Krak Boba is Eddy Street’s very own boba spot, and after almost a year of operation, students are still stopping in to get their boba fix. For anyone who is new to Notre Dame or has not given Krak a try, is it worth it?
I stopped into the establishment on an early Thursday evening. There was no line, and I was greeted by a kind employee named Addy. She was helpful and patient while my friends and I decided on our order. We ordered Addy’s recommendation: the Sunset Passion with chamoy and popping boba. We also ordered the milk tea and the King Brûlée, which Addy described as the most popular drink at the Notre Dame location.
Our drinks came out shortly after we ordered. While waiting for the boba, we helped ourselves to the ice water that was on the counter. Since we were some of the only customers present at the time, there was plenty of open seating. However, at a busier hour, finding seating might be more of a struggle as there are only a few tables.
The drinks looked aesthetically pleasing, with an ombré appearance. After we shook our drinks, we poked our straws into their clean, plastic linings.
The Sunset Passion had a slushy texture. Flavors of mango and passionfruit were prominent in the drink, but I wish that the chamoy flavor were more present. Addy did notify me that you can request extra chamoy in your drink when ordering, which I would recommend if you like spice paired with mango. This beverage is great for those who do not want a typical creamy tea drink that you would get at a boba place.
The milk tea was classic. It hit every note a milk tea should — subtle tea flavor, creamy milk and chewy, caramel-tasting tapioca pearls. We were delighted with the generous helping of pearls that they put in the beverage. For the milk, they have non-dairy options for those who cannot have dairy. Notre Dame freshman and Krak Boba regular Henry Bonnet described the Thai milk tea as “my usual, and I love it!”
Finally, we ended the night with King Brûlée. Growing up in the boba desert that is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I never thought that boba could make me feel nostalgic, but this did. The sweet, custard flavor brought me back to eating Eggo waffles with Log Cabin syrup before heading off to school. Notre Dame freshman Thomas Kumm described the drink as having notes of vanilla and caramel. This beverage is definitely a dessert drink. It was rich and creamy and almost too sweet. There is a tea flavor among everything else, but it was not as pronounced as it was in the milk tea. I would recommend shaking it thoroughly before poking a straw in, as when I got to the bottom of the drink it was overly sweet. The tapioca pearls were a great addition to this beverage.
Overall, the experience at Krak is enjoyable. Bonnet — who is from Chicagoland, where boba shops are numerous — said, “Krak is the fourth best boba place I’ve been to … I’m glad they have a boba spot here because I’ve wanted boba since day one.” Kumm added, “I don’t drink boba at all, but this place converted me.”
Addy noted that she sees many regular customers that come in who are students. It seems as though Krak has a chokehold on a range of students from those who are trying it for the first time to boba connoisseurs.
Should your next Eddy Street excursion include a stop at Krak? The spot has hospitable employees, a plethora of boba options and quick service.
Among all the good things at Krak, though, there is a price to pay. The specialty drinks (Sunset Passion and King Brûlée) both cost $7.85, including the boba add-in, and the milk tea costs $6.85. At the time of my visit, they had a promotion where it was buy three get one free, so if you come with a group you might be able to get this deal. As good as Krak is, it will not be a frequent stop for me due to the prices. Depending on the way you look at it, the high prices can be a positive as they can keep one from becoming a Krak addict.
