Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea is a very popular beverage in the world, especially amongst Asian communities and any community that has a significant Asian population that intermingles with other communities (such as Canadian and American cities).  The drink features a tea or another beverage choice, generally with “bubbles” or “boba” at the bottom, which are candies made into pearls from tapioca.  The beverage tends to be a cold or hot drink, a tea, a coffee, or a smoothie or milkshake.  It comes with a larger straw to drink the beverage and take in the “bubbles” through the straw.  My personal favourite flavors are Taro, Watermelon, Strawberry, or Iced Coffee.  Some also feature a choice of adding Coconut Jelly or Grass Jelly.

The drink was invented in tea shops in Taiwan and its popularity spread like wildfire across Asian communities and multicultural communities with significant Asian populations.  The name comes from “boba” which means large breasts and in Hong Kong it is called “pearl tea” due to the pearl like tapioca bubble candies within it.

Personally I recommend this drink and if you drink alcohol, it tastes pretty good with vodka or whiskey.  Great for the summertime and relaxing with friends.  I will feature some recipes when I find a good one!