Ugly Dumpling Boba & Drink Menu: Beyond Just Milk Tea
When most people think of The Ugly Dumpling, their minds immediately go to the colorful soup dumplings. However, any regular will tell you that the Ugly Dumpling drink menu is a powerhouse in its own right.
With a selection that rivals high-end boba shops, the beverage program is designed to perfectly complement the salty, savory, and spicy notes of Shanghainese cuisine.
From the viral Brown Sugar Boba to the refreshing Fruity Yogurt Drinks, here is everything you need to know about the liquid side of the menu.
🧋 The Classics: Milk Teas & Lattes
At the heart of the Ugly Dumpling menu are the traditional milk teas. What sets them apart is the quality of the tea base and the customization options available.
1. The Signature Milk Tea
The standard Milk Tea at Ugly Dumpling is crafted with a robust Earl Grey black tea base. It is notably creamy but balanced, avoiding the overly sugary "syrup" taste found elsewhere.
Dietary Note: Many locations use a non-dairy creamer as their standard base, making this a safer choice for the lactose-intolerant (though you should always verify with your server).
2. Brown Sugar Boba (The "Tiger" Drink)
This is the most photographed drink on the menu. It features "Tiger Stripes" of rich brown sugar syrup drizzled down the sides of the cup. It comes with warm, chewy tapioca pearls (boba) by default.
It's a decadent, dessert-like beverage that pairs exceptionally well with the Spicy Pork & Shrimp Wontons.
3. Matcha & Taro Lattes
For those who prefer earthy or nutty profiles:
- Matcha Milk Tea: Made with Japanese-style green tea powder, offering a vibrant green color and a slight bitterness that cuts through the fat of the dumplings.
- Taro Milk Tea: A caffeine-free favorite known for its signature purple hue and "cookie-like" vanilla-nut flavor.
🍓 The Refreshers: Fruit Teas & Punches
If you find the milk-based drinks too heavy for a large meal, the Fruit Tea section is your best friend. These are typically lighter, tangier, and extremely photogenic.
Passion Fruit Green Tea
A tropical bomb of flavor. The sweetness of the passion fruit is tempered by the slightly grassy note of green tea. Often served with pieces of real fruit at the bottom.
Mango Yakult Smoothie
This smoothie-style drink combines fresh mango purée with Yakult, the iconic probiotic drink. It's creamy, tangy, and a bit funky, almost like a drinkable yogurt with fruit.
Lychee Rose Tea
A floral, sophisticated choice. Lychee adds a delicate sweetness, while the rose extract provides a subtle perfumed note. Perfect for those who prefer less-sweet drinks.
🍹 The Specialty Tier: Cocktails & Limited-Time Drinks
Some Ugly Dumpling locations (especially Richmond, Edison, and Fairfax) occasionally offer an alcohol-enhanced drink menu or limited-time seasonal specials.
Notable Mentions:
- Sake-Infused Milk Tea: Available at select locations during happy hour
- Lychee Martini: A vodka-based cocktail with lychee syrup and real fruit
- Spicy Mango Margarita: Pairs well with the Kung Pao Chicken or Spicy Wontons
Pro Tip: Check the Happy Hour page to see if your location offers discounted specialty drinks during off-peak hours.
🧊 Toppings & Add-Ons
One of the most exciting parts of ordering at Ugly Dumpling is customizing your drink with various toppings. Most locations offer these for $0.50–$1.00 extra:
Classic Tapioca Pearls (Boba)
Chewy, slightly sweet, and served warm. This is the default for most milk teas.
Popping Boba
Juice-filled spheres that "pop" when you bite them. Common flavors include Strawberry, Lychee, and Mango.
Grass Jelly
A traditional Chinese topping with a slightly herbal flavor. It's soft, slippery, and nearly black.
Pudding
Silky egg custard pieces. They add a rich, creamy element without being too heavy.
Red Bean
Sweetened adzuki beans. They're smooth, subtly sweet, and a favorite in East Asian desserts.
Coconut Jelly
Chewy cubes with a tropical, coconut flavor. Great for fruit teas.
🥟 Perfect Pairings: What to Drink with What
Not sure which drink complements your dumpling order? Here's a quick guide:
Soup Dumplings (XLB) → Classic Milk Tea or Oolong Tea
The creaminess of the milk tea balances the savory, fatty broth of the dumplings.
Spicy Wontons → Passion Fruit Green Tea or Lychee Rose Tea
The fruity acidity cuts through the heat and refreshes your palate.
Fried Rice or Noodles → Mango Yakult or Taro Milk Tea
These drinks are heavy enough to pair with a carb-forward meal without overwhelming your taste buds.
Dessert Dumplings → Brown Sugar Boba
Double down on the dessert vibes. This combo is a sugar rush, but in the best way possible.
📍 Drink Menu Variations by Location
Not all Ugly Dumpling locations have the same drink menu. Here's what you should know:
Edison, NJ (Original)
Offers the widest drink selection including seasonal specials and alcohol options.
Holmdel, NJ (Express)
Limited to 8-10 core drinks due to the "Express" format. Still includes Brown Sugar Boba and classic milk teas.
Richmond, VA
Known for its expanded cocktail menu and happy hour drink deals.
Other Locations
Most locations offer 12-15 core drinks with minor regional tweaks based on local preferences.
Tip: Always check the location-specific menu pages to see exactly what drinks are available at your preferred spot.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts: Don't Sleep on the Drinks
The Ugly Dumpling drink menu is far more than an afterthought. Whether you're a hardcore boba fan or someone who just wants a cold drink to balance out the heat of Spicy Wontons, there is something here for you.
Next time you visit, try pairing your order strategically. Your taste buds will thank you.
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