Downtown just got a whole lot spicier. A unique new shop has landed on South Main, and it’s serving up an unexpected—but surprisingly perfect—combo: Indian street food and bubble tea.
Simply named Bubble Tea, this cozy spot has been open for just a couple of months, but it’s already turning heads and winning hearts with its bold flavors and street-style creativity.
We interviewed James Suk Woo, the owner and creator behind BUBBLE TEA, to talk about how masala meat and boba became downtown’s newest power duo.
🥤 Q&A with James Suk Woo of BUBBLE TEA
1. Bubble tea and masala meat is an unexpected combo—how did this idea come about?
Honestly, it all started with a craving. I was missing the kind of Indian snacks and street food I really wanted, and realized there weren’t many places nearby offering that. At the same time, bubble tea was everywhere, and I’ve always loved how fun and refreshing it is.
That’s when the idea hit me: why not bring the two together? There was a real gap for bold, flavorful Indian-inspired snacks. Pairing them with something cool and sweet like bubble tea just made sense. It’s definitely an unexpected combo, but it works. The bold spices and the sweet tea balance each other out perfectly. It’s a taste of home with a modern twist.
2. What’s the most popular item on your menu?
Our milk and fruit bubble teas are definitely a main draw. But customers are also loving our:
- Beef hot dogs with all the toppings—onions, cheese, relish
- Fresh fruit smoothies with no added sugar
- And the standout: air fryer samosas served with green chutney and yogurt
It’s a great mix of heat, crunch, and cool flavors.
3. Can you walk us through how you prepare your masala meat?
Sure! We start with quality chicken, boil it until tender, and then shred it into fine pieces. This texture helps the meat absorb every bit of the spice blend.
Our masala mix includes:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Red chili powder
- Garam masala
- Ginger-garlic paste
We sauté those spices with onions and tomatoes, then mix in the shredded meat and let everything simmer so the flavors blend beautifully. The result? Rich, spicy, and totally satisfying. We even serve it in a bag of chips. It’s our version of Indian-style street snacking.
4. Do you use Indian spices in other items too?
Absolutely. That’s kind of our thing.
For example, our fries aren’t just salty. They’re tossed in a tangy, spicy house masala that gives them a bold, addictive flavor. Same goes for our sandwiches, which are seasoned with spices like garam masala, coriander, and ginger-garlic paste for an Indian twist on comfort food.
5. Any limited-time or seasonal specials?
Right now, everything on our menu is available all year. We’ve been focused on perfecting our core dishes—like our spiced fries, masala meat sandwiches, and bubble teas—so people can always come back for their favorites.
That said, we’re always experimenting and listening to customer feedback. Seasonal specials aren’t off the table, just not quite yet!
6. What kind of vibe are you creating at BUBBLE TEA?
It’s all about a chill, grab-and-go vibe.
Whether you’re craving something savory or just want a cold drink, we’ve got you covered:
- Grab a loaded hot dog, masala meat sandwich, or air fryer samosa if you’re hungry
- Or chill out with a fruit slushie, smoothie, or popping boba tea
If you’re looking for healthier options, our no-sugar-added smoothies made with real fruit are a hit. The space is quick, casual, and full of personality—perfect for a lunch break, after-class bite, or anytime you need a flavorful pick-me-up.
7. What’s the official name of the shop?
The shop is called BUBBLE TEA—clean and easy to remember.
“Masala Meat” isn’t part of the official name; it’s more of a vibe. It sets the tone for what we’re about: bold, spicy, flavorful food that goes beyond what people expect from a typical bubble tea spot. Think of it like a flavor name—our way of saying, you’re about to get something different here.
📍 Visit BUBBLE TEA
Location: 135 South Main Street, Downtown
Owner: James Suk Woo
Open Since: About 2 months ago
Instagram: @bubbleteashop_masala_meat
Must Try: Masala Meat Bag of Chips, Air Fryer Samosas, and Boba Tea
Ready to try something new?
BUBBLE TEA is redefining downtown snacks—spicy, sweet, and full of personality. Whether you’re in for a quick bite or just curious about the combo, stop by and try it for yourself.
This blog was written by Jo Bateman (901 Noms)
Jo Bateman is a freelance food writer and the creative behind @901Noms, a Memphis-based food vlog where she shares her love for the city through its vibrant good scene.
