MOCHINUT Tampa — Restaurant in Temple Terrace

I was so excited to finally try this place. I had heard the buzz about Mochinut for some time, and wanted to experience it for myself. Let's just say that I wasn't as impressed as others.

As you first walk in, you'll see a bunch of people waiting for their order to be delivered at the counter. There wasn't a line to place an order like it had been during the grand opening week. We were greeted right away and asked if we had any questions. They have a case with lots of donuts that are beautifully decorated and eye-catching. There's a very detailed menu board of all the different types of rice hotdogs. There's a menu of just 6 boba drinks. All of them looked very common with the exception of the ube boba drink. There's no description of what is in it. It's like it was thrown on the menu like an afterthought. Kind of like saying, "Do you want a boba drink to go along with that rice hotdog?" I didn't order one because I was saving my boba craving for a true tea shop nearby that has a large variety of unique flavors.

We decided to get a box of 3 mochi donuts (melona, strawberry drizzle, and peach mango). I got the crunch cereal half & half rice dog because that flavor is not offered at Ding Tea in Brandon. My friend got the ube boba drink. Fortunately, we were able to place that order quickly. The rice dog took the longest because it was made to order.

I sampled my friends ube boba drink while we waited. It looked so pretty and I actually liked the coconut flavor at first sip. The ube flavoring had a strange aftertaste. I was kind of happy that I didn't get one after seeing what it ended up costing with the boba and cheese foam. The cheese foam didn't have much of a taste. It's not worth the cost. The mochi donuts didn't taste fresh. I'm SMH on this one because I know these donuts move fast just by seeing the amount of traffic that goes through this store. The ones we had that day were dense and chewy. I see lots of inconsistencies in the texture of the dough when reading other reviews. The frosting was a good flavor, but it was spread heavily on the donut which made it taste too sweet. I'll stick to the mochi donuts in the Brandon area. Their frosting flavors are not as pronounced as Mochinut, but at least they have a fresh taste and texture.

The best thing I had was the cereal rice hotdog. It was really wonderful! It had the perfect crunch and lots of cheese in the top half of the dog. The cereal coating reminded me of frosted flakes. It gave it a nice savory & sweet taste. I would totally get this one again. I just wouldn't make a special trip from Brandon since I already love the potato rice hotdog that is close to home.

Customer service was great! There is very limited seating inside. Mostly chairs for people who are waiting for their order to be made, but I did see a few tables. There is a lot of parking. The decor is nice but hard to see with all the people inside. They have a huge following and great reputation... and it shows. You might as well try it for yourself when you're...

After some excruciating law finals, I stopped by a dessert shop because I figured I deserved so after finishing another year of law school. I am not from Tampa, I'm here from Houston. Yet I struggle to find something sweet that isn't your ordinary ice cream or boba shop. When we first came in, it was super cute and clean! What caught my attention was the outside photos of the products. We were welcomed and asked to choose our donut and order the hot dogs at the register. Some couple told us the ube drink was super good and the donut too. So I ordered a ube fruity pebbles, churro cinnamon, and two hot dogs one being half cheese half potato and the other being half potato and meat. At the register we saw their seasonal strawberry milk boba, we got it too because who doesn't like strawberry purée with whip cream and milk? The ube donut was a light and fluffy donut with a sweet topping and just the right amount of fruity pebbles on top. The churro donut was a bit smaller but just as good! It's not such a heavy dessert but yet so good. I would come back and eat 3 more because it's a good treat! The strawberry milk needed to be mixed before I drank it but also light, maybe add vanilla syrup or something to give it a bit more sweetness because the milk is overpowering. The hot dogs were both covered with sugar and super delicious, just make sure you know the difference between the two if you don't eat meat like i do. Also some customers can be so rude to workers. The customer kept causing an uproar because they didn't listen when they read back the order which made him mad because it was wrong to him but it's his fault for not listening. She kept telling him I read you the order, he straight told her "I don't wanna talk, make my drink". Super rude, he's a mood killer. Nasty attitude and persona. Overall I would come back, and get the hotdogs and ube donut all over again because they were...

I really wanted to like this place. Everything was fine when we got in, besides it being near unbearably hot and stuffy like the air conditioning was broken, but of course things happen. Ordering was simple and person who rang us up was pleasant. The problem started when I went to the bathroom after ordering. The bathroom was a mess and frankly filthy. Empty or near empty toilet tissue rolls were sitting out, as well as the tissue you are meant to use. Just sitting out on top of the dispenser for everyone to touch before using. After coming out of the bathroom I really started to look around. The toppings they use, like the boba are just sitting on the counter next to the hand washing sink (hello cross contamination). Even more concerning, I noticed the reach in fridge they stored the mixes for the milk teas in was flashing a whopping 58 degrees. I understand wanting to keep it open for convenience, but this is just plain dangerous for your customers. The last thing I noticed before leaving was that the woman who was making our drinks scratched her head, her face three times including right above her mouth, and her neckneck twice. All without changing her gloves even once. I really wanted to like this place, but definitely will...