For me, being a woman who has to juggle both the responsibilities of managing the household and earning money for myself and my loved ones is not an easy challenge. My job requires creativity and focus, but I always feel trapped at home. Everything at home pulls me in, making it impossible to focus and truly create freely. This suffocating and stressful feeling cannot last, and I realized that if I continue living like this, my creativity will slowly fade away.
So, I decided that I needed to go outside every day, find peaceful and comfortable spaces to work, to help myself regain inspiration and freedom to create. One of the places I chose is Tubo Tea, a bubble tea shop I wrote about a few years ago, you can read the review here:
Fortunately, Tubo Tea has continuously improved and upgraded not only their menu but also their space. I’m really impressed with this change, not only in their unique drinks but also in the beautiful and comfortable ambiance of the shop.
It’s true that it’s not easy when we have to face rising prices of everything, including bubble tea. A few years ago, I could easily enjoy a cup of bubble tea for just around $1, but now, the price has ranged from $1.70 to $2 for a medium-sized cup with toppings. Still, I find it quite reasonable when I see the new, unique drinks at Tubo Tea. Names like fresh taro milk tea, oat milk tea, pomegranate tea, and red bean matcha all really caught my attention. These are some of the most popular items and also the ones I recommend trying when visiting the shop.
But today, I don’t just want to talk about the menu; I want to mention the wonderful space that I found here. I am someone who loves privacy and a spacious, quiet environment where I can work comfortably and create. Tubo Tea meets all of these requirements. The shop is beautifully designed, with spacious and airy spaces on floors 1 to 3. The best part is that you can work here without worrying about being disturbed, which makes me feel so at ease and comfortable—completely different from the crowded, noisy cafes that I dislike.
At home, whenever inspiration strikes, I end up having to deal with household chores. This makes me feel incredibly suffocated, and I can’t focus on my work. That’s why I need a free space, like Tubo Tea, where I can feel at peace and let go of all the pressures of life. A free-spirited life is something I always crave, especially in a society where many still hold old-fashioned views about women’s roles—like having to obey, please the husband, and take care of the children. I cannot accept that. If I had enough money, I’d hire a housekeeper to do the housework, not me. I fight every day with the thought of needing to make money fast and buy my own house to prove my worth, and to break away from the old customs and societal pressures placed on women.
Only when I’m at Tubo Tea do I feel free enough to share these thoughts with you. The space here is so comfortable, with lots of greenery and natural light, creating a fresh atmosphere. This is what makes me able to write these heartfelt words that I can't say to anyone else. I feel as though I’m being recharged by the environment here, and it helps me create more and never stop my emotions.
As for the drink, I tried a cup of fresh taro milk tea with crystal tapioca pearls. The fresh taro is cooked down and pureed, mixed with fresh milk and creamy toppings, creating a sweet and smooth flavor. Even though I asked for less sugar, I still found it a bit too sweet, so if you visit, I recommend asking them to reduce the sugar by about 30%. That said, the drink was visually pleasing with the gentle purple color of the taro and the white of the milk, creating a harmonious and delicious look. The crystal tapioca pearls were amazing—thin-skinned, and when you bite into them, the sweet strawberry juice flows out. I really love this type of topping, and I order it whenever I see it at bubble tea shops. For me, a clean and beautiful space with delicious drinks creates a wonderful experience that every café should offer, and Tubo Tea does this perfectly.
I’ll definitely return to Tubo Tea to try more drinks and enjoy the amazing space. When everything is perfect like this, I not only find comfort in my work but also have the chance to relax and regain balance in my life.