A taste of Southeast Asia is coming to Batavia, including Vietnamese coffee and freshly made mochi waffles.

Bambu welcomed its first customers on Jan. 14 to try its handcrafted drinks inside the Batavia Walmart at 801 N. Randall Road. It’s the first Bambu to open inside a Walmart, according to a news release.

Bambu started in the Vietnamese community of San Jose, California, before expanding to more than 24 states, Canada and the Philippines.

The business touts that it crafts its drinks daily with fresh vegan-friendly ingredients.

The Batavia location offers smoothies, boba teas and traditional Vietnamese phin drip coffee and plenty of desserts.

According to its website, the business has become famous for its “exceptionally friendly service and unique menu of fresh, healthy and authentic Che dessert drinks, crisp boba teas, signature Vietnamese coffees, and real fruit smoothies.”

Local franchisee Willy Mathew said he’s “very excited” to open up in Batavia and hopes Bambu becomes a thriving part of the community.

“People will love our handcrafted drinks with fresh and premium ingredients,” Mathew said. “The menu is curated to highlight certain drinks, like ours with Vietnamese flavors and techniques. When we provide customers a sample of the phin drip coffee, they fall in love with it immediately. It’s strong, yet at the same time sweet.”

Marc Geman, CEO of Bambu Franchising, LLC, said it’s important for the company to be at the forefront of the growing consumer wave for asian-inspired experiences.

“We felt that it was time for the Asian dessert and drinks trend to move toward mainstream American tastes,” Geman said. “Boba tea has really gained a lot of popularity with younger populations over the past ten years. We are now trying to introduce our special Asian dessert drinks to a new community.”

For information, visit drinkbambu.com/location-pages/bambu-.