TAICHUNG IS THE HOME OF BUBBLE TEA

Taichung City – Taiwan’s second largest city – is the home of the world-famous original Bubble Tea Shop!

Bubble Tea is also known as Bobo Tea or Pearl Tea and it has become a worldwide phenomenon.

The creation of bubble tea is credited to Lin Hsiu Hui, a teahouse owner in Taichung, Taiwan.

Bubble Tea is now so popular you’ll find Bubble Tea Shops all over the world.

But the original teahouse is Chun Shui Tang (春水堂) in downtown Taichung City!

Table Of Contents:

WHAT EXACTLY IS BUBBLE TEA?

The story goes that Lin Hsiu Hui was inspired to add tapioca pearls to her iced tea after observing the popularity of Japanese desserts with small chewy pearls.

The term “bubble tea” is said to have originated from the bubbles that are created when the tea is shaken or stirred vigorously, producing a frothy layer on top.

A sign inside the shop properly explains the “unexpected” story of Bubble Tea in Taichung.

I particularly love that the clash and shaking of bubble tea “symbolizes the clash and fusion of the old and new cultures“.

In 1983, bubble black tea ended the dominance of traditional Chinese tea and has since taken the world by storm. Pearl milk tea is the result of unexpected combination of tapioca balls (pearls) and milk tea. The collision of ice cubes during the shaking process symbolizes the clash and fusion of the old and new cultures.

In the “Pearl Milk Tea DIY” section, you will use more than just your hands. While making the pearl tea, you will need to observe with your eyes and ears, smell the fragrance, taste the taste, get your whole body and mind in the process and of course, shake with your hands.
Chun Shui Tan Tea Shop

Tea Shop Menu - Taichung — Bubble Tea Menu

TABIOCA PEARLS

The original bubble tea recipe consisted of black tea, condensed milk, syrup, and large tapioca pearls.

Its unique combination of flavours, textures, and the fun element of chewing on tapioca pearls, has contributed to its widespread appeal.

According to the Oxford Learning Dictionary – Bubble Tea (noun) is a Taiwanese cold drink made with tea, sweetened milk or other flavourings, and balls or ‘pearls’ of tapioca.

Which also explains why is sometimes known as Pearl Tea.

Wikipedia explains Bubble Tea as: also known as pearl milk tea, bubble milk tea, tapioca milk tea, boba tea, or boba – is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s.

I’d actually never tried bubble tea myself, at this point in time.

But from travelling extensively, I can say I’d absolutely heard of it.

Drinking Bubble Tea The Backpacking Housewife Taiwan

MILKING IT!

Not only has bubble tea gripped countries throughout the whole of Asia but it has since become a worldwide obsession – not to mention a billion-dollar industry.

And to think that it all began here in Taichung City at the Chun Shui Tan Tea Shop.

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to the tea shop where it was invented and try it from the original source!

My verdict?

Well, you’ll have to watch my video!

TAIWAN TRAVEL: The original Bubble Tea shop in Taichung! #bubbleteashop #taiwan #taichung

Watch this video on YouTube

The Original Bubble Tea Shop in Taichung Taiwan

STEEPED IN SUCCESS

In the 1990s, bubble tea started to make its way to other Asian countries and later to North America.

Its popularity continued to grow globally, and the drink underwent various adaptations and innovations, with different flavours, toppings, and types of tea being introduced.

Today, bubble tea is enjoyed by people all over the world, and it has become a symbol of Taiwanese culinary culture.

The success of bubble tea has also led to the establishment of countless bubble tea shops globally, offering a wide range of variations to cater to diverse tastes.

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice – the world’s largest bubble tea chain, says: “The visually appealing nature of bubble tea and sharing these experiences on social media has contributed to bubble tea’s popularity, making it a sought-after beverage.”

CHAI CHING!

World Tea News reports – and I quote: “Globally, the bubble tea market has grown to be a multibillion-dollar business, and the market is expected to increase as a result of factors such as rising consumer demand, new product development, globalization, and the growing interest in Asian food and drinks”.

1999ShareTea.Com reports – and I quote: “the bubble tea market has reached a value of as much as $2.4 billion. Moreover, all indications are that the market will reach $3.6 billion by 2028”.

BUBBLES ON THE RISE?

TheHustle.Co tells us – and I quote (loving the brewing and popping references here!): “Bubble tea is brewing up serious profits in the US and has been the hottest tea trend in America over the last decade. This is one craze that doesn’t appear to be at risk of popping anytime soon.”

BUBBLE TEA KITS

And, there’s no need to rush to Google ‘a bubble tea shop near me’ because you can now make Bubble Tea at home using shop bought Bubble Tea Kits. Yay!

Please note my link to this kit (see above) on Amazon Dotcom is via an affiliate link which means if you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

BUBBLE TEA RECIPE

If you don’t want to make your bubble tea from a kit then these are the ingredients and methods in making your own bubble tea.

Base Tea: Bubble tea typically starts with a base tea, which can be black tea, green tea, oolong tea, or other flavoured teas.

The choice of tea can affect the overall taste of the drink.

Milk: Many variations of bubble tea include milk, which adds creaminess to the beverage.

Common milk options include regular milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and soy milk.

Sweetener: Sweeteners are often added to bubble tea to enhance its flavour. Sugar syrup, honey, or other sweeteners may be used.

The level of sweetness can usually be customized to suit individual preferences.

Tapioca Pearls (Boba): One of the defining features of bubble tea is the addition of chewy tapioca pearls, often referred to as boba.

These are small, black, spherical balls made from tapioca starch.

They are usually cooked until they achieve a chewy consistency and are added to the bottom of the drink.

BUBBLE TEA FLAVOURS

Pearl Tea comes in a variety of flavours — Pearl Tea in a variety of flavours

Popular Flavours: Bubble tea comes in a wide variety of flavours to suit different tastes include classic milk tea, taro, matcha, fruit teas, and more.

The versatility of bubble tea has led to the creation of countless creative and unique flavour combinations.

In addition to tapioca pearls, bubble tea can include various toppings such as fruit jellies, puddings, aloe vera cubes, or even ice cream.

These toppings add additional textures and flavours to the drink.

Shaking or Stirring: After the ingredients are combined, the drink is often shaken or stirred vigorously to create bubbles and froth, giving it the characteristic “bubble” name.

Cup and Straw: Bubble tea is typically served in a plastic or glass cup with a sealed lid and a wide straw. The straw is designed to be large enough to allow the tapioca pearls to be sucked up along with the liquid.

If you are visiting Taiwan and heading down to Explore Taichung, I recommend making a bubble tea pilgrimage to the original tea shop of Chun Shui Tang (春水堂) in Taichung City.