Pink Cloud Tea: Where Berkeley Finds Unique Boba and Savory Delights
For anyone seeking a fresh boba and street food experience in Berkeley, Pink Cloud Tea offers a refreshing break from the ordinary. Founded nearly two years ago, Pink Cloud Tea has quickly become a go-to spot, especially for students, professionals, and locals. The restaurant’s co-owner, Kelly, shared her journey into the restaurant industry and the inspirations behind this one-of-a-kind boba and sandwich spot.
The Inspiration Behind Pink Cloud Tea
Kelly, a dedicated foodie and frequent traveler, developed her palate while exploring global cuisines, particularly on trips to Korea and New York. “I fell in love with the Korean egg drop sandwich,” Kelly explained. “When I heard my business partner was looking to open a place, I thought, why not combine boba and a sandwich concept?” Kelly’s vision was to bring flavors that Berkeley didn’t yet offer, blending the classic appeal of boba with unique savory items inspired by Korean and Chinese street food.
A Menu That Stands Out
Pink Cloud Tea's menu balances drink and food offerings with an array of traditional and inventive choices. On the drink side, Kelly explained, “We have the typical guava teas, milk teas, smoothies, and slushies, but we focus on using fresh ingredients and offer options like oat, soy, and almond milk.” Customers have a variety of choices, but it’s the food that truly sets Pink Cloud Tea apart.
The signature item is the Korean egg drop sandwich. “We use Japanese milk bread, flavor it with garlic butter, and top it with fluffy scrambled eggs, lettuce, cheese, and options like avocado, bacon, or ribeye,” Kelly shared. Each sandwich is customizable, allowing customers to adjust ingredients and create a sandwich that’s just right for them.
Alongside the sandwiches, Kelly and her team serve Jianbing, a popular Chinese street food that has seen a surge in popularity. “It’s like a thin crepe with savory fillings,” Kelly described. “We’ve adapted it a bit, offering options like the ‘Angry Ramen’ with spicy Korean ramen and cheese, a vegetarian tofu wrap, and a banh mi-inspired beef Jianbing.” Each option is packed with flavors that make these handheld meals perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.
Kelly’s Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs
When asked what advice she would share with aspiring restaurant owners, Kelly emphasizes the importance of location and knowing your audience. “Understanding who your target customers are is crucial,” she advised. “And face-to-face customer service matters; people appreciate that personal connection.” She notes that in-person ordering creates an opportunity to interact with regular customers, even to the point of anticipating their usual orders, which adds a layer of warmth and familiarity to the Pink Cloud Tea experience.
Looking Forward
As Pink Cloud Tea approaches its second anniversary, Kelly hints that new menu items might be on the way for fall. Kelly’s dedication to bringing fresh flavors and a welcoming atmosphere to Berkeley makes Pink Cloud Tea an essential spot for anyone craving a unique blend of boba, Korean-inspired sandwiches, and Jianbing. Whether you’re a student on the go or a local looking for a new favorite dish, Pink Cloud Tea promises a delicious experience that keeps customers coming back.