Bora Bora Smoothie Café is a charming gem in Jamaica, NY that has recently just opened a few months ago. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a modern, tropical aesthetic. The space features clean lines, black-and-teal furniture, and eye-catching geometric light fixtures. A vibrant mural depicting tropical elements adds a pop of color and playful personality to the walls. The café strikes the perfect balance between cozy and chic, making it an ideal spot to grab a bite, snap Instagram-worthy photos, or unwind after a long day.
Townsend Harris students will appreciate the café’s convenient location, easily reachable via the Q44 or Q20 bus to Sutphin Blvd/Jamaica Ave. While the atmosphere alone is worth a visit, let’s dive into the food and drinks to see if they live up to the visual appeal of the setting.
The Feta Fusion Sandwich: 6/10
The Feta Fusion sandwich, labeled as a “crafted sandwich,” falls into the “good but not great” category. Made with fresh whole-grain bread, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a generous helping of feta, the sandwich is flavorful but unremarkable. The feta cheese, while creamy, is overpowering, masking the subtler flavors of the vegetables. Based on the menu, the smoked salmon sandwich might be a better option for those seeking a more balanced taste.
The sandwich’s saving grace is its simplicity—it’s a reliable and filling choice, but feels like something you could easily make at home. That said, it’s worth a second try for those who enjoy bold, tangy feta. At the end of the day, the sandwich is a decent option for a light meal but not a must-have.
The Blue Lagoon Drink: 5/10
Visually, the Blue Lagoon drink is stunning. The bright, effervescent blue liquid, adorned with floating mint leaves and a lemon slice screams refreshing and is perfect for aesthetic social media content. Unfortunately, the taste doesn’t match its visuals. At the price of $6.99, this drink disappointingly resembles the taste of Sprite with a hint of mint.
While the drink is photo worthy, it lacks originality in flavor, making it feel overpriced for what it delivers. It’s worth trying once for the experience and the aesthetic, but overall, it was overrated.
The Kinder Crepe: 8/10
The Kinder Crepe is where Bora Bora truly shines. This dessert is indulgent, with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce and a piece of Kinder Bueno topping the crepe for an extra touch of luxury. The crepe itself is perfectly thin and soft, providing a delightful base for the creamy, nutty flavor that runs throughout the dish. This dessert is a treat for all the senses—it looks as good as it tastes. However, for me personally, it was a bit too chocolatey, which slightly overshadowed the other elements. This minor drawback makes it an 8/10 instead of a perfect 10, but it’s still a must-try for dessert lovers.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply looking for something sweet, the Kinder Crepe is a satisfying and photogenic choice.
The Kinder Bueno Milkshake: 9/10
Lastly, the Kinder Bueno milkshake is undoubtedly the star of the menu. Creamy, sweet, and rich, this drink stands out as a dessert in its own right. The milky base perfectly complements the Kinder Bueno flavor, creating a harmonious blend that’s sweet but not cloying. The generous whipped cream topping and drizzle of chocolate sauce add to the decadence, creating an irresistible treat for milkshake enthusiasts.
However, pairing the milkshake with another creamy dessert like the Kinder Crepe can be overwhelming. For the best experience, enjoy this milkshake as a standalone treat. It’s well worth the indulgence and easily earns its high rating.
Overall, Bora Bora Smoothie Café offers a mixed culinary experience that leans heavily on its aesthetic appeal. While their crepes and milkshakes are great, their sandwiches and drinks leave room for improvement but it’s honestly based on preference and personal taste. It is a bit expensive if you’re getting food alone, so opting to go with friends would be more cost effective.
With its vibrant décor and social media-ready menu items, Bora Bora Smoothie Café is worth a visit for the vibes alone. Its variety of food, from sweet to savory, sets it apart from many other places I’ve tried, making it a unique and enjoyable spot.
