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Ya Ya's Cafe & Bubble Tea
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1020 Howe StVancouver, BC V6Z 2H2
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 568-4875
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for Ya Ya's Cafe & Bubble Tea
Review Highlights
17 reviews in English
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Review from Allison H.
Vancouver, BC
4/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
As others have said, the customer service received here is second to NONE. I'm talking 5-Star, ritzy restaurant type service.
I've ordered breakfast here for staff functions a few times and the quality was always top-notch. Great home-style cooking, not greasy and my picky co-workers approve.
Delivery is always prompt and they provide all the utensils themselves, then come to pick them up after (so I didn't have to walk back over!).
To those who have had issues with their bbteas, I truly feel sorry for you. I've never had an issue with my orders and yes, I DO know what good bubble tea is. My milk tea has always been exactly to my liking - without being overly sweet. Great place for a snack and a refreshing bevvy! -
Review from Cheri B.
Vancouver, BC
4/3/2012
This place deserves a medal simply for having an amazing customer service.
Vicky, the owner, loves her customers and your satisfaction as a customer is her top priority. I am hesitant to post this in fear of other people abusing her pastry generosity but I just have to applaud her dedication. I always ordered pastries and coffee from her for our staff meetings. They deliver on time and we always get extra of whatever we order :-D Yay for yummy leftovers! hehehe
I definitely got my bubble tea fix every other day when I worked across the street from this place! Their milk teas have a subtle herb taste to them. The pearls have the perfect texture. They're neither too soft nor too hard. Just the perfect chewing experience!
There's tons of coffee/bakery shops in downtown but this place makes me feel at home and special just by the way the staff treats a customer. If you are a returning customer, they remember everything you order, remember your name and the stories you tell her about your weekend, etc. It's like everyone who goes there is a relative of Vicky! lol
I can't remember if she bakes the cinnamon buns herself but whatever. They are one of the best I've ever tasted! and that's coming from someone who hates cinnamon! -
Review from Lauren B.
Vancouver, BC
5/26/2012
Okay, let's talk bubble tea. I love me some bubble tea. I've lived in Vancouver for over five years and I've been to many a purveyor of fine teas, so I'd like to chip in on this conversation about whether this place is awesome or not.
I visited today, and Ya ya's had great service. My order was promptly made and delivered to me at the table. I had a green tea passion fruit slush with pearl. The 'tea' taste was really present, and had a hint of jasmine that I loved. The passion fruit was sour and not too sweet. The pearls were chewy, but not too soft. It was a delight. The lady behind the counter was friendly and receptive, and chatted with me amiably the whole time. My tea was only four dollars, and it was excellent.
For those that had a bad experience, I have a tip for next time: Order from the menu. Notice that the sign specifies the words that the person will be using to describe how you want your drink. This will cause less confusion with orders, and likely solve your problems with receiving the wrong type of tea. -
Review from Christina L.
North Vancouver, BC
4/5/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Yaya! My lady! Free goodness.
Haven't gone in a while as I am trying to eat a bit more salads and reduce the sweets. -
Review from selina W.
Vancouver, BC
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went there with one of my friend today at the noon, ordered a honey green milktea with pearl, less sugar and less ice plus a blueberry scone.
It took a while for me to sit there and wait. probably because i was eat in, and there were a rush after i ordered. I can totally understand.
after five eight minutes, my drinks ready.
the milk tea turned out really sweet.
Seriously, its like im eating raw honey.
so i brought the tea back, and told them that it's really sweet.
the old lady grab it back without saying a word,
i assumed she's gonna remake it.
so i sat back n still hoping the remix liquid would taste better.
my friend gave me a weird look n passed me his drink,
he ordered a honey green tea.
i didnt taste it but i asked him why,
he said it taste horribly sweet as well....
but a guy, he wont act that picky like me:P
after few seconds, she called 'honey green milk tea' out loud,
i went to the counter grab the tea, with a warm 'thank you'.
but she gave me the look and no responses.
i took a sip, IT'S STILL THE SAME....but watery.
the old lady asked me how was it in a bad tune,
i was being honest to her,
and she started to freak out and told one of the young girl to 'give her money back'.
she toss the slot and money with the worst attitude i've experienced.
and was keep yelling that 'give her money back' which i've never say a word about that.
the girl brought over the changes with an apology in a good tune, and the blueberry scone.
i was extremely speechless to the old lady.
well it wont affect my mood, so i take a bit of the scone.
it tasted doughy and floury.
i took a look of it closely,
the color is mushy and look unfresh.
i was so disappointed at the same time my friend took a bit.
his face was telling me 'ewwwwww' so then we left right after n threw the terrific scone.
we ended up to the tree's organic.
I was there because the overall reviews are really good which makes me wanna give a try so bad.
but i received the worst ever experience so far. -
Review from Lisa L.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2011
Right across the street from work so always a first stop on a rainy day. Which is to say that I come here all the time. The leading lady of the shop is a no fuss, all business, give your order, get your stuff kind of woman. And that's great because there's always a long line at lunch time.
My favourite brown bag lunch is the turkey club with a homemade soup. Among the best are cream of broccoli. mushroom bisque, and Italian sausage. Although not your healthiest option, you are guaranteed a hearty lunch that will leave you full and satisfied. -
Review from Danie B.
5/13/2011
Maybe it's Canadian thing but I've had bubble teas in the US and Asia and this place doesn't know how to make bubble teas. I told the lady helping me that I wanted a mang milk tea without the pearls, so she asked me if I wanted a smoothies and I said no, I want a milk tea. She continued to make me a slush/smoothie. I asked if the one she's making in the blender is my order and she said yes. WTF? She then told me that I should've told her I wanted it shaken. Milk tea is milk + tea + flavor shaken. The rest of the world knows that, how come ya ya doesn't.
She did give me my order the way I wanted, only that it is too sweet, which sucks. Also, she was very rude. She placed my tea and change on the counter. And I was putting my change back into my wallet, she kept on shoo-ing me to the table. Mind you that I am the only customer in this place.
Bad service. And I guess the people in this joint, and the people who gave this place a rating higher than a 3-star don't know what bubble tea is. -
Review from Christian M.
Vancouver, BC
If you're looking for a small-scale establishment with a big heart, then a visit to Ya-Ya's Cafe & Bubble Tea is exactly what you need. Initially discovered after I was having a craving for bubble tea and asked Yelp where I might find a popular spot for in in the downtown core, I was really surprised with how wonderful the cafe was once my partner and I sat down inside.
While we were there, we got into a discussion of just how bubble tea was made. My girlfriend was convinced that it was by some divine magic that tapioca pearls could be so delicious and so inquired with the owner. Rather than shrugging her off, the owner took her behind the counter and walked her through the process, from the wholesale bag to the boiling and sweetening. It was an appreciated indulgence into our curious minds!
Vicky runs Ya-Ya's with a super-friendly staff and works as hard as any independent business owner. It's not easy to compete with a Starbucks shop around the corner, but the quality of the food and the friendliness of the service makes a visit to Ya-Ya's the right choice for the downtown wanderer looking for a fresh change from the monotony of big-business coffeehouses.
We've decided to make it part of our regular routine whenever we're downtown or seeing a film at the Cinematheque. Pop in and ask for Vicky and introduce yourself. She'll remember you the next time you're in and really appreciate your business.
Thanks Vicky! -
Review from Kelsey P.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
The service is always more than friendly, and the food is always great.
Many different types of sandwiches, wraps, paninis and pods to choose from. And the home-made soups are great. Just don't come for a late lunch if you want soup as this is a very popular little cafe and they sell out quickly.
There's always a special posted on the board outside, often times including different items than they regularly offer, so don't forget to check out the sandwich board as you enter.
All in all this is a really great lunch spot, especially if youre taking it to go (and don't be surprised if the sweet ladies behind the counter hid a little something special for you to snack on in your takeout bag). But don't expect a free treat, otherwise it's less special when you receive it. -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
3/16/2010
Ok.
So this little hole in the wall cafe rocks my socks. Almost all the food is baked and prepared by the owner, Vicky, a sassy Philippino lady who will steal your heart from day one. I freakin' love this woman!! Many times she'll spoil regulars (like myself) by sneaking fresh-baked brownies in with the rest of our order. It's a place that I feel TRULY valued as a customer and actually miss when I haven't been for awhile. I used to go to Starbucks down the street but after I found this place there is no comparison in experience. She uses parallel 49 coffee too, which is impressive, though makes no claims on being a coffee guru. If you want a quick bite to eat downtown, stop by. It's nothing fancy, but you may contract the warm fuzzies, which is always worth more in my books : ) -
Review from ms t.
Vancouver, BC
4/1/2010
What a Gem of a place!
First time I ever went in there, I was my own not-so-excited mood, But after meeting the cheerful, funny lady who owns the place, I was instantly uplifted by her positive attitude. I was smiling and walking away with more than just food.
Ya-Ya's has a wide selection of Breakfast and lunch items, baked goods, Bubble Tea, + more.
Everything is so reasonably priced, which I can't say for most other cafe's downtown.
Ya-Ya! The mango green tea bubble tea is rad. Ask for Mango stars! -
Review from Paola C.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2010
This place is seriously awesome. it is one of the best Cafes that I have ever been to!
First off, the prices are great and everything is freshly made daily so it really cannot get much better than that. You can literally have a fulfilling meal for less than 10 dollars here. I, myself, usually spend only 6 bucks to get satisfied.
The owner is the most lovely and cheerful person and she thanks you for your business each time you go there. Not to mention that she sneaks baked goods into your orders. Just when you thought what you bought wasn't already cheap enough, she makes it even better by adding a little dessert in there for you!
I definately reccommend this place for everyone, great place to stop by for lunch or breakfast! I am a fan -
Review from Sarah J.
8/12/2011
Delicious bubble tea. Since I had to wait a few minutes while she prepped the pearls early in the morning, she gave me my muffin on the house! Wonderful service.
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Review from Susanne K.
3/6/2011
Very nice neighbourhood gem! Great coffee and pastries!
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Review from Doug M.
Victoria, BC
3/25/2010 5 Check-ins Here
ok for real this place is one of my favourite little cafes. Thank god I love right above her I dont know what I would do without her now LOL. The owner is the most sweetest women and she will sneak ya yummy treats when yoru not looking. She has even got bubble tea smoothies. Me and the other Choppers(chop shop staff) LOVE going here for a little treat in between our clients. For real it's like having yoru mom around again for some great yummy treats.
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Review from Fritz S.
7/22/2010
The only reason I decided to come here was because of the rave reviews i read from other satisfied customers. I was excited to go so i went and let me tell you i wasn't disappointed AT ALL!!! sure its a small place with limited seating but boy o boy was the food and service amazing! Regulars call the owner of the cafe "mama" which is pretty cool! lol. and she is so Friendly and sweet as soon as you come it! I had the special Soup (cream of wild mushroom) and sandwich AND a Panini AANNND a Blueberry SCONE!! all made FRESH!! !!! and they were increadble tasting! Thank you MAMA for a wonderful time at your Cafe! we will be back again and again and again!!! and next time i'll try your bubble tea :)
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Review from kirk s.
Vancouver, BC
4/24/2010
I grab luch or a snak on the way to work from here 2 or 3 times a week its a little hole in the wall cafe with good food and quick service,plus the staff are nice and freindly
