Calgary’s Inaugural Bubble Tea Festival is Here Until the End of August
Calgary’s first-ever YYC Bubble Tea and Frozen Treat Festival will be running from July 16 to Aug. 28. If you’re a bubble tea fan, this festival won’t burst your bubble.
Not only are local businesses offering up some of their best bubble teas, they are also joining together to help support Act2EndRacism.
The remaining local competitors include Koi Fresh Fruits and Tea, Bambu Calgary, Tru Dan (also know as JenJudan), Aleppo Shawarma and Donair and Vivaan’s Yummies.
This bubble tea and dessert affair is presented by Crescent Heights Village in partnership with International Avenue BRZ and Chinatown BIA. In addition, this competition is also sponsored by Savour Calgary Magazine.
Curious Calgarians are invited to sample and vote for their favourite bubble tea or frozen dessert in hopes of helping their favourite snag the crown, while also supporting Act2EndRacism, which works towards ending anti-Asian hate.
So, what’s the tea with this festival?
In the beginning, 16 restaurants entered their hat into the competition ring. As the weeks have gone by, the competition had whittled down to the top 5 remaining competitors.
Restaurants have the option of creating a limited edition special features or can enter one of their all-time classics.
According to the event’s site, some places have even gone the extra mile to include special offerings and menu options for limited time along with additional contests, prizes and more.
The winner of the competition will be crowned based on overall votes, as well as a panel of celebrity judges. Bubble tea aficionados and dessert connoisseurs can vote through the Crescent Heights’ website or through the festival’s Instagram.
What’s on the menu?
10 at 10 got you. We got you the full pot of tea on the menu selections from the five remaining competitors, along with their special menu offerings:
Koi Fresh Fruits & Tea
Located on Centre Street, Koi Fresh Fruits & Tea boasts a large selection of bubble tea to choose from. For the competition, Koi Fresh Fruits & Tea will be entering three of their classics into the festival. This includes their Watermelon GreenTea, Mango Pomelo and Strawberry Green Tea.
Location: 1423 Centre St NE Unit# 9
Phone Number: (587) 997-6699
Bambu
If you are looking for a refreshing mango-centred drink, look no further than the entries from Bambu. They have two drinks up for scoring, which includes the Mangonada, featuring mango, chamoy, tajin, tamarind, and ice and a gorgeous Blood Orange. Also, Mango Sparkling Slush with blood orange San Pellegrino, mango and ice.
Location: 1115 Centre Street NW Calgary, AB T2E 2R1
Phone Number: 403-457-8897
Vivaan’s Yummies
If you’re looking for a frozen dessert that is the perfect combination of milk, nuts mango and spices, look no further than Vivaan’s Yummies. Their Mango Kulfi is a traditional Indian frozen treat that is in the competition. With a slogan like “Little Place, Big Taste”, who wouldn’t want to give them a try?
Location: 1015 Centre St NW,
Phone Number: (403) 455-9861
Truedan
Truedan is bringing boba back with their Thai Tea and Grass jelly drink. This rich slushy will not only hit the spot but it’s also made only with natural ingredients. All of Truedan’s drinks are made with premium tea leaves and sure to LEAVE a sweet taste in your mouth. (We’re not sorry about the pun.)
Location: 1015 Centre St NW Suite 6
Phone Number: (587) 351-6088
Aleppo Shawarma and Donair
There is nothing better than authenticity. This is the chance to try AUTHENTIC Arabic ice cream from Aleppo Shawarma and Donair. Their frozen treat entry is made with traditional Arabic Mastic and pistachios.
Location: 1324 Centre St N, Calgary, AB T2E 2R7
Phone Number: (403)-250-2255
