Some cravings are tied to the seasons. The whir of the smoothie machine in my kitchen is always an indicator that summer is here. And when my family is out and about in the heat, drink spots catch our eyes before restaurants do — especially on those days of 80-plus degrees and climbing. It can be hard to feel hunger until you’ve treated your parched throat. 

If you’re hanging out in Ventura Harbor Village this summer, Boba by the Sea is a thirst-quenching respite.  For owner Quan Breault, the shop — which serves up handcrafted bubble teas, real fruit slushes and boba milk teas — represents something even sweeter: the realization of a dream he carried with him from Vietnam to California.

Breault shares his journey, the influence of Vietnamese tea culture and a simple strawberry-banana slushie recipe inspired by one of the shop’s family favorites.

Can you tell me a little about your background and what led you to open Boba by the Sea? 

I was born and raised in Vietnam. I came to America by myself when I was 20 years old. After doing nails for many years, I decided that I needed a new story, and having a boba shop was always one of my dreams. 

How does your Vietnamese heritage shape the drinks you serve?

We offer Vietnamese coffee, well-known for being one of the strongest coffees in the world. Drinking traditional French-pressed coffee is actually the culture of Vietnamese, so we also offer it in our shop. For milk tea, I discovered it more than two decades ago, when it became popular in my hometown. And since that one delicious first sip to now owning a boba milk tea shop, somehow, I’m still so hooked. I actually drink milk tea every day. 

Which is your favorite: coffee or tea?

Tea, especially jasmine green tea. I was all about coffee when I was in my 20s, but as I grow older, I find myself leaning towards tea. I love the floral smell of jasmine green tea. I feel like every time I drink it, my soul gets a cleanse. I feel more pure. 

Why do you think boba tea shops continue to obsess whole families? 

It fits multigenerational outings. Grandparents, parents, kids — all can enjoy it. It’s not loud like arcades or restrictive like fine dining. It sits right in the middle. There is something for everyone at a boba shop.

Why did you choose Ventura Harbor Village for your shop? 

For Boba by the Sea, I was walking around Ventura Harbor Village, and I really thought this place needed a shop for drinks where people can get cool tasty drinks while going on their walk at the beach. I just thought it was such a good location where we have a lot of tourists, locals who go on walks every day and, of course, the fresh sea breeze and the view of the Ventura Harbor.

Families can definitely use Ventura Harbor Village and my shop as a little getaway with ocean vibes, harbor views and cool drinks in hand where everyone can make more sweet memories together.

What is your favorite drink topping at Boba by the Sea?

The Labubu topping, of course! So cute, so trendy, so delicious. 

(Editor’s note: The Labubu topping is an adorable, edible jelly shaped like the viral Pop Mart character.)

Any tips for parents who want to recreate a boba or tea experience at home with their kids?

Most kids love slushy drinks, and I would recommend strawberry-banana slushy. It’s easy to make, and it provides a lot of [nutrients] for children.

Banana-Strawberry Slushie (Inspired by Boba by the Sea)

“This easy banana-strawberry slushie is a fun treat to make at home with the kids, inspired by a favorite flavor from Boba by the Sea at Ventura Harbor Village,” Breault says. “While the shop’s version includes secret ingredients and waterfront views that make it extra special, this recipe is a sweet way to hold you over until your next visit.” 

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas

4-5 strawberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 cup milk of choice

1/2 cup ice

1-2 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice

1/3 cup cooked tapioca pearls, optional

Instructions

1. Blend banana, strawberries, milk, ice and sweetener until smooth and slushy.

2. Add boba pearls to the bottom of a clear cup.

3. Pour slushie over the top and serve with a wide straw.

Want some extra fun? Try these on for size:

*Line the inside of the cup with strawberry drizzle.

*Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.

*Top with whipped cream for a sweeter treat.

*Visit Boba by the Sea to try the original version with quality ingredients and a variety of toppings that take it to the next level.