Walk into most modern tea shops, and you’ll find a familiar formula: a long list of milk teas, a few fruit slushies, and maybe a pre-packaged pastry. Black Straw Tea Bar & Kitchen fundamentally rejects this model. It’s built on the idea that world-class tea and boba deserve an equally ambitious food menu—not as an afterthought, but as an integrated culinary experience. This isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner, where the synergy between a perfectly brewed oolong and a savory katsu sando is the main event. For anyone looking to understand what makes this place a standout in an increasingly crowded market, a deep dive into the Black Straw Tea Bar And Kitchen menu is essential. It reveals a meticulous approach to flavor, texture, and pairing that rewards both the curious newcomer and the seasoned regular.
The Complete Black Straw Tea Bar And Kitchen Menu (Updated February 2026)
Below is the complete, updated menu with prices for 2026. We’ve highlighted staff picks and customer favorites (⭐) to help guide your first—or next—order.
Signature Milk Teas
The foundation of any great tea bar. Black Straw uses high-quality, loose-leaf teas brewed in small batches. Default toppings are boba pearls, but substitutions like crystal boba, lychee jelly, or aloe vera are available (+$0.75).
- Black Straw House Milk Tea – A robust, malty Assam black tea base with non-dairy creamer. The timeless classic. (M: $5.50 / L: $6.50) ⭐
- Roasted Oolong Milk Tea – Deep, nutty, and complex. Made with Tie Guan Yin oolong tea for a sophisticated, less sweet profile. (M: $5.75 / L: $6.75)
- Jasmine Green Milk Tea – Floral, light, and refreshing. A perfect entry-level milk tea for those who prefer a less intense tea flavor. (M: $5.75 / L: $6.75)
- Taro Ube Swirl – A vibrant purple masterpiece. Combines the earthy sweetness of real taro with the vanilla-like notes of ube. Incredibly photogenic and delicious. (M: $6.25 / L: $7.25) ⭐
- Hokkaido Caramel Milk Tea – Rich and buttery, with deep notes of toffee and caramel. An indulgent, dessert-like treat. (M: $6.00 / L: $7.00)
- Classic Thai Tea – Strong-brewed Ceylon tea, spiced with star anise and cardamom, finished with evaporated milk for its signature creamy texture. (M: $5.75 / L: $6.75)
The “Crème Brûlée” & Brown Sugar Series
This is where Black Straw truly shines. Their brown sugar boba is slow-cooked for hours, resulting in a deep molasses flavor and a perfect Q-texture (the Taiwanese term for that ideal chewy bounce).
- Brown Sugar Deerioca Crème Brûlée – The undisputed champion. Fresh milk, rich brown sugar syrup “tiger stripes,” chewy boba, and a thick, torched cheese foam topping. (One Size: $7.50) ⭐⭐⭐
- Dirty Matcha – Premium Uji matcha layered with fresh milk and the signature brown sugar boba. A beautiful gradient of green and brown. (One Size: $7.25)
- Dirty Taro – Real taro paste meets the brown sugar series. A thicker, richer version of the classic taro milk tea. (One Size: $7.25)
Fresh Fruit Teas & Fizzes
Made with real fruit purees and fresh-brewed tea bases. A lighter, more refreshing alternative to milk teas.
- Four Seasons Passionfruit Green Tea – A balanced blend of sweet and tart, with real passionfruit seeds and a light jasmine green tea base. (M: $6.00 / L: $7.00) ⭐
- Grapefruit Yakult Fizz – Tangy grapefruit pulp mixed with the probiotic sweetness of Yakult and topped with sparkling water. A gut-friendly pick-me-up. (One Size: $6.75)
- Strawberry Fields Green Tea – Muddled fresh strawberries with a hint of mint and a refreshing green tea base. (M: $6.25 / L: $7.25)
- Mango Pomelo Sago – A drinkable version of the classic Hong Kong dessert. Mango puree, coconut milk, pomelo sacs, and mini sago pearls. (One Size: $7.50) ⭐
Coffee & Lattes
Black Straw’s coffee program is more than a token effort. They use locally roasted beans and offer both classic and creative options. Their approach is less about the austere, third-wave seriousness you might find at a conceptual ministry of coffee and more focused on fun, accessible, and expertly crafted drinks.
- Dalgona Coffee – The viral sensation, perfected. Whipped instant coffee foam over iced milk. (One Size: $6.50)
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee – A powerful punch of caffeine. Slow-dripped robusta beans over sweetened condensed milk. Their cold brew version uses a very specific grind, similar to the consistency of coarse ground coffee, for a smoother finish. (One Size: $6.00) ⭐
- Spiced Chai Latte – A house-made chai concentrate with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, steamed with your choice of milk. Far more potent and aromatic than what you’d get from typical chai tea bags. (M: $5.50 / L: $6.50)
- Ube Cloud Latte – A stunning layered drink with a sweet ube base, espresso, and milk, topped with a purple sweet potato cold foam. (One Size: $7.00)
Small Plates & Appetizers
Perfect for sharing or as a light meal. This is where the “Kitchen” part of the name makes its first impression.
- Truffle Parmesan Fries – Shoestring fries, white truffle oil, grated parmesan, parsley, and a side of garlic aioli. (Price: $9.00) ⭐
- Spicy Popcorn Chicken – Crispy, bite-sized pieces of Taiwanese-style fried chicken, tossed in a five-spice and chili powder blend with fried Thai basil. (Price: $11.00) ⭐⭐
- Takoyaki (6 pcs) – Classic Japanese street food. Fried octopus balls drizzled with takoyaki sauce, Kewpie mayo, and bonito flakes. (Price: $9.50)
- Crispy Veggie Gyoza (5 pcs) – Pan-fried dumplings filled with cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots. Served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. (Price: $8.50)
- Edamame with Sea Salt – Simple, classic, and healthy. (Price: $6.00)
Main Courses & Sandos
Substantial offerings that position Black Straw as a legitimate brunch and lunch spot.
- Chicken Katsu Sando – A thick, panko-breaded chicken cutlet fried to a perfect golden-brown, served on fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan) with tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage. (Price: $15.00) ⭐
- Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl – Grilled salmon with a sweet and savory miso glaze, served over jasmine rice with steamed bok choy and pickled ginger. (Price: $18.00)
- Kimchi Carbonara – A brilliant fusion dish. Spaghetti with a creamy carbonara sauce, crispy pork belly, and the tangy, spicy kick of sautéed kimchi. Topped with a sous-vide egg yolk. (Price: $17.00) ⭐
- Spicy Tofu Rice Bowl (Vegan) – Crispy fried tofu cubes tossed in a gochujang glaze, served with mixed greens, avocado, and edamame over sushi rice. (Price: $16.00)
Desserts
- Basque Burnt Cheesecake with Boba – A slice of creamy, crustless cheesecake with a beautifully caramelized top, served with a side of warm, chewy brown sugar boba. (Price: $10.00) ⭐
- Matcha Tiramisu – Ladyfingers soaked in a matcha syrup, layered with mascarpone cream, and dusted with premium matcha powder. (Price: $9.00)
Signature Drink & Food Pairings: The Art of Flavor Harmony
The magic of the Black Straw Tea Bar And Kitchen menu isn’t just in the individual items, but in how they combine. Pairing the right drink with your food can elevate the entire experience from good to unforgettable. Here are some pairings that demonstrate a clear understanding of flavor mechanics.
The “Cut the Spice” Pairing
- The Dish: Spicy Popcorn Chicken ($11.00)
- The Drink: Taro Ube Swirl ($7.25)
Why it works: The five-spice and chili heat of the popcorn chicken is potent and builds with every bite. The Taro Ube Swirl, with its creamy texture and earthy sweetness, acts as a perfect counterpoint. The milk fats coat the palate, soothing the capsaicin burn, while the subtle sweetness resets your taste buds for the next savory, spicy piece of chicken. It’s a classic pairing principle: use dairy and sweetness to manage heat.
The “Umami & Earthy” Pairing
- The Dish: Chicken Katsu Sando ($15.00)
- The Drink: Roasted Oolong Milk Tea ($6.75)
Why it works: The Katsu Sando is rich and savory, dominated by the fried cutlet and the tangy, fruity tonkatsu sauce. A sweet, creamy drink would be overpowering. The Roasted Oolong Milk Tea, however, has a deep, nutty, and slightly astringent profile. It cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and mayo without competing with the primary flavors. The tea’s roasted notes complement the savory elements of the dish, creating a sophisticated and balanced combination.
The “Bright & Refreshing” Pairing
- The Dish: Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl ($18.00)
- The Drink: Four Seasons Passionfruit Green Tea ($7.00)
Why it works: The Miso Glazed Salmon is packed with umami—the savory fifth taste—from the fermented soybean paste. A heavy or milky drink would weigh down the delicate flavor of the fish. The Passionfruit Green Tea provides a bright, acidic contrast. The tartness of the passionfruit cleanses the palate between bites of the rich salmon, while the light floral notes of the green tea prevent the pairing from becoming too one-dimensional. It’s all about contrast and refreshment.
Beyond Boba: Unpacking the “Kitchen” Menu
It’s easy to dismiss the food at a tea bar, but that would be a significant mistake here. The “Kitchen” offerings are thoughtfully designed, leveraging popular Asian flavors in accessible formats like sandos, bowls, and fusion pastas. This is what truly differentiates the full Black Straw Tea Bar And Kitchen menu from its competitors.
The Kimchi Carbonara is a standout example of successful fusion. Traditional carbonara relies on cured pork (guanciale or pancetta), egg yolk, and hard cheese. Black Straw keeps the core components—crispy pork belly and a creamy, egg-rich sauce—but introduces sautéed kimchi. The kimchi’s fermented tang and spice cut through the heavy richness of the sauce, preventing the dish from becoming cloying. It’s a brilliant move that adds complexity and makes the dish feel both new and familiar.
Similarly, the Chicken Katsu Sando demonstrates a commitment to detail. The choice of shokupan (Japanese milk bread) is critical. Its soft, pillowy texture and slight sweetness are the perfect vehicles for the super-crispy panko-crusted chicken. They don’t skimp on the thickness of the cutlet, and the balance of sauce to cabbage is precise. It’s a simple sandwich executed at a very high level.
These dishes show that Black Straw isn’t just adding food to their menu; they’re creating a cohesive dining program where the quality of the kitchen rivals the quality of the tea bar.
What People Often Miss on the Black Straw Menu
With so many eye-catching options, some of the more subtle or customizable features of the menu get overlooked. Here’s what regulars know that first-timers might miss.
- Customization is Key: Don’t just order off the menu. For all tea drinks, you can specify your ice and sugar levels (e.g., 50% sugar, less ice). For a stronger tea flavor in your milk tea, ask for 75% or 50% sugar. For a less diluted drink, ask for less ice. This small adjustment can completely change the drink to your preference.
- The Cheese Foam is a Game-Changer: The “Crème Brûlée” topping is technically a savory cheese foam that’s sweetened and then torched. You can add it to almost any drink for around $1.25. It’s especially good on top of the Roasted Oolong or Jasmine Green Milk Tea, where it adds a creamy, savory-sweet layer that contrasts beautifully with the tea.
- Don’t Sleep on the Vegan Options: The Spicy Tofu Rice Bowl is a fantastic dish in its own right, not just a token vegan option. The tofu is perfectly crispy, and the gochujang glaze is a a great balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Most fruit teas are naturally vegan, and many milk teas can be made with oat or almond milk upon request.
Ordering from Black Straw: Online, Delivery, and In-Person
In 2026, convenience is paramount. Black Straw has a streamlined system for getting your fix, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Order Black Straw Online for Pickup: The most efficient way to skip the line is by using their official website or mobile app. You can place your order, customize it completely, and pay ahead of time. You’ll get a notification when it’s ready, allowing you to walk in and grab your items without the wait.
Black Straw Kitchen Delivery: For those cozy nights in, Black Straw is available on all major delivery platforms, including Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Keep in mind that prices on these platforms may be slightly higher to account for service fees. For the best experience, drinks with foam toppings (like the Crème Brûlée series) are best consumed quickly, so factor in delivery time.
In-Person Experience: Of course, visiting the tea bar itself offers the best experience. The ambiance is typically modern and clean, and you can watch the baristas craft your drinks. This is also the best way to ask for recommendations or try seasonal specials that might not be listed on all delivery apps.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Black Straw Menu
What are the most popular items on the Black Straw Tea Bar And Kitchen Menu?
By far, the most popular drink is the Brown Sugar Deerioca Crème Brûlée. For food, the Spicy Popcorn Chicken and the Chicken Katsu Sando are consistent best-sellers.
Does Black Straw have caffeine-free options?
Yes. Most of the Fruit Fizz series are caffeine-free. You can also request many of the milk teas, like the Taro Ube Swirl, to be made without a tea base for a caffeine-free “milk” version. Always confirm with the staff when ordering.
Are there gluten-free options on the kitchen menu?
The Miso Glazed Salmon Bowl and Edamame are generally gluten-free. However, due to the risk of cross-contamination in a kitchen that uses flour (for katsu, etc.), those with severe celiac disease should exercise caution and speak directly with the kitchen staff.
Can I adjust the sweetness and ice levels in my drink?
Absolutely. Black Straw offers adjustments for both sugar (Normal, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0%) and ice (Normal, Less, No Ice). Customizing these is highly recommended to find your perfect balance.
What kind of milk does Black Straw use?
Their default for milk teas is a non-dairy creamer for a classic, smooth taste. For lattes and fresh milk drinks, they use whole milk. Oat milk and almond milk are available as dairy-free alternatives for an additional charge.
