact that they usually have customers. Tip: they will ask sugar level but if you want no/light ice, you need to tell them when ordering. It's an easier option on the app, which I recommend. You can order in advance and grab your drink right as you walk in the door. The app also will send push notifications (if you want them) about free samples or double points or whatever, which has gotten me to try some things I wouldn't have. The matcha Thai tea was weirdly good. PS--freaking tip. They're working...

First time here. 3.5 stars. I think the in person ordering can improve. I couldn't hear the girl at the register, I think the speaker above me was too loud. I had to put my ear really close to the speaker that amplifies the voice of the cashier and I shirk couldn't hear. After finally ordering, you wait outside till they call your name. The drinks were great, you can substitute the sugar with stevia (great option for diabetics). I didn't like the honey boba, it was a little hard in the center, I like it really chewy. I probably won't get it next time. We got large size (it's alot) Tiger Milk Tea w/honey boba, Taro Milk Tea (taro flavor very light) with lychee jelly & Chamango (had lots of mango bits). Good price point....

I took my second sip and a piece of a metal shaving or what looks like a piece of steel wool was in my drink! Something poked the roof of my mouth once I drank one of the boba pearls. I spit it out, not thinking I was going to find metal! Never going back.

To the staff- if you are using steel wool sponges to clean please assure it is rinsed thoroughly. If I or anyone else had swallowed that, it could have caused some serious internal damage. This is actually the reason steel wool is not recommended in the food and beverage industry. Please assure you are using safe sanitation and cleaning practices. If this was not a piece of steel wool I would seriously consider looking over all your equipment and products for metal...