Boba Tea originates from Taiwan

Where did it all start? Back in the 80s, a Taiwanese woman started selling her tea cold, with milk in it; why is that so strange? Because in the Far East tea was ususally served hot and never with milk since people drink far more green, white or oolong teas which don’t lend themselves to milk like black tea does. She mixed her milky tea with her tapioca pudding and the ‘drink’ was an instant hit.

The boba tea recipe soon caught on in neighbouring Asian countries.

Bubble tea’s journey from a local Taiwanese specialty to an international craze just shows how yummy everyone found it. Boba made its way to the United States in the 1990s, largely through the Taiwanese population who opened bubble tea shops in major cities. From there, its popularity exploded, reaching Europe, Australia, and beyond. 

Boba tea near me

Social media played a significant role in the global spread of bubble tea. Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms are filled with great photos and videos of colourful, creatively flavoured bubble tea. This online presence has introduced the drink to younger generations worldwide, sparking curiosity and a desire to try it for themselves.

There are loads more outlets these days and chances are there’s one near you.

Everyone loves Bubble Tea

You’ll always find your flavour. One of the most remarkable aspects of bubble tea is its broad appeal. While it’s especially popular among younger consumers drawn to its novelty and the fun, chewy tapioca pearls, bubble tea also attracts us oldies who just love all the different flavours and textures. Bubble tea offers a familiar yet innovative twist on traditional tea, there are plenty of options that include healthier ingredients and lower sugar levels.

Kids love bubble tea for its sweet taste and playful texture, because the boba or pearls are a lot likes chewy sweets. Teenagers and young adults are drawn to its customisability, allowing them to choose from a myriad of flavours, sweetness levels, and toppings.

Boba pearls, boba beads, taro milk, fruity or not…

There are loads of different flavours and textures available in bubble tea and that’s one of its main attractions. Traditional bubble tea is made with black tea, milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls. However, the options have expanded far beyond this classic combination. Here are some popular more modern variations:

Tea Base

Black tea, green tea, matcha, oolong tea, and white tea are common bases. Some shops also offer herbal teas or fruit infusions.

Dairy or cereal-based milk?

Dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk; why not give them all a try and see what difference each one makes to your bubble tea experience?

Sweeteners

Sugar, honey, agave syrup, and artificial sweeteners can be used to suit your taste and dietary requirements.

Flavours

Fruit flavours like mango, strawberry, and lychee are popular, as are more traditional options like matcha, taro, and jasmine. Look out for the most natural options.

Toppings

In addition to tapioca pearls, toppings can include fruit jellies, popping boba (which burst with juice when you bite them), aloe vera, red bean, and cheese foam.

Homemade Boba Tea

When you live nowhere near a bubble tea outlet and you fancy a yummy sweet-treat, you can actually make it yourself, it’s not so hard. Here’s what you need to know :

Ingredients

1 cup of strong brewed tea (black, green, oolong, or your choice), 1/2 cup of dairy or non-dairy milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener (to taste), 1/4 cup of tapioca pearls (big ones are best, but small ones will do the job), Ice cubes

First of all, boil your tapioca pearls for about 7 minutes, drain, rinse in cold water and cool, mix them with a bit of honey to prevent sticking. While you’re waiting for the boba to cook, brew your tea hot and cool; alternatively use the cold brew you have waiting in the fridge. Combine the tea, milk and sweetener in a jug. Place the boba in the bottom of a large glass, add ice cubes and pour the milky tea mixture over the top and stir gently. Drink through a wide straw.

Boba Creativity

I’ve made bubble tea countless times and I experimented a lot. I’m not a massive fan of milk, so the cereal-based milks suit me best and I’ve even missed it out altogether, I’ve used my favourite flavoured teas and just added fruit juice and boba, it works a treat.

When I use plain tea for flavour I use fresh fruit from the garden, puréed fruit even some of my mirabelle jam. When I haven’t had any fruit to hand I’ve used shop-bought cordials, it’s just a question of individual taste and mood. I usually have a cold brewed tea sitting in the fridge and I use that since it’s really convenient, or you can use matcha powder whisked with water. Taro is delicious too instead of fruit.