We told you about the tea shop that was planned for Bardstown Road back in October. Today, we spotted a sign to go with the rumor: VT’s Bubble Cup. We had put in several calls for information over the last couple months, but none were returned. With the appearance of the sign, however, it looks like the new shop should be opening soon.
We should have guessed the place might be selling bubble tea from the Asian newspapers covering the windows. This marks the first entry of bubble tea into the Louisville market There are already several shops in the Metro Louisville area that offer bubble tea, but this could be the first exclusive bubble tea outlet. Judging by the brightly colored, “bubbly” sign, VT’s should prove to have an interesting interior. Besides the sign, two new black awnings have recently been installed. Bubble tea contains edible tapioca beads and is generally fruit or milk based. Here’s more info from Wikipedia:
Bubble tea, also called “Boba” tea, is a Taiwanese tea beverage containing gelatinous tapioca pearls. It originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, spread to nearby East Asian countries, and migrated to Canada before spreading to Chinatown in New York, then to various spots throughout the West Coast of the United States. The literal translation from Chinese is pearl milk tea… The word “bubble” refers to “bubbling”, the process by which certain types of bubble tea are made, and not the actual tapioca balls. The balls are often called “pearls.” Drinks with large pearls are consumed along with the beverage through wide straws; while drinks with small pearls are consumed through normal straws.
Michelle over at Consuming Louisville must have been wandering around Bardstown Road today, too. She found the sign earlier today and breaks news of yet another tea shop opening soon on Frankfort Avenue. Here’s more info on the Zen Tea House from Consuming Louisville:
Zen Tea House is coming soon from the same folks who bring us the wonderful Zen Garden restaurants. They’re hoping to open the tea house next month and say it will feature traditional teas and light food. The location is just a couple doors down from Zen Garden on Frankfort Avenue.
Thanks for the info. It's good to see new trends take hold in the city. Will update the post.
I just want to note that there are already a couple of places in the area that offer the bubble tea. I believe Jewel’s Tea shop in Clarksville is still offering it, though it may be seasonal. Still, I’m glad to see this unique tea gaining ground in Louisville.
Jewel’s Teas has bubble tea year round. Coco’s on Southside Drive has it too. The Chinese restaurant in the food court of 4th Street Live has it in the summer, but only green and black. The new China Bistro in Norton’s Commons has bubble tea too. (Can you tell I love bubble tea?) I cannnot wait for VT’s to open – hubby can get Starbucks and I can get bubble tea – YEA!
Onion Tea House and Restaurant in New Albany also offers bubble tea.
Looks like there’s already quite a selection of bubble tea offerings in Louisville. Noticed today the newspaper window coverings came down and and there’s furniture inside. An ‘Open’ sign was in the window but not glowing and no hours posted, but it appears opening is imminent.
JEWEL’S HOUSE OF TEAS @ 632 EASTERN BLVD. IN CLARKSVILLE HAS BEEN OFFERING BUBBLE TEA FOR OVER 3 YEARS NOW. THEY SERVE OVER 20 FLAVORS. YOU CAN MIX FLAVORS, AS WELL AS HAVE THE DRINK SHAKEN OR BLENDED. THEY OFFER A FREQUENT BUBBLE TEA CARD AS WELL. OPEN MON, TUES, THURS, FRIDAY, AND SATURDAY. THEY ALSO CARRY OVER 100 DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOOSE LEAF TEAS. CONTACT THEM @812 282 8327(teas)