Ding Tea Seattle — Restaurant in Seattle

I rather give this place a ZERO STAR - Here is what happened today - My friends and I have been coming to Ding Tea on the Ave for years as our go-to spot to relax after lunch. Today, though, was a complete letdown. We were casually browsing the menu and chatting when the owner, Kang Han ( I don't know the exact spelling but he is indeed the owner of Ding Tea on on the Ave), came over and demanded we order immediately or leave. His tone was rude and condescending, and the whole interaction felt aggressive and completely uncalled for. Believe me, I had been going to the Ave for over 20+ years. I went to school (UW) here and never been treated ever by any business like this on the AVE.

We told him we were regulars—one of us has even tipped 25% in the past—but he scoffed and said he’s always at the store and doesn’t recognize us. Then, in a passive-aggressive move, he pointed at a sign saying “we have the right to refuse service to anyone,” which felt like a slap in the face.

This kind of behavior from an owner is baffling. It’s as if he's actively trying to drive customers away. Maybe Seattle got to him—or maybe he genuinely doesn’t care about the business anymore. Either way, we won’t be coming back, and if you value being treated with basic respect, you might want to think twice before going yourself.

I have also been to a numerous number of boba tea places and there is nothing special about this...

TLDR: get the lowest ice level for the most bang for your buck. Don't get 100% sweetness.

Menu has pretty self explanatory drink titles and is located to the right of the register. Pick a drink and add whatever toppings your heart desires. What I like about this place is that you can customize your ice and sweetness levels. I recommend 75% sweetness or lower. Get the lowest ice level so you get more bang for your buck, otherwise you are just paying for a cup of ice.

Service: order and pay at the front. Wait for your order to be called; grab and go or seat yourself.

Crystal Boba: it's definitely a novel item. It is very lightly sweetened and in my honest opinion it's a great thing to try one time just for the experience. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to order this when put up against regular Boba. It's slightly crunchy? I'm not really sure how to explain the texture--it's not chewy like normal Boba, instead it's like a hard and brittle jello?

Strawberry Green Tea: I wouldn't say it's the best thing in the world but it's definitely refreshing. It's has more strawberry flavor than green tea, which I like but others may not necessarily feel...

Inside space is narrow and long. A few seats up front, some along the wall to the back, and some tables at the back of the establishment. Menu on the wall as you walk in, and place order at the counter nearby.

Gotten a few different teas and Yakult drinks, and they all have been good. Although the standard golden bobas are plenty fine, the crystal bobas have a cross between a chewy boba and a snappy jelly feel. They're really good. Also wish the fruity Yakult drinks are fruitier and stronger in Yakult flavor; but this is nitpicking.

Service is friendly and helpful. Order pickup is towards the back. Don't forget the number they give you so you know when your order is being called! Preparation time is reasonable. Good amount of turnover.

Wish the people from the next door hair place would not smoke and vape right out front and cause all that smell to...