I was searching for a place to grab a quick snack with a few friends, and we found the perfect place, tucked in the heart of Pelham, New York. Pearl Dynastea, a humble little store; we almost walked right past it. The cozy, warm lights peeking out through the large glass windows illuminated against the setting sun, and we immediately felt the urge to go in. 

The first things we saw as we stepped in were the walls and furniture. The trash cans, tables, counters, stools… most were covered by a mass of vibrantly covered stickers, all of which had something to do with boba tea. For example, there were little cats and other animals sipping the sweet drink, stickers of the drink itself, and messages involving boba. We saw a throng of people, all waiting to place their owner at the counter where the cashier was standing. What awed me was that there were only two people on duty; one taking the orders, and the other making the orders. However, nobody was disappointed with the speed. 

The sound of people chatting filled my ears as they waited to give the staff their orders. The slurping sounds of boba pearls and milk tea filled the air. It made me all the more eager to try what this place had to offer. We waited in line, and the aroma of rice balls and steamed buns wafted towards me. The fresh air conditioner made the small shop seem cozy and clean. 

My friends and I ordered our food, paying for our own share. The staff was extremely nice, smiling at everyone. Hidden secret: If you spend more than ten dollars, you can get a little boba plushie keychain! After quite a short wait, our order was placed on the countertop. On the same countertop was a little tray of boba stickers you could take… we had to pick a few, of course. 

As I picked up my cup of boba, the chill of the ice seeped into my hands, cooling me down. Whereas most left right after picking up their order, my friends and I sat down at two petite tables. It was so cute! We even stuck some stickers on them. I put the straw to my lips, my mango milk tea filling my mouth with sweet liquid. The mango star jelly filled my mouth with the taste of pleasant, fresh mango, squishing against the crunchy ice. I raised my rice ball to my mouth, the seaweed crinkling as it met my teeth. The sweet taste of the drink complemented the salty and savory tuna rice ball perfectly.