![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
A mural with soft pink wings spread against a dreamy, blue-clouded sky invites you to snap a photo, while the soft scent of caramelized brown sugar wafts through the air. Seasonal touches like pumpkins in the fall and sparkling Christmas ornaments in the winter add a cozy, festive warmth. With claw machines stocked with cute plushies and lively pop music playing through the speakers, TaoTaoTea blends immersive decor with a fun, interactive atmosphere. If you’re in San Jose and craving a unique tea experience with a pop of pink and personality, TaoTaoTea near Westgate Center is the spot to visit.
TaoTaoTea’s drinks stand out not only for their fresh ingredients but also for their new takes on classics like boba milk tea. The shop allows customers to customize sugar and ice levels, ensuring that each drink is as personalized as possible. On our recent visit, we tried four drinks that showcase the spectrum of flavors, from refreshing fruit blends to creamy classics.
Sexy Pink Lychee: This visually appealing drink combines lychee-flavored tea with pink crystal boba and adorable star-shaped lychee jellies, topped with a rich layer of salted cheese foam. The toppings were as delicious as they were cute, adding bursts of sweetness and slight crunchiness. With a mild but pleasant taste, the tea paired well with everything else. However, it was difficult to drink the cheese foam floating on top until most of the tea was finished, leaving a slightly unbalanced distribution of flavors. If you don’t mind the layering, though, this drink is definitely a solid option to consider.
Tiger Boba Milk Tea: A classic choice, the Tiger Boba has a creamy, familiar flavor with soft, chewy boba that’s generously flavored with brown sugar. While some might find it a bit too milky, it’s a comforting choice for those who prefer their drinks on the creamier side. The brown sugar gives the drink a nostalgic, warm sweetness that pairs well with the milky base. This drink is a popular choice for a reason, but if you’re looking for a bold tea flavor, it might fall short.
Beauty & Beast: For those who like a drink that’s a little tart and bitter, this blend is a must-try. With a green tea base, the drink includes passion fruit for a crunchy, fruity edge and a subtle citrusy note. The slight bitterness of the tea and sourness from the kumquat make it a nice choice if you want something that’s fruity but not overly sweet.
Perfect Pair: This truly delightful duet between jasmine tea and flavorful toppings stands out for its combination of passion fruit and lime, complete with crystal boba and lychee jelly. We set the preferences to less sugar and ice that allowed the tea’s natural flavors to shine through. Notes of lime add a hint of bitterness to the base. It’s balanced and bright, with a unique blend that is neither too sweet nor overpowering.
Aside from two areas to order tea—a touchpad in the back corner and the main cashier—rows of adorable stuffed animals and trinkets line the right wall. This merchandise area is not only about aesthetics; it also has functional items for sale such as custom glass bottles and pre-packaged snacks. These small add-ons drew us into the shop, and exploring this section felt like discovering hidden gems.
Giving the place a lighthearted arcade-like feel, a highlight of the TaoTaoTea experience is the claw machine—an unexpected but fun surprise on our visit. For just a dollar, customers can try their luck at winning adorable custom plushies. Families and students can also enjoy special discounts and student-specific passes, such as a drink every day for a fixed price per month, as well as free Wi-Fi.
The interior and exterior of TaoTaoTea offer limited but cozy seating with wooden tables and red chairs, making it more fit for a quick drink rather than extended lounging.
TaoTaoTea’s attention to detail in both decor and drink preparation makes it a standout among boba shops in San Jose. The friendly staff provide excellent service, delivering drinks to customers and giving helpful recommendations for first-timers like us. With its pink-themed decor, claw machine entertainment and deliciously diverse drink menu, TaoTaoTea is not just a place to grab a boba— it’s a place to sip on an entire experience, one cup at a time.
