Tea culture is alive and well in South Los Angeles. Cafés and shops continue to attract loyal customers looking for comfort, refreshment, and creativity in every cup. For this feature, a Presence News writer went on a tea-tasting tour, sampling drinks from several South Bay favorites. Here’s what stood out:
Yamart Tea (Mitsuwa Marketplace)
Yamart, located inside the popular Mitsuwa Marketplace, is a must-stop for matcha lovers. The matcha drink was described as “powering” with a strong, bold flavor. While smooth, the matcha powder could have benefited from more thorough mixing for balance. Customers can also buy the matcha powder directly from the store to try recreating the drink at home.
Urth Caffé
Urth Caffé, a well-known California staple, serves up its popular Urth Iced Tea, a refreshing blend of lemon juice and black tea powder. The drink comes unsweetened or lightly sweetened. This strikes a balance that feels clean and natural rather than sugary. Served ice-cold on a small coffee table in their South L.A. location, it offered exactly what customers expect: a pure tea experience with a splash of citrus brightness.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Pacific Location)
The tea from Coffee Bean was simple, light, and cooling. Described as “tasting like water” with a mild kick of tea power, it works best as a refreshing drink after a long day. While not as bold as other shops, it provides a familiar, accessible option for those who enjoy a mellow tea.
BOYA Tea (Chargee in Del Amo)
Among all the teas sampled, BOYA Tea from Chargee was the standout favorite. With a creamy milk base and rich tea flavor that almost hints at coffee, this drink brought both comfort and depth. Served cold with a subtle touch of sweetness, it offered a smooth, aromatic experience. This made it clear why BOYA Tea is gaining loyal fans in the South Bay.
Final Sip
From bold matcha at Yamart to the creamy indulgence of BOYA Tea, South Los Angeles offers a tea for every mood. Whether you’re looking for a quick refresher, a citrus twist, or a cozy milk tea, the South Bay tea scene is worth exploring sip by sip.
