Yan's Tea

To start: I do suggest people still give this place a shot, but I hope this review helps people figure out what to order so they don't have the experience I did. My first bit of advice is try one of the more unique options. The menu actually had a lot of interesting options that I was interested in trying in the future (and might just to give this place a second chance) because their standard milk tea was extremely watered down in my opinion. I ordered 25% because I like my tea to be bitter and get my sweetness from the boba, but the milk tea ended up being bland as a result. It mostly tastes like milk with a hint of tea. The boba was also a super generous portion, but some was clumped together.If I do go back (I don't live in the area), I'd try the unique drinks or increase sweetness on their standard boba drinks. You order at the kiosk that's right by the entrance and they hand your drink to you. My drink came out fairly quickly as the restaurant had more customers than the boba stand did. It's definitely a cute logo and I commend them on expanding their business which is why I do recognize trying their other drinks because the boba guys across the street could make a better milk tea, but they don't make the avocado drink that's on Yan's menu.

A lowkey spot for boba in San Carlos!My friends and I went to visit this boba place since one of them was eager to try it out. Upon arriving, we were confused where the boba shop was since it didn't have its own store. It was actually located inside a restaurant and you order through a tablet. I wanted to order a black milk tea however there were no options to order just a black milk tea other than a black milk tea with boba so that's what I ordered. The black milk tea with boba was yummy but nothing special. However, their spicy popcorn chicken was the star of the show. It was made with Sichuan peppers and though there were plenty of peppers, the spice wasn't the worst and very tolerable and flavorful. I think the next time I'm in the area I'll be sure to order the spicy popcorn chicken again.

Lychee slush w/ strawberry jelly and boba - 4.5/5: the drink itself was really good (lychee tasted fresh) but boba was not (probably because it was 30 minutes before closing)

This review is for the tea shop. I was looking for a stand alone tea house so I was surprised to see the tea shop inside the restaurant. As you walk in, straight ahead is the host desk where you wait to be seated. Inside the restaurant there was plenty of seating and it was well lit. A few chairs off to the right for pick up orders. Immediately on the left entrance is the kiosk to order from the tea shop. Not sure if you can order when the restaurant is closed. I ordered the Kumquat Lemon Green tea. 25% sweet with less ice. I enjoyed my drink, it was the perfect tartness and chill factor for this hot day! Prices were reasonable. ($6.25) I would love to come again and try other drinks and even the restaurant.

Perfectly prepared boba! Delicious and light drinks.For their drinks, you can customize the ice and sweetness level. Milk tea, slushes, and their mango sago are what you should expect. Good sized drinks with decent favor.The black sugar milk tea had a light sweetness to it and was decent in tea flavor. I would have liked a stronger tea taste to it.The boba had a really good bounce and chew and was very light in sweetness. Didn't feel guilty at all for chomping on them.They have a frequent buyer card so if you're a fan, start collecting! In addition to drinks, they have some light snacks.Although easily overlooked due to their location, they are worth the hunt!

Quick take: extension of Yan's GardenYan's Tea is inside Yan's Garden Chinese restaurant. Ordering options for drinks and snacks are at the counter or the ordering kiosk by the door. The last making the drinks is very nice. She told us if we need to adjust the drinks to just let her know.We ordered a matcha smoothie (25% sugar), mango passionfruit tea (50% sugar), and the regular popcorn chicken.If you are in the area stop by and try this place out. The fruit tea drink is very refreshing. The matcha smoothie was very smooth and not too sweet. The popcorn chicken was a 3. All the basil was at the bottom of the box. Chicken could use a little bit more flavor.

Basic fruit and milk teas. Nothing special or premium tea. Located inside a restaurant, it is easy to miss this spot. The wait is a bit long for drinks, but the workers are super sweet.

Hidden gem alert.The line at the more known boba spot in front was nuts so we were thinking... let's give the smaller mom and pops spot a try - it was NOT a disappointment. Sometimes things happen for a reason and this was one of it. This is a true hidden gem, one of the better boba spots on the peninsula.They have very odd hours, we came on a Saturday and it didn't open until 4:30 - the setting shares a spot within a restaurant with a restaurant ambiance. Very clean inside. Menu has about 30 items, just enough where there is variety but not big where it's overwhelming. Mango pomelo sago - 5/5, it's just as good as the famous one in Cupertino Lychee slushee - 5/5, must try for hot days Peach oolong - 5/5, strong oolong with peach undertones. Ask for 50% and 100% sweetness.

Hidden gem in San Carlos! Best fruit tea I have ever had and I have fruit tea daily. They have a ton of assortment of fruits. I could taste at least grapefruit, lychee and kiwi but I am sure there are more. Pearl milk tea is good as well! Highly recommend!

Got the Thai Milk Tea and it was really yummy, loved the flavor and how easy it was to order. Thanks so much :)