Hidden Gem on South Main: Palgong Tea’s Korean Corn Dogs & Boba Bliss

​Nestled at 2264 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor, Palgong Tea has become a beloved destination for both tea enthusiasts and food lovers. The name "Palgong," translating to "80" in Korean, reflects the ideal brewing temperature of 80°C, embodying the establishment's commitment to crafting the perfect cup of tea

One of the biggest draws here? Korean corn dogs. If you haven’t had one before, think of the classic corn dog—then take it up about five notches. Palgong offers several variations: some with melty mozzarella inside, some with savory hot dog, and some with both. Each one is fried to golden perfection, with creative toppings like Hot Cheetos dust, potato cubes, or a sugar dusting for a sweet-savory combo that hits just right. They’re crunchy, cheesy, filling, and 100% Instagram-worthy.

The drink menu is just as impressive. Palgong Tea specializes in a wide range of bubble teas, and you can customize everything—ice level, sweetness, toppings, and even the base. Some customer favorites include Brown Sugar Milk Tea (sweet and rich with caramelized sugar and chewy tapioca pearls), Grapefruit Green Tea (crisp and refreshing, perfect for warmer days), Taro Milk Tea (earthy and creamy with that signature purple color), and Yogurt Smoothies (light, tangy, and fruity). For those who prefer coffee, they also offer iced Americanos, caramel macchiatos, and more traditional espresso drinks, which makes it a nice crossover café if you're not into tea.

In addition to drinks and dogs, Palgong serves up other Korean-style café fare like Bingsoo—a fluffy shaved ice dessert topped with fruits, red bean, mochi, and condensed milk—Croffles, a hybrid croissant-waffle treat that’s crunchy on the outside and soft inside, available with chocolate, caramel, or powdered sugar, and sometimes macarons and mochi donuts as rotating specials. It’s a perfect spot if you’re looking for something sweet and

shareable.

The inside of Palgong Tea is bright, modern, and minimal, with lots of clean white and natural wood tones. There’s a mix of seating—tables for two, bigger tables for groups, and a counter area if you’re solo. The café is pretty quiet, making it a nice spot to bring a laptop and get some work done (yes, they have Wi-Fi). If you’re just looking to catch up with friends, the relaxed ambiance and shareable snacks make it an easy hangout choice.

You won’t feel rushed here—whether you're settling in for an hour to answer emails or popping in to chat over drinks and corn dogs.

Palgong Tea has all the ingredients for a perfect little afternoon escape: fun food, fantastic drinks, and a cozy, laid-back vibe. Whether you’re looking for a place to study, snack, or just sip and chill, this South Main gem deserves a spot on your Ann Arbor radar.

Comment down below if you've been to Palgong Tea yet? What’s your go-to order?