The Creation of Bubble Tea

It is also known as pearl milk tea or boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. It is believed that the original creator was a tea shop owner in Tainan named Liu Han-Chieh. Liu started experimenting with adding tapioca pearls or "boba" to drinks made with tea, fruit juice or milk. These tapioca pearls are made from cassava root starch and give a soft, chewy texture when consumed. It quickly gained popularity in Taiwan and later spread throughout Asia and worldwide.

The Rise of Shops

By the 1990s, its shops were common sights in Taiwanese cities. Popular chains emerged, making it easier than ever for people to grab a sugar-filled for a pick-me-up. As Taiwanese immigrants travelled further abroad, they brought their love of it with them. Its shops cropped up wherever there was a Taiwanese diaspora, from California to Canada to Hong Kong to Australia. Expat Taiwanese ensured it remained a nostalgic link to home, even thousands of miles away. Bubble Tea became Asia's most successful food and beverage export of the late 20th century.

Creativity Explodes the Menu Options

Originally, it was served with a very simple black or green tea base combined with chewy tapioca pearls. Over the decades, creativity exploded and customized options became the norm. Fruit flavors like mango, strawberry and lychee are now common. Milk is often added to create refreshing and sweet "pearl milk teas." Coconuts, coffee, chocolate, and other flavors have joined the repertoire. Toppings range from puddings and popping boba to fresh fruits. Customers can now design totally unique drinks pairing their favorite ingredients. This experimentation has ensured it remains exciting and attracts new generations of drinkers.

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