Tampa's newest bubble tea shop is every anime-lover's dream

Photo by [Left] phillips_codey | Instagram, [Right] mangatea_tampa | Instagram

Whether you grew up a One Piece or Dragon Ball Z fan, or fell into a different niche anime altogether, a new boba tea shop in Tampa, Manga Tea, may have anime, manga, and cosplay kids alike feeling right at home.
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"There's a big culture of people out there that don't really have an outlet for what they're passionate about," Manga Tea owner, Matt Pengtakoon, told Fox 13 News. "You're going to see some of the most popular anime in manga," he said, "I want people to come in and look at the walls and find their favorite anime; to come in here and feel like it's their home."

Located on Ehrlich Road, Manga Tea will make you feel like you've stepped right into the pages of your favorite Japanese comic book with its walls plastered in manga artwork murals that showcase some of the most popular names in anime. You'll also find a slew of stickers and life-size character statues scattered throughout the location that only add to the new spot's Instagram-ability.

Manga's menu features refreshing fruity boba teas in both classic and exotic flavors, such as taro and honeydew, with all their ingredients coming straight from the drink's country of origin, Taiwan.

The shop also offers a variety of Japanese Snacks and energy drinks that you can't easily get elsewhere, as well as over a dozen flavors of mochi ice cream — bite-sized pockets of ice cream wrapped in lightly sweet rice flour and known for its oddly-satisfying gummy texture.

Those hoping to get their hands on some mochi ice cream or sip on sweet boba while lounging in Manga Tea's unique vibe can find the shop at 5330 Ehrlich Road #133 in Tampa's Carrollwood area between the hours of 11 am and 8 pm daily.

Manga Tea Shop
Address: 5330 Ehrlich Rd #133, Tampa, Florida 33624
Hours: 11 am - 8 pm, daily
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Article by Rachael Volpe