It’s not every day that you see bunnies hanging around in front of the University of Arizona.
Or enjoy a Sonoran hot dog.
Or take a hike in Saguaro National Park.
But inside the former Miss Dessert building, you can see several bunnies participating in these classic Tucson activities. And the best part: You can enjoy an Oreo Crème Brûlée Boba Tea while you take in all the cuteness.
Ume Tea has made its way to Tucson, bringing with it bright pink decorations, a giant bunny mural, and delicious drinks with a surprise plush toy inside.
Ume Tea first opened in California in 2019. Looking to expand their brand to Arizona, they opened their signature pink cafe in Mesa in June. With University of Arizona students heading back to school, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring their cute aesthetic to Tucson. The Tucson location’s grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, August 24.
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“We definitely see a lot of potential in Arizona and Tucson,” said owner Harry Yu.
Over the past four months, Yu and his team have transformed the space at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road into a pink wonderland. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by a giant, fluffy bunny enjoying boba tea.
As you look around, you’re immediately drawn to the bunny mural that covers one of the walls, depicting several bunnies at various local landmarks. Even the walls, tables, counters, and seating areas are all painted a bubblegum pink shade.
“Several people came in,” Yu said. “As they walked by and saw the all-pink interior, they stopped and wanted to see what was going on.”
To make sure the drinks taste as good as the place looks, Yu says they use real fruit to make their teas. You can choose from a variety of milk teas, fruit teas and slushies.
“You can actually see and taste the fruit in it. It’s all fresh,” Yu said.
Jasmine blossom, white peach oolong, brown sugar boba and mochi, strawberry matcha, and Oreo creme brulee are just some of the milk tea flavors they offer.
If you prefer fruit tea, Ume Tea offers green tea with passion fruit and watermelon, green tea with lychee and watermelon, and green tea with grapes and tea jelly.
Yu said they also offer yumberry-flavored drinks, which he said isn’t often found here. Yumberry is a berry from China that tastes similar to cranberries.
If you’re craving more than just a drink, Ume Tea even offers popcorn chicken.
You may be wondering: Can it get any sweeter? The answer is yes.
Ume Tea also offers drinks with mysterious plush toys. Here’s how it works: You receive your drink in a special cup that has an opening at the bottom. When you open it, you’ll find a surprise plush toy hidden inside.
Ume Tea will have its grand opening on Saturday, August 24th and will be celebrating its new location with various deals all weekend long. On Saturday, all drinks except the mystery cups will be $2.99 and on Sunday, you can buy one drink and get another free.
Green tea is so popular in America that it feels like it’s always been part of our culture. However, according to USA Today, the trend of drinking this tea in the U.S. is relatively new—its popularity rose in the 1960s and ’70s. According to the Tea Association of the USA, green tea can be found in 8 out of 10 American households, so we’ve compiled some of the proven health benefits of the drink.
Jamie Donnelly is the food writer for #ThisIsTucson. You can reach her via email at [email protected]
