Grand Sichuan’s Bubble Tea is Garbage
I’ve never really met a bubble tea I didn’t like. I’ve heard rumors of bad bubble teas; gross powder mixtures, hard tapioca pearls, etc. But I don’t think I’ve ever had one. There are varying degrees of good and great, but never terrible… until yesterday when I stopped at Grand Sichuan on Lex. btw. 33rd+34th. Just inside the ML boundaries, it’s unclear whether there is a relation to the famous chain of Grand Sichuan’s (I’m inclined to say no.) Either way, I thought I’d be safe getting one of their bubble teas. And that’s when my streak ended. The tapioca pearls were rock hard in the middle, dry, and they had a strong taste of prunes or raisins or something. Disgusting. 2 sips later I threw it away, a once in a lifetime occurance (being fat *and* cheap means I never throw away food.) I don’t normally write about stuff like this, but it was so bad I don’t want anyone to make the same mistake I did.
However, I will be back for one of their lunch specials. $6.25 and it comes with soup, egg roll, or soda. Not bad at all. So cheap, and I’m sure their double cooked pork or Ma Po Tofu is better than their bubble tea. Anybody been before? Thoughts?
Grand Sichuan NY, 227 Lexington Ave. (btw. 33+34th) 212-679-9770
Posted by Zach Brooks at 4:18 pm, August 14th, 2008 under *Lex btw. 33+34th, Bubble Tea, Chinese.
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24 Comments
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This place is indeed related to the other Grand Sichuans. They also specialize in hot pot (or the original form of shabu shabu). You’re only going to get good food if you know what you want and preferably can order it in Chinese. Otherwise, it’s just a mediocre restaurant.
I would not classify it as a lunch place by any means. More of a larger-group family-style-dinner affair.
I also have to chime in with Quickley’s – But there is one location in Manhatten (it’s on Grand St near Bowery) – it’s shared with shabu shabu restaurant – I’ve never been disappointed by their tea.