Midtown Lunch

There have been a lot of new bubble tea places popping up in Chinatown and I am not into it. While I do like tea, and appreciate a good tea shop, I’d rather the spaces be occupied by something else. Mostly, I am just not a bubble tea person. I was when I was a kid, but now I find the chewy tapioca balls in my tea just get in my way. (The one exception is the yogurt popping bobba, but this place says they do not carry it)

So I was walking towards one of the newest shops- Vivi Bubble Tea and didn’t think much of it. But then a hot dog caught my eye. The drink menu behind the counter also had a small section of snacks.

I almost ordered the  sausage on a stick and popcorn chicken but picked the takoyaki instead, since it had been a while since I have had some.  These octopus fritters come with 6 to an order for $5 with the requisite graceful bonito, okinamiyaki sauce, and mayo. While they aren’t they best version I have had, not as crunchy on the outside and I barely noticed the octopus, they did satisfy my craving.

Apparently you New Yorkers already know about this spot. How is that popcorn chicken?

 Vivi Bubble Tea, 145 N 10th St, 267 318-7384