Bubble Tea in Austria: A Boba Lover’s Survival Guide

Shodai (Karlsplatz & Mariahilferstraße)

Rating: 7/10
 One of the better options I found in Vienna. Shodai offers a wide range of matcha drinks, crepe cakes, and even shaved ice—perfect for cooling off after a long (or cold) day. Their menu is quite large, with a variety of teas and desserts.

I ordered a strawberry matcha with boba. It was decent—not mind-blowing, but refreshing and gave me the energy I needed to power through a hot afternoon. The Karlsplatz location was especially cute, with nice indoor and outdoor seating that made it a fun spot to relax.

Cha Cha (Near Mariahilferstraße)

Rating: 8/10
 If you're a tea lover first and a boba lover second, this one’s for you. Cha Cha specializes in high-quality, flavorful teas, although toppings are limited (don't expect a full-on boba bar).

The tea flavors were clean and well-balanced, and their cup design was beautiful. The shop itself has a beautiful open-concept layout that makes it perfect for a little mid-day tea break. There’s teahouse decorations on the wall and there is a minimalist, elegant, and calming vibe. You can definitely do work here as well.

R&D Tea (Donauzentrum)

Rating: 8/10
A surprise hit! Tucked inside Donauzentrum, across the Danube, R&D Tea definitely exceeded expectations. It’s one of those small stall-style spots set up in the middle of the mall walkway—easy to miss, but worth seeking out. The tea was genuinely delicious, the boba had that perfect chewy texture, and as an unexpected bonus, they also serve onigiri. A fun, flavorful stop if you find yourself on the other side of the river.

It’s definitely out of the way if you’re staying central, but if you’re heading to Donauzentrum for any reason (shopping spree, IKEA run, escaping the city center), this was good boba.

Tea Plus (Near IES Abroad Building near Stephansplatz)

Rating: 5/10

Conveniently located for students, but the drinks were just okay. I ordered a classic black milk tea, and it tasted more like milk with a hint of tea. Not awful, just underwhelming.

If you're desperate and nearby, it'll do the job—but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.

Ichiban Tea (Mariahilferstraße)

Rating: 6/10 for drinks, 10/10 for vibes
Let’s be real—the tea here wasn’t great, and the boba was just average. But the store experience? Absolutely adorable. When you order, you get a coin to play their claw machine and potentially win a stuffed animal.

Would I go back for the drink? Probably not.
Would I go back to win a plushie and live out my arcade dreams? 100%.

Final Thoughts

While Vienna won’t be replacing Taiwan or LA as a boba capital anytime soon, it’s still fun to discover how bubble tea is interpreted in other countries. Whether you're a matcha enthusiast, milk tea traditionalist, or just someone who needs that sweet, chewy serotonin, there's a little something here for you—with a bit of exploring.

Have a hidden gem I missed? Please send it my way. For research purposes, obviously.