What Is Bubble Tea – All You Should Know About It

Are you looking for a trendy and tasty drink that can satisfy your craving for something sweet and refreshing? Look no further than bubble tea. This unique beverage has taken the world by storm, with its delicious flavors and chewy tapioca pearls making it a fan favorite. Let’s find out what bubble tea is and some interesting information about this iconic drink.

What is bubble tea

Bubble tea, often called boba tea, is a unique and beloved beverage that has gained widespread popularity worldwide. Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, this refreshing drink combines tea, milk, and the defining ingredient – chewy tapioca pearls, also known as “boba.”

The flavors of bubble tea can be as diverse as the imagination of the tea shop. In addition to the classic milk tea varieties, bubble tea can be infused with various fruit flavors, such as mango, strawberry, or even exotic options like lychee or passionfruit. Some bubble tea shops also offer creative toppings like ice cream, fruit jellies, or even coffee jelly, allowing customers to customize their drinks to their preferences.

The origins of bubble tea

Before the 16th century, Taiwanese people rarely combined tea with sweeteners, but since the 17th century, when the Dutch came to Taiwan, they began adding milk and sugar to tea. Around the 1980s, milk tea was invented, but it still needs to be discovered who created this type of tea.

From Taichung, Ms. Liu Han-Chieh (劉漢介), founder of Chun Shui Tang Tea House (春水堂人文茶館), claims she is the inventor of milk tea. In the past, during a visit to Japan, she saw Japanese people selling cold coffee, so in 1985, she came up with the idea of creating bubble tea by pouring tapioca powder into tea. The shiny, round black tapioca balls mixed in milk tea look like black pearls, so this tea is named “bubble tea.”

However, Tu Tsong-he (凃宗和), owner of Han Lam tea house (翰林茶館) in Tainan, claims that he was the one who invented milk tea in 1986 by adding bubbles of white tapioca starch into tea, which were flour balls that he took inspiration from the street vendors at the local market Ap Mau Lieu (鴨母寮).

Despite going to court, these two “inventors” did not register a patent or trademark, so they could not prove their ownership of milk tea. In addition to syrup milk tea using soy sugar or honey, milk tea has become Taiwan’s national drink.

The difference between bubble tea vs boba tea

The terms “bubble tea” and “boba tea” are often used interchangeably, as they both refer to the same type of beverage. The confusion stems from using different terminology in various regions and cultures.

The term “boba” is derived from the Chinese word “bōbà,” which directly translates to “large pearl.” This refers to the size and texture of the tapioca pearls, which are typically larger and chewier than smaller pearl-sized varieties. In some regions, the terms “boba tea” and “bubble tea” are used interchangeably, as the presence of tapioca pearls is the primary distinguishing factor.

It’s important to note that while the terms “bubble tea” and “boba tea” are often used synonymously, there can be slight variations in the recipes and preparation methods. Some bubble tea shops may offer additional toppings or inclusions, such as fruit jellies, grass jelly, or even ice cream, to create unique flavor profiles and textures.

Regardless of the terminology used, the core elements of bubble/boba tea remain the same: a tea-based beverage, typically made with milk or fruit, combined with the signature tapioca pearls that provide a satisfyingly chewy texture. Whether you order a “pearl milk tea,” “boba tea,” or “bubble tea,” you can expect to enjoy the same delightful and refreshing experience.

Main ingredients of bubble tea

Bubble tea is a unique and delightful beverage characterized by its distinct blend of ingredients. At the heart of this refreshing drink are three key components:

1. Tea: The foundation of bubble tea is a tea-based liquid, typically made with black tea, green tea, or even fruit-flavored teas. The tea provides the base flavor and aroma that sets the stage for the other ingredients.
2. Milk: Milk is added to the tea to create a creamy and indulgent texture. This can be sweetened condensed milk, powdered milk, or other dairy-based products. The milk adds a rich, smooth mouthfeel to the beverage.
3. Tapioca pearls: The defining feature of bubble tea is the presence of chewy, spherical tapioca pearls, also known as “boba.” These pearls are made from starch extracted from cassava roots. They are cooked until they develop a soft, slightly sticky, and pleasantly chewy texture.

Combining the tea, milk, and tapioca pearls creates a unique and captivating drinking experience. The smooth, creamy tea contrasts beautifully with the satisfying chewiness of the tapioca pearls, making each sip a delightful sensory adventure.

While the core ingredients are consistent, bubble tea can be customized and enhanced with additional flavors and toppings. Some popular variations include fruit-flavored syrups, coffee jelly, ice cream, and fruit-based toppings.

How to make bubble tea

Love bubble tea and want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home? Making bubble tea is a fun and straightforward process you can easily master. With a few essential ingredients and simple equipment, you can create customized combinations and try out new flavors and variations.

Ingredients

Try this easy bubble tea recipe to get started. You will need the following ingredients:

• Tea bags or loose-leaf tea: 2-3 teaspoons
• Tapioca pearls: 1/4 cup
• Milk (or non-dairy alternative): 1/4 cup
• Sugar or honey: 1-2 teaspoons
• Flavorings (optional): As desired

For equipment, you will need a pot to boil water and cook the tapioca pearls, a strainer to drain the pearls, and a cocktail shaker or blender to mix the ingredients.

Homemade bubble tea

To make your homemade bubble tea, follow these easy steps:

• Boil 2 cups of water in a pot and add the tapioca pearls. Cook them for about 15 minutes or until they are soft and chewy. Once done, drain the pearls using a strainer and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.
• Boil another 1 cup of water and add the tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Steep for 3-5 minutes and remove the tea. Add sugar or honey and flavorings as desired, and stir to dissolve.
• Add the tea mixture, milk, and tapioca pearls into a cocktail shaker or blender. Shake or blend until well-mixed and frothy.
• Pour the mixture into a tall glass and add ice. Serve with a wide straw, and enjoy!

Experiment with different tea types, flavors, and textures to create your own unique blends. You can also adjust the sweetness and milkiness of the drink according to your preference. Making bubble tea at home is a great way to enjoy your favorite beverage and get creative in the kitchen.