Let’s talk tea.

Some trivia first – did you know that black, green, yellow and white teas as well as Oolong Tea all come from the same tea plant called Camellia Sinensis? They are processed differently to get different levels of oxidation.

Trinitea Tea, on the corner of Navajo Road and Lake Murray Blvd, by Grossmont College, is part of the trend in teahouses with a variety of teas for our experimentation. Sure, you can also get coffee and smoothies, but the main focus is tea.

A little back-story is necessary. Bubble Tea (also called Pearl Milk Tea, Bubble Milk Tea, Tapioca Milk Tea or Boba Tea) originated in Taiwan in the 1980’s and made its way across the Pacific to America shortly thereafter. Now it has spread throughout the world and many people are enjoying bubble teas or Boba teas. Bubble teas come with or without milk, add a fruit flavor, a sweetener, and chewy textured tapioca pearls, which sink to the bottom of the cup. These tiny balls of deliciousness can be regular or popping, which burst in your mouth when you chew them.

“People come here because they want something a little different. They might need an afternoon pick-me-up or want to enjoy a smoothie or even a hot tea,” said Leo Cotton, manager of Trinitea Tea. “Some people want a Taro Ice Slush which is purple and has no caffeine and some want a Vietnamese coffee that has six shots of espresso. Some like the snow Boba which is a cross between a smoothie and a milkshake.” With a tea base, you can customize your drink a multitude of ways with sweeteners, toppings, Boba, milk or different types of milk.

The lounge area is inviting with comfortable chairs. Grab a game or a table and chair to do some computer work. Purchase a tea, plug in your device and get to work.

Some intriguing drinks that sound scary but taste awesome are the Cheese Bobas. “The cheese foam tastes like cheesecake,” Cotton said. “One of our popular teas is the Thai Tea which is an orange tea with lavender milk and caramel snow Boba.”

“We only offer one food item and that’s an Acai or Dragon Bowl. It’s a sorbet with fresh fruit topped with granola in a bowl.”

Trinitea Tea is located at 8680 Navajo Rd #109, San Diego, 92119. They are open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Call 619-337-2670 or order online at triniteasandiego.com/order and have your drink ready when you arrive.

Scoot over coffee houses, teahouses have bloomed all over and they are here to stay.

– Robin Dohrn-Simpson is a local food and travel writer. Reach her at robindohrnsimpson.com.