Teaqueria is located at 894 Emory St., San Jose, Calif. **(Sophia Taylor/The Santa Clara)**

Mexican cuisine and boba tea locations prevail in the Bay Area. Just down the street from Santa Clara University is Teaqueria, where the two cuisines fuse together. Created by Frank Chang, the restaurant originally started as a small boba tea catering business for tech companies in the area.

The building is located next to Bellarmine College Preparatory, an all-boys private high school. Before officially opening Teaqueria to the public, Chang was approached by students from Bellarmine, who requested to purchase boba directly from him.

According to the current owner, Mason Tran, Chang had no intention of launching his business to locals, but the students’ curiosity prompted him to do so. Now, dozens of Bellarmine students fill the building at a time, ordering from the wide range of menu items.

“I like that you can get a quick meal so close to campus,” says Cole Morgan, a senior at Bellarmine. “Before our volleyball games, we head over, and it’s great for me and my team.”

Tran purchased Teaqueria in February 2025, and has been making unique additions to the menu ever since. Most recently, the location added Mexican ramen and pandan waffles—a Vietnamese waffle made with tapioca starch, rice flour, and all-purpose flour—creatively blending the two cultures’ cuisines in one restaurant.

The unique food items attract customers who crave authentic cuisine and fun meals.
“It’s truly authentic Mexican food,” says Tran, referring to the authenticity of his recipes. “We have a Mexican chef who has been with us since day one.”

Teaqueria has barstools, indoor tables, and outdoor seating. **(Sophia Taylor/The Santa Clara)**

“On the current menu, it would have to be the burrito,” said Tran when asked about his favorite item. “But for our specials, which are not on the menu, it would be our caramelized pork belly. It’s a Vietnamese comfort dish that I grew up with, and I tried to give it a Mexican twist.”

Tran values the culture and community that have been built at Teaqueria. Thanks to the restaurant’s friendly environment, he forms bonds with customers and knows many of them by name.

If you’re looking for a quick taco lunch, fruity boba or both at the same time, take a short trip to Teaqueria in San Jose.

Know Before You Go

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, closed

Price: $6 to $20

Address: 894 Emory St., San Jose, CA 95126

Distance from Benson Memorial Center: 1.4 miles, about a five-minute drive from campus or a 30-minute walk