Bubble tea is a very fun and popular drink. It typically blends tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. These unique pearls are also known as boba. The drink first appeared in Taiwan during the 1980s. It quickly spread worldwide, especially in East Asian communities.
You can choose bubble tea with or without milk. Common tea bases are black, green, or oolong. Other toppings include grass jelly, aloe vera, or popping boba. Popping boba are small spheres filled with fruit juice. The first version was likely hot black tea with tapioca, condensed milk, and sweet syrup. Today, bubble tea is almost always served cold. Shops seal cups using a machine, and you use a thick straw.
There are two main stories about its invention. One says a manager created it during a meeting in 1988. Another suggests a tea room owner found inspiration in 1986. Bubble tea exploded in popularity across Asia in the 1990s, with people waiting in long lines. Taiwan even celebrates a special National Bubble Tea Day. In China, buying it for someone is a friendly thank you.
