Famished Girl
Saint’s Alp Teahouse
The Bubble Tea craze is sweeping Chicago, so I took an opportunity to see what all of the hype is about during a recent visit to Saint’s Alp Teahouse in Chinatown. Saint’s Alp Teahouse is a Taiwanese teahouse-inspired chain that originated in Hong Kong and has spread to New York City and Chicago. It has been dubbed by some as the “Starbucks of Hong Kong.”
Bubble Tea is milky tea featuring tapioca balls floating at the bottom of the glass, which not only makes this versatile drink pretty, but also a light snack, as the tapioca can be sucked up through the oversized straw of the cold tea drinks. The Coconut Black Tea, which I tasted served hot, is creamy and indulgent and so perfect on a chilly fall afternoon.
“Integrating eastern flavor with a western twist,” Saint’s Alp offers over 70 types of tea drinks, which can be served hot or cold. If Bubble Tea isn’t your thing, there is definitely something on the menu for you. For example, the Strawberry Black Tea, served over ice, is a refreshing and deliciously fruity energizer. Not sure what to order? Check out the array of pictures on the menu, or ask the staff - they are very friendly and quick to fill you in on their personal favorites.
Considering that much of the menu is devoted to the tea drinks, I expected the food at Saint’s Alp to be an afterthought, but was pleasantly surprised that the pan-Asian food is delicious and cheap. Aside from the “rice sets” (combo meals that include rice, sides, and a tea drink for a whopping $7.50), nothing on the menu is over $5.00. Selections range from Crispy Squid with Salted Spices to spring rolls and dumplings. I recommend the Yakitori Chicken.
Saint’s Alp Teahouse
2131 S. Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-1886
Area: Chinatown Categories
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