Reviewing Yan Tea: Freshly brewed tea, great food, and cozy vibes in Katy, TX.

There is a relatively new up-and-coming area of Katy, Texas, that is full of different types of Asian restaurants, cafes, and specialty foods. There are plenty of small businesses in this area, and I wanted to try out a new bubble tea place to quell my craving.

I decided to stop by Yan Tea because it was close to another store that I go to, and from what I could tell through the window, I liked the aesthetic of the little cafe. Upon entering, you can immediately notice how well thought out their style is, from the decor to the color palette.

Yan Tea’s decor is a mix of white, green, black, and natural wood furnishings and backdrops, giving it a very modern and fresh feel that makes you want to spend all day at the cafe. Window seating, two-person tables, and larger tables are offered to accommodate a group of any size. The restaurant is well lit, which makes the spot great for any activity, including studying, reading, or just hanging out with friends, which is exactly what many people did!

However, I was just there to eat. I was surprised, though, to see how much they offered in terms of food. I was under the impression it was just tea and snacks. They serve a variety of appetizers like takoyaki, spring rolls, and pork buns, as well as entrées such as various types of ramen and rice bowls. They also sell onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, that can be filled with different types of fish, meats, and more. As a big fan of onigiri, I had to try theirs.

They have a huge drink menu, which is why it took me so long to decide what to order. Luckily, the wonderful woman behind the counter was sweet and patient with me and my indecision. Once I ordered, the drinks and my onigiri came at lightning speed!

Traditionally, onigiri doesn’t come with spicy mayo, but I added it because I love any and all things spicy. Even though spicy mayo isn’t the hottest of condiments, it does add a bit of a kick, but if spice isn’t your thing, you can leave out the sauce or choose from a few other options. You can also have it added on the side instead of having it mixed in with your chosen filling.

I opted for mixing the condiment in. The salmon and spicy mayo onigiri tasted similar to a spicy salmon roll from a sushi restaurant, which I also love. What’s great about onigiri is that, unlike sushi, it’s a convenient on-the-go food. I only stayed in the cafe for a bit before going to my next destination, and the onigiri was easy to eat while walking. The seaweed didn’t crumble and the rice was nicely packed to keep everything held together.

Additionally, the tea was freshly brewed and made just right. Sometimes, even when you request half sugar for certain drinks, they can still taste too sweet. However, this jasmine milk tea was spot on and the floral taste was strong. The ice in the drink was not melted and the temperature was perfectly icy.

I enjoyed the vibe of Yan Tea. Students were studying and working on homework, four people were having a meeting, and families were eating together. It clearly is a place that people feel comfortable spending time in, and the aesthetic appeal makes for a very cozy atmosphere. Thankfully, all seating areas were spaced out for social distancing, so one could remove their mask to eat and drink without worrying.