Junbi Matcha & Tea - Irvine

"Prepare Daringly" is the Junbi founders' motto and you can find it prominently displayed at their Irvine location and at all their locations nationwide. I found their decor to be bright, colorful and eye-catching. I visited on Friday afternoon and had to wait a bit to be served, but David greeted and helped me when it was my turn. I was surprised Junbi had already been open two years and I had not heard of them before. I ordered the seasonal Golden Peach Matcha Latte and the Tsukudani Kelp Rice Ball. Their drink menu is overwhelming, but David helped me narrow down the choices and customize my drink which I found most refreshing. The peach flavor was blended in nicely with the matcha, and I could taste that the matcha was lighter and higher quality than what's available locally. I appreciated that they separated the nori (seaweed) from the rest of the rice ball so it remains crispy while you consume it. I was hungry so I scarfed it down but savored the flavor of the kelp, and my only wish is there was more of the kelp in the rice ball. If you’re looking for a place for a refreshing beverage and a small bite to eat, look no further!

Like it's not bad, especially for such a large cup size, but I still feel like it is overly priced. Almost paid $10 bucks (practically did.) for their Madagascar Vanilla Iced Latte. Ordered it less sweet and it is still pretty sweet however, I naturally am not big on sweets so if that is something you like then by all means. Milk alternatives are $1.25+ which I think is a little..but call me cheap. Decent. Solid 5.5/10

By far, the best matcha I’ve ever had combined with fruit (even gotten a few misses with strawberry at other places) and this place has executed perfectly. Ordered a few drinks: - Guava matcha latte - Mango matcha latte - Sakura lychee matcha latte I did add the house made almond jelly, but it was a little sweet for me so I’ll probably forgo it next time. Staff were friendly and nice! Easy parking.

Tried their Strawberry Matcha with oat milk and was pleasantly surprised. I usually don’t go for matcha drinks, yet this one was incredibly smooth with a nice depth of flavor—not harsh, not chalky. Give it a quick stir and it blends perfectly. I’d happily order it again on my next visit.

This shop has teas, little bites and ice cream. Came for the bobo tea and ordered a guava match latte. They use real milk here, but have non dairy option. The matcha guava was a nice blend and with boba hit the spot. I ordered it with 0 sugar and for me it was sweet enough already. I need to come back and try the ice cream one day.

I've tried a lot of Junbi's on the west coast, so I decided to try the Irvine location since I was in the area. Location itself was good. Still don't prefer kiosk ordering since it takes awhile to navigate. I ordered: -cold matcha with boba $6.25, pricier side, wasn't as smooth as I would have preferred -salmon sushi $3.75, pricier side, but good snack There is some seating inside. Overall, not a bad spot to stop by. Easy parking in the plaza.

Soo disappointed after my husband gave me one rice ball I went to get the second one and notice they wrap their hot rice balls in A LOT of saran wrap. Basically putting everyone who eats their rice balls in danger of toxic chemicals. Love their teas but find this super disappointing 😞