Angel Tea brings its own take on bubble tea to Waltham

In a competitive bubble tea market with name brands, Angel Tea differentiates itself by providing a second home to consumers.

Bubble tea shops, otherwise known as boba, have become nearly as common as coffee in downtown Waltham. National chains, small storefronts and student-frequented tea counters line Moody Street, offering similar menus of milk tea, tapioca pearls and fruit-based drinks, each with its own take on flavors.

Angel Tea, located just steps away from major bubble tea chain Kung Fu Tea, is a local, family-owned business that’s carving out its own space in a saturated market. 

The shop is owned and operated by Angel Zhao, a Lexington resident who opened the cafe in summer 2022 while she was still a college student. 

Zhao moved to Massachusetts from China when she was 12 because her parents wanted her to have a better education. 

Despite the numerous bubble tea shops around downtown Waltham and the Boston area, Zhao felt there weren’t any shops that catered to what she liked. As a native of China, where bubble tea has been popular for years, Zhao felt by comparison the “U.S. didn’t have much boba options.” 

That is when the idea of starting her own bubble tea shop began to take root in her mind. Creating a business from the ground up also gave Zhaod an opportunity to help her parents pay for her college tuition. Just as she was beginning to think about embarking on a new endeavor, the spot on Moody Street cameup for sale. “It was kind of perfect timing,” Zhao recounts, and managing the store has now become her full-time work. 

More than a cafe

Zhao said she has never viewed the nearby chain stores as direct competition as she knew she had something unique to offer. “I opened this place knowing Kung Fu Tea is down the street,” she said. 

To start, she has always had “100 % faith in [her] recipes,” all of them her own creation. 

Angel Tea offers a broader menu than typical bubble tea shops, serving light meals, desserts and drinks inspired by Zhao’s travels and personal background. Many of her menu items reflect this personal touch, from herbal teas influenced by traditional Chinese medicine to beverages with balanced sweetness, offering options that customers can’t easily find elsewhere.

The cafe’s atmosphere also stands out to customers. “I love that it feels like a true mom-and-pop shop,” said Amanda Chappelle, a first-time visitor, noting the lively jazz music and open door that invites passersby to step inside and see for themselves. 

The decor reflects Zhao’s personality. “All of the graphic designs, including the murals, I’ve painted myself,” Zhao said. “I like to travel every year. This year, I went to Italy, and it inspired me a lot.” 

The menu and the cafe’s vibe aren’t the only ways Angel Tea positions itself differently. Zhao has become very involved in community building with Waltham residents. There is a drawing group meetup at Angel Tea every Wednesday, and the plush seats are filled with a Pokémon card group on Thursdays. And on Sundays Zhao hosts art-focused events, ranging from collage nights to pen-and-ink workshops. She said these events give people a break from the fast-paced, stressful routines of everyday life.

“Sometimes we just need to slow down and be in the moment,” she said.

All about community

This emphasis on being a creative, social space may be part of what enables Angel Tea to withstand competition. While chains often rely on standardized menus and brand recognition, Angel Tea’s business model depends on customers returning for the atmosphere and sense of belonging. The cafe has a consistent base of regulars, including students and local families who stay for hours, Zhao said. 

According to Marie Reyes, a frequent customer, “Angel Tea stands out with its fruity drinks, menu diversity and comfortable vibe. They recently put out a new line of sparkling boba tea and fruit drinks. This is why I keep coming back.”

Still, operating a business – especially while she was still a college student – has not been without challenges. Zhao said navigating city and state business regulations was particularly difficult early on, describing the work of dealing with departments and sorting out requirements she had never formally been taught. “Starting a business in theory is very different from actually doing it,” she explained.

Now managing the cafe full-time after graduation, Zhao explained that she is focused on continuing to build a strong community around the Waltham location. She is also exploring the possibility of opening future locations near other universities in the Boston area, drawing on the positive response Angel Tea has received from students, young adults, and families in Waltham. 

For now, Zhao said that she is prioritizing establishing her brand and the Angel Tea name through marketing and social media. “I think in time, it’ll all come together. I’m not worried about it because I know Angel Tea will make it.”