The Best Taiwanese Bubble Tea in Midvale: How Elise & Derrick Vu Brought 5 Generations of Tea Mastery to Utah

Walk into Presotea Utah on Union Park Avenue in Midvale, and you'll immediately understand why customers say "Hands down the best boba I've ever had. I don't think I'll ever be going anywhere else for boba." The whir of espresso-style machines brewing fresh tea one cup at a time fills the air, while owners Elise and Derrick Vu craft each drink with the precision that comes from representing a brand built on five generations of Taiwanese tea expertise. This isn't your typical bubble tea shop churning out pre-made batches – this is what happens when Vietnamese-American refugees turned successful entrepreneurs discover their calling in authentic Taiwanese tea culture, bringing Utah its first truly premium fresh tea experience.

From Vietnam War Refugees to Utah's Premier Tea Entrepreneurs

Their journey began in 1980, when Derrick was 2 years old and their mom was 8 months pregnant with Elise as their parents decided to flee the communist reign in Vietnam. Like many refugee families, the Vus arrived in America with little more than determination and an unshakeable belief in the American Dream. Money was never a luxury, but they had a healthy supply of Kung Fu movies to reenact, a devout Catholic grandma, and parents who were knee-deep in the Vietnamese music industry.

The siblings' paths diverged dramatically after elementary school – Derrick became an enterprising young entrepreneur, selling newspaper subscriptions door-to-door at 12 years old, while Elise focused on family life. After 1997, their lives really went in different directions, and it would be many, many, many years before they would see each other again.

That reunion happened years later in Utah, where both had independently made their homes. Elise moved to the beautiful state of Utah in 2014 from California with her husband and two kids, and it was during their 10-year anniversary gala that they really started thinking of investing in their future. The universe, as Elise tells it, had other plans when they encountered the Presotea franchise concept.

The Presotea Discovery: When Fresh Tea Changes Everything

Derrick and Elise started brainstorming what type of business they wanted to kick start, kicking around all sorts of ideas, ranging from selling magazine subscriptions to auctioning off Derrick at charity events. They strategized for nearly two years until they discovered Presotea, and everything clicked.

Derrick's first experience at Presotea in Westminster, California changed his perspective entirely: "I walked in and literally said 'Wow this is tight!' Everything was different and believe me I've been to tea and coffee houses all over the country. Everything I was watching in front of me was different, the tea was being freshly brewed out of espresso looking machines one bag at a time."

What struck them most wasn't just the technology – it was the philosophy. Presotea was born from 5 generations of tea farming, and the company wanted to get their product to a more diverse demographic apart from the Asian Pacific region. The question was put to committee: "in a world of sugars and sweeteners, how do you teach the complex beauties of tea?" That single question birthed the concept of the reduction principle – the very idea that they could teach those who are interested to walk back a dependency on sugars to enjoy a beverage.

The Fresh Tea Revolution on Union Park Avenue

Presotea Utah opened its doors in August 2021 on Union Park Avenue in Midvale, strategically positioned in one of Utah's most dynamic business corridors. The location sits in the heart of Union Park Center, a 40-acre premier office park that provides easy access to Fashion Place Mall, numerous restaurants, and major freeway connections throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

But what sets Presotea apart in Utah's growing bubble tea scene isn't just location – it's their revolutionary approach to tea preparation. "Our business isn't about pre-making large batches of anything. We don't believe in bulk buying low quality ingredients to increase our margins," explains Derrick. Instead, every cup is brewed fresh using proprietary espresso-style machines that extract tea essence without the oxidation that compromises flavor in traditional brewing methods.

Customers consistently rave about the transparency: "You can watch them make the tea right in front of you and boba was fresh and warm. They have many options and they even said they would change the drink if you didn't quite like it. The customer service was exemplary."

The Presotea Experience: What Makes Each Visit Special

Step into Presotea's modern, welcoming space and you'll immediately notice the difference. As one customer describes: "Elise, the owner, is one of the kindest, most helpful, and sweetest women I have ever met. She took time to explain which mixes were best and answered all of my questions seeing I'm gluten and dairy intolerant. The milk tea was exceptional and the shop has such a calm, fun, and positive energy."

The menu showcases the best of Taiwanese tea culture, from classic milk teas to innovative seasonal creations. Customer favorites include the rich Taro Milk Tea, which delivers authentic earthy sweetness without artificial powder, and the signature Brown Sugar Boba, where house-made pearls are caramelized to perfection. The Matcha series offers genuine Japanese green tea flavor for those seeking a more sophisticated taste profile.

Recent customers can't stop raving about specific drinks: "So good, I loved the mix on the panda pearl. The texture of the black pearl is the OG type and the white pearl is more like a jelly. The Strawberry Cloud was more creamy in texture flavor was awesome." The customization options are endless – every drink can be adjusted for sweetness and ice level, with additions like pudding, various jellies, and seasonal fruit toppings.

For coffee lovers, don't miss their Vietnamese coffee, which Derrick describes passionately: "The coffee… my world, the coffee, let me just say, you've never had Vietnamese coffee like ours."

Community Connection in Utah's Growing Food Scene

Before opening their doors, Elise and Derrick test marketed nearly every major bubble tea establishment in the Salt Lake Valley. "The experience was the same, poor quality and poor customer service. Since we've opened our doors in August this year, we've changed the dynamic of our guests' experience."

Their impact extends beyond individual drinks to elevating Utah's entire bubble tea culture. "Presotea raised the bar for customer service and overall client experience within the bubble tea business community! It's our most important focus and contribution," notes Derrick proudly.

The commitment shows in every interaction. Even employees feel the difference: "I work in the Midvale location and have to say that I have never loved any of my previous jobs until now. Management really takes care of the staff and treats us like family. Very understanding and will go above and beyond to help you even with your personal life."

This family-first approach creates an atmosphere where customers become regulars, and regulars become part of the Presotea community. The shop has become a popular study spot for students from nearby universities and high schools, with reliable Wi-Fi and an environment that encourages productivity alongside excellent tea.

Planning Your Visit to Presotea Utah

Location & Hours: Presotea Utah is located at 7710 Union Park Avenue in Midvale, easily accessible from I-15 and I-215. The shop operates Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM.

What to Order: First-time visitors should start with the Taro Milk Tea or Brown Sugar Boba for classic Taiwanese flavors. The Matcha Milk Tea receives consistent praise: "Delicious! I get their Matcha Milk Tea every time and it's always fantastic!" For something unique, try the Strawberry Cloud or seasonal fruit teas made with fresh ingredients.

Perfect for: Students looking for a productive study environment, bubble tea enthusiasts seeking authentic Taiwanese flavors, anyone wanting to experience fresh-brewed tea, and groups wanting a social gathering spot with excellent Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.

Pro tip: Don't hesitate to ask questions about customization – the staff loves explaining their brewing process and helping customers find their perfect drink combination.

From refugees to entrepreneurs, from Vietnam to Taiwan to Utah, Elise and Derrick Vu's story reflects the beautiful complexity of American food culture. At Presotea Utah, they're not just serving bubble tea – they're preserving five generations of Taiwanese tea tradition while creating new memories one fresh-brewed cup at a time. In a state known for embracing authentic international cuisine, Presotea stands as proof that the best food stories are often about family, heritage, and the courage to share something truly special with your community.

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