BUBBLE TEA
Imagine sipping a drink that’s not just a beverage but also a dessert — where chewy pearls bounce in your mouth and sweet flavours burst with every sip. This is Bubble Tea, also called Boba Tea — a Taiwanese invention that has become a global craze, especially among teenagers.
The beginning of Bubble Tea: Bubble Tea was first created in Taiwan in the 1980s. At that time, it was simply iced milk tea. The twist came when tapioca pearls — small, chewy balls made from cassava starch — were added.
One popular story says a tea shop owner experimented by dropping sweetened tapioca balls into tea, and the drink quickly became a hit. While several shops in Taiwan claim to be the “original creators”, what’s certain is that the idea spread rapidly.
Interestingly, the name “Bubble Tea” does not come from the pearls. It actually refers to the frothy bubbles that form when the tea is shaken.
Why is it so popular?
Bubble Tea is loved worldwide, but it has a special place in the hearts of teens. Why?
Customisable: You can pick the type of tea (milk tea, green tea, fruit tea), sweetness level, and toppings like jelly, pudding, or popping boba.
Fun Experience: The chewy pearls turn a simple drink into a snack-and-drink combo.
Instagram Appeal: With colorful layers and transparent cups showing the pearls, it’s picture-perfect for social media.
Bubble Tea in Taiwanese Culture: In Taiwan, Bubble Tea is more than a drink — it’s part of youth culture. Bubble Tea shops fill the streets, buzzing with students and friends catching up over their favourite flavours.
It’s also considered a great after-school snack: refreshing in the summer, warming in the winter, and always filling because of the tapioca pearls. Over the years, Bubble Tea has become a symbol of Taiwanese identity and is now enjoyed across the world.
A global favorite: From local tea stalls in Taiwan to trendy shops in cities across Asia, America, and Europe, Bubble Tea has truly gone global. What began as a fun experiment is now a worldwide phenomenon — proving how a simple idea can spread joy and culture far beyond its homeland.
✨ In short: Bubble Tea is more than just a drink. It’s a delicious mix of tradition, creativity, and youth culture that continues to win hearts all over the world.
