In downtown Tigard, a Bobablastic truck sits right behind Tigard Chiropractic Clinic & Massage Therapy. Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the truck could be a nice place to stop for a treat after a long day. The location is a great place for family and friends to enjoy, and one family runs it.

Meet Cathy Pham and her nephew, one of Tualatin High School’s students, freshman Darien Ma. Normally, Ma’s work days involve him taking orders and making drinks. 

“[My favorite part about working as a boba barista is the] free boba,” Ma stated. 

When Ma does not work, his uncle – Pham’s husband – who manages the truck, drops a boba at his place in the mornings. Ma then takes his drink to school. His go-to order is Taro Milk Tea with tapioca pearls, which is a popular order and a great introduction to those who have never tried boba. Boba is a mix of milk tea and tapioca pearls.

Ma started working at the truck last spring, and his work schedule is flexible so he can choose when to start his shifts to not interfere with his schooling. However, when school ends in time for summer vacation, that is when he checks in and helps out his aunt and uncle on a more regular basis. 

“I’d be real tired [if I worked on school days],” Ma stated. 

Aside from the orders and making drinks, Ma’s uncle deals with the financial aspects of the truck.  

“He does the accounting part, so all the transactions and money management,” Ma added. 

Ma loves working at the truck, and all are welcome to order. In addition to serving boba, they serve treats such as chocolate-covered bananas and cheesecake, so stop by anytime to be the next boba fanatic.