The Thoughtful Splurge — worth every penny
Serving wholesome and healthy sandwiches, salads, multigrain rice bowls, and noodle dishes. High grade hot and iced teas, espresso and coffee. First in Cambridge to introduce bubble tea in 2002!
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Dado Tea was Cambridge's bubble tea pioneer—the first to bring boba to the city when it opened in 2002. Now on Massachusetts Ave, this locally-owned cafe serves organic, healthy meals alongside bubble tea made without artificial powder. It's healthier bubble tea for people who care about what they drink.
Quiet enough for intimate conversation
Why It's Great
Cambridge's Original Bubble Tea, Now with Real Ingredients
Before bubble tea shops appeared on every corner, Dado Tea introduced boba to Cambridge in 2002. More than two decades later, this locally-owned cafe continues doing things differently: real tea, real ingredients, no artificial powder for most flavors.
The commitment to quality sets Dado apart. When chain bubble tea shops use powder mixes, Dado uses actual tea and cream. The result tastes different—cleaner, more authentic, worth the trip for people who notice the difference.
But Dado isn't just bubble tea. The menu includes wholesome sandwiches, salads, multigrain rice bowls, and noodle dishes. The focus on fresh, healthy ingredients extends throughout the menu. It's a proper cafe that happens to serve Cambridge's original boba.
The space is no-frills. Counter service, simple seating, a quiet atmosphere for working or studying. The gentleman who often works there is known for warmth and friendliness. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that rewards regularity.
Bubble tea made with real tea—notice the difference from chain shops.
Classic Bubble Tea
Made with real tea, not powder—taste the difference
Taro Milk Tea
One of the few that uses powder, still excellent
Multigrain Rice Bowl
Healthy, satisfying, Asian-inspired
Fresh Smoothies
Real fruit, real ingredients
Why It's In Our Guide
Dado Tea pioneered bubble tea in Cambridge in 2002 and continues serving healthier boba with real ingredients. The commitment to quality and longevity make it essential.
“No frills, but refreshing fruit and milk teas. The older gentleman who works there is the sweetest.”
— FoursquareCambridge regulars remember when Dado was their only bubble tea option. The quality keeps them coming back even as competition exploded.
Insider Tips
Afternoon for bubble tea break. Lunch for food.
No reservations—counter service.
Limited seating works for quick visits.
Ask about which teas use real ingredients versus powder. Most are real.
Street parking on Massachusetts Ave. Harvard T is accessible.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 863 reviews
678 reviews
Updated 2024-12
185 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—Dado Tea introduced bubble tea to Cambridge in 2002, before the boba boom made it ubiquitous.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
955 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Mon-Fri: 11AM-9PM, Sat-Sun: 12PM-9PM
8 min walk from Harvard
RedCambridge has hosted Nobel laureates at nearly every establishment.
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— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining