Who invented bubble tea?

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. Its emergence added diversity to Taiwan’s tea-drinking culture and quickly gained popularity both domestically and internationally. The specific inventor of bubble tea is commonly believed to be Chun Shui Tang. It is said that they added tapioca pearls to tea, creating the iconic beverage we know today.

Another claim attributes the invention to Hanlin Tea House. Both claimants added tapioca pearls to their drinks, but there was no conclusive determination, even after legal proceedings.

In Taiwan, there are many terms used to refer to bubble tea, and it holds various meanings.

Some alternate names include hand-shaken drink, pearl milk tea, and boba milk tea.

Similar to English terminology, bubble tea is known as “Boba tea” or “Pearl tea.” It has multiple names not only in Taiwan but also internationally. In Taiwan, it’s common to see people enjoying bubble tea at gatherings, and the drink has evolved over the years to offer healthier options with customizable ice levels, sweetness, and even using fresh milk instead of tea.

Bubble tea pearls are made from starch, typically a combination of water, cassava flour, and sugar. Over the years, variations have emerged, such as using different ingredients like konjac or agar to provide a chewy texture.

Some might wonder why bubble tea from certain shops tastes sweet even when ordered sugar-free. This is because the pearls are often cooked with a significant amount of sugar during the preparation process. Boiling them in plain water might result in less flavorful pearls.

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