What is Boba ?
A drink of many names, bubble tea is also fondly known as boba tea or black pearl tea. Bubble tea reputedly gained its name as the drink forms bubbles when it is shaken up. Another theory is that the drink was named after the tapioca balls resembling bubbles at the bottom of the drink and served with an oversized straw. This sweet and refreshing iced drink can be made with any tea. The only prerequisite is that the bottom half of the cup is packed with jellylike pearls, or bubbles. Meanwhile, the chewy tapioca balls that typically come in a black color (which result from the addition of brown sugar and caramel in the ingredient mix) can also be found in white, transparent or other colors, depending on the ingredients they’re made with.
As it grew more widespread locally in Taiwan and abroad over time, bubble tea began to evolve. Fruit bubble tea using fruit powders and syrups in lieu of actual fruit was introduced; this changed later as the demand for fresh ingredients rose. The modern-day bubble tea is generally made in two forms: a fruity, iced tea, consisting of fresh fruit, tea and ice, or a smooth milkshake-like tea, made by combining tea, (sometimes) milk, powdered or liquid flavouring, creamer, water and ice.
The topping choices have also expanded beyond tapioca balls to include aloe, sago, grass jelly, almond jelly, popping boba and red beans, etc. Today, bubble tea shops offer many teas and flavours to satisfy adventurous palates. Popular flavours include strawberry, honeydew melon, apple, passion fruit, mango, lychee, taro.