From Taiwan's tea shops to a global phenomenon
Bubble tea, also called boba tea or pearl milk tea, originated in Taiwan during the 1980s. The exact story is debated, but two tea shops claim to have invented the beverage.
Chun Shui Tang teahouse in Taichung claims their product manager, Lin Hsiu Hui, created the first bubble tea in 1988 by adding tapioca pearls to her iced tea on a whim.
Meanwhile, Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan says they invented it earlier, inspired by white tapioca pearls he saw that reminded them of pearls.
Throughout the 1990s, bubble tea evolved. What started as a simple milk tea with tapioca pearls expanded to a bunch of variations.
Tea shops experimented with different tea bases, from traditional black and green teas to oolong and jasmine. Fruit flavors were introduced, creating refreshing alternatives to the original milk tea.
The tapioca pearls were transformed, and shops came out with different sizes, colors, and even flavors. Some shops introduced popping boba, which was filled with fruit juice.
The early 2000s saw bubble tea's expansion beyond Taiwan's borders. The drink first gained popularity in other Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Taiwanese immigrants and entrepreneurs brought bubble tea to North America, Australia, and Europe. Cities with large Asian populations became early adopters.
The 2010s was a significant turning point because bubble tea chains opened in mainstream locations, introducing the drink to a broader audience.
Today's bubble tea industry continues to innovate with ingredients, preparations, and creativity. Social media has played a large role in popularizing photogenic drinks.
Modern shops offer many customizations including: ice levels, sweetness levels, types of toppings, and milk varieties. Technology has also entered the space with app-based ordering and automatic cup sealing systems.
The global bubble tea market is worth billions of dollars, with major chains expanding internationally and local shops thriving in communities worldwide.
First bubble tea created in Taiwanese tea shops
Fruit flavors and different toppings were introduced
Bubble tea spread throughout Asia
Boba became mainstream in Western countries
Rising use of tech in tea shops