Sometimes, after a long day of rigorous classes and extracurriculars, all you want is a sweet refreshment. Luckily, just a small walk away from Ayala’s campus, there are two boba shops waiting for you at the Shoppes. 7Leaves and 3Cat are two of the most popular places near campus to get drinks and spend time with friends before and after school hours. However, many students are conflicted as to which boba shop they would rather spend their money at.

“I think 7Leaves is better because it’s cheaper and it tastes more like genuine tea,” Amielle Burog (10) said. “I don’t think there are any cons.”

7Leaves specializes in its famous teas, enjoyed and appreciated by its customers. They have a very large selection of base flavor teas, including Thai, jasmine, herbal, hibiscus, and oolong. Nowadays, it can be difficult to find a good shop with good, authentic tea as a rise in flavor syrups has struck many drink shops. Consequently, many customers pick this shop for simpler refreshments.

“I think I prefer 3Cat because I like the variety and add-ons because they include more than 7Leaves,” Emma Egbalic (10) said. “So really, just because of the topping options.”

While 7Leaves specializes in its teas, 3Cat specializes in its fun and unique combinations. They are more known for their large variety of add-ons, including mochi, mousse, cream, jellies, fresh fruit, and Biscoff crumbs. This shop caters more towards those who enjoy funky textures and complex flavors. Many people who prefer the fancier, more elaborate drinks tend to prefer 3Cat instead.

“I think the space inside is kind of small, and a lot of people go there after school, so I think it’s really crowded,” Jovina Che (10) said.

Specifically, at the location nearest our campus, many people tend to feel cramped and claustrophobic while enjoying their drinks at 7Leaves. They have some tables and counter space cleared out for those who dine in or study, but with the large influx of students coming after school, it still is not enough. With two chairs by the window, two benches by the counter, and maybe half a dozen stools at the counter, it clearly does not account for just how many people, including non-students as well, order from their store every day.

“I think 3Cat has only two ordering kiosks, and it makes the wait even longer to order,” Ava Benigno (10) said.

Across the street at 3Cat, their customers complain of a long wait time. Depending on how busy it is, the line to order at the kiosk tends to fill up the entire store. Along with waiting in line, customers also have to wait for their drinks to be made and served, which can add up to 15 minutes to their experience. Many people would rather have a quick in-and-out experience where they order and receive their drinks as soon as possible. For busy customers, a system like this would be much more efficient.

“I think if both of them had more seating, it would be nice, but I understand that the space is limited,” Egbalic said. “I think they could have lower prices.”

While others argue which boba shop is superior, it is evident that both shops are still not perfect. Especially as they have to cater towards the abundance of young students buying their products, many argue that they could both be more considerate towards the number of customers that can comfortably sit in their stores, and also the budget and income of most teenagers. Many students are living off of their monthly allowance or a part-time job, and a drink a day can add up to be quite expensive. Surely lower prices would be much appreciated.

All things considered, this debate is really settled by the customer and their preferences. If you want something more simple experience and maybe even a nice macaron to go along with that, then 7Leaves is perfect. However, if you can handle a long wait for a more complicated drink, then you should go to 3Cat. Both shops are incredible at what they do, and it’s worth it to try each one at least once.