Taiwan Bubble Tea: Origins, How to Order, & Where to Buy

Bubble tea, originating from Taiwan, blends tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls (bubble or boba), offering a deliciously unique and enjoyable drink.

What is Bubble Tea?

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea or pearl milk tea, is a popular Taiwanese drink that has taken the world by storm. Originally from Taiwan, this refreshing beverage typically consists of tea, milk, sweetener, and chewy tapioca pearls. Some may even include other toppings such as pudding and jellies.

The drink comes in many variations and flavors, from classic black milk tea to fruity or creamy blends. The most distinctive feature of bubble tea is its texture—the combination of smooth, flavorful tea and soft, bouncy tapioca pearls creates a unique and satisfying experience. Whether served iced or hot, bubble tea offers a delightful mix of sweetness and chewiness, making it an irresistible treat for tea lovers everywhere!

Where Does Boba Come From: the Origin

Bubble tea is one of Taiwan’s most iconic drinks, but its origin story is still up for debate. Two main versions claim to be the first to invent this beloved drink—one from Chun Shui Tang in Taichung and another from Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan.

Chun Shui Tang

Bubble tea got its start in Taiwan in the early 1980s as a fun twist on traditional tea. At Chun Shui Tang in Taichung, owner Liu Han-Chieh introduced cold tea, and in 1988, Lin Hsiu Hui took it up a notch by adding chewy tapioca pearls. The result? A game-changing drink that quickly won hearts in Taiwan and beyond!

Hanlin Tea Room

Some say the first bubble tea came from the Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan. In 1986, owner Tu Tsong-He, inspired by a local snack, added white tapioca pearls to milk tea—creating what he called "pearl milk tea" in Taiwan.

Though its exact origin remains debated, bubble tea has evolved into countless variations in Taiwan, inspiring a global trend and becoming a symbol of Taiwanese culinary creativity.

How to Order the Bubble Tea You Want

Ordering a boba drink can feel like an adventure with so many options to choose from, but don’t worry! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll know how to make your ideal bubble tea with ease, no matter what you're craving!

Step 1: Choose a Drink Type

Begin by selecting your base tea. The tea options can generally be divided into three categories: pure tea, milk tea, and fruit tea. Here’s a quick breakdown of each category and the options available:

Pure Tea

These teas offer distinct, refreshing flavors to suit a variety of tastes:

• Black Tea: Bold and rich with a slightly sweet aftertaste, perfect for those who enjoy a strong, classic flavor. Recommended for traditional tea lovers.

• Green Tea: Light, refreshing, and mildly grassy, this tea is ideal for a clean, subtle taste. Great if you're looking for something light and refreshing.

• Oolong Tea: A balanced mix of black and green tea, slightly floral and aromatic. Perfect for those who want a bit of complexity in their tea.

• Matcha: Smooth and earthy, made from powdered green tea leaves, offering a vibrant flavor. Ideal for matcha enthusiasts or those looking for something unique.

• Pu-erh Tea: Deep and earthy, with a fermented richness that adds depth. Perfect if you enjoy strong, fermented flavors.

Milk Tea

These are pure teas combined with fresh milk or non-dairy creamer for a creamy, smooth texture. Fresh milk is typically more expensive but is considered a healthier choice. Common options include:

• Classic Milk Tea: A perfect blend of bold black tea and creamy milk, offering a smooth and comforting flavor. Highly recommended for first-time drinkers or those who love traditional milk tea.

• Matcha Milk Tea: Creamy with a slightly bitter matcha flavor, balanced by the sweetness of milk. Great for matcha fans looking for a creamy twist.

• Taro Milk Tea: Sweet and earthy, made from taro root and milk, giving a smooth, velvety texture. Recommended for those who enjoy a rich, dessert-like drink.

Fruit Tea

Fruit teas combine refreshing tea with vibrant, fruity flavors for a sweet and tangy experience:

• Mango: Sweet, tropical, and refreshing, offering a taste of summer in every sip. Perfect for those who love tropical fruits.

• Coconut: Creamy with a hint of coconut flavor, offering a mellow, sweet experience. A great option for coconut lovers.

• Orange: Bright and citrusy, delivering a zesty and refreshing kick. Ideal if you're craving something tangy and refreshing.

• Strawberry: Sweet and fruity with a refreshing berry taste. A classic, perfect for fruit lovers.

• Passion Fruit: Tangy, with a tropical punch that adds a deliciously zesty flavor. Recommended for those who love a burst of tanginess.

• Pineapple: Sweet and slightly tart, with the refreshing taste of pineapple. Perfect for those looking for a fruity, tropical drink.

If you’re unsure where to start, the Black Sugar Pearl Milk Tea is always a safe and classic choice—rich, sweet, and full of chewy boba goodness!

Step 2: Choose Your Bobas

Now, let's select the star of your drink—the boba! You can either go for the classic or the popping boba.

Known for their chewy, bouncy texture, these classic pearls come in a variety of flavors. Some even come with a unique, dashing look! Here are some iconic options:

• Brown Sugar Boba –Infused with rich, caramelized brown sugar, offering a deep, sweet flavor.

• Honey Boba – Made with real honey, these golden pearls provide a fragrant, natural sweetness.

• Panda Boba – A fun, black-and-white boba inspired by pandas, bringing a playful touch to your drink.

• Christmas Boba – A festive blend of matcha and cactus, offering a rich, earthy, and subtly sweet taste.

• Chrysanthemum Boba – Infused with the delicate floral essence of chrysanthemum, this boba offers a soothing and aromatic experience.

For an exciting twist, try popping boba! These pearls burst with flavorful juices when bitten. Popular choices include:

• Lychee Popping Boba: Offers a sweet, floral burst reminiscent of fresh lychee.

• Mango Popping Boba: Delivers a tropical explosion of ripe mango flavor.

• Strawberry Popping Boba: Provides a tangy-sweet pop of strawberry goodness.

• Apple Boba – A refreshing blend of sweet and tart apple flavors, creating a perfectly balanced taste.

Step 3: Choose Sweetness and Ice Level

Here is the important step: adjust your drink’s sweetness and ice levels to your liking. In Taiwan, bubble tea shops offer a range of options to suit different tastes:

Sweetness Levels:

• No Sugar (0%) – No added sweetness, great for those avoiding sugar.

• Light Sugar (30%) – Slightly sweet, offering just a hint of flavor.

• Half Sugar (50%) – A balanced sweetness, not too light or too strong.

• Less Sugar (70%) – A bit sweeter, but not overwhelming.

• Full Sugar (100%) – The standard level, giving the drink its full intended flavor.

Ice Levels:

• No Ice – The drink is chilled but without ice cubes.

• Light Ice – A small amount of ice to keep it cold but not dilute the flavor.

• Less Ice – Moderate ice, keeping it cool while maintaining the drink’s taste.

• Regular Ice – The standard amount, perfect for hot weather.

• Extra Ice – For those who like their drinks extra refreshing.

In general, people in northern Taiwan prefer less sugar, while southern Taiwan consumers tend to enjoy sweeter and colder drinks. If you’re new to boba, starting with half sugar and less ice is a great way to experience a balanced flavor without it being too sweet or watered down!

Step 4: Choose a Drink Size

Next, decide on the size of your drink. Most bubble tea shops offer medium and large sizes. Consider how much of this delicious beverage you want to enjoy. A medium is perfect for a quick refreshment, while a large size is great for sharing or savoring longer.

Step 5: Get a Number and Wait for Your Drinks

After placing your order, you'll receive a number—hold onto it! Boba tea is made fresh to order, ensuring the best taste and quality.

Since ingredients like tea, milk, and boba pearls are prepared on the spot, it may take a few minutes before your number is called. Simply wait until your number appears on the screen or is announced by staff, then pick up your drink and enjoy!

If you ordered a customized drink with special adjustments, it might take a little longer, but the fresh, delicious taste is always worth the wait.

Where to Buy Authentic Taiwan Boba Tea?

Of course, the best place to enjoy authentic bubble tea is Taiwan—the birthplace of this iconic drink! The island is home to countless tea shops, each offering unique flavors and specialty drinks. Here are some must-try spots:

Sprino Tea

Originating in Kaohsiung, Sprino Tea is known for its innovative and visually appealing beverages. Their signature cheese series features tea topped with a lightly salty cheese foam that enhances its sweetness. Their fruit teas combine fresh fruit flavors with premium teas for a refreshing, balanced taste.

White Alley

Founded in Chiayi, White Alley is best known for its cheese cream series, featuring a rich, savory cheese foam that pairs perfectly with tea. Their diverse menu includes popular drinks like Pitaya Yakult, Mango Pomelo Sago, and Full Cup of Fruit Tea, all crafted using fresh, high-quality ingredients. One of the top-selling drinks is the Fresh Orange Green Tea—the balance of sweet and sour is just perfect. Even if you’re not a fan of sour drinks, this one is super refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.

Dejeng - OOLONG TEA PROJECT

Specializing in high-quality oolong tea, Dejeng offers three roasting levels—Spring Oolong, Light Oolong, and Roasted Oolong—catering to a variety of taste preferences. With its minimalist blue-and-white decor, the shop creates a fresh, modern ambiance that attracts young customers who appreciate authentic tea craftsmanship. If you're trying their milk tea for the first time, the Light Oolong Fresh Milk is a great choice. Unlike the roasted version, which can be slightly bitter, the light oolong is smooth and fragrant, blending perfectly with fresh milk for a well-balanced, refreshing drink.

TaoTao Tea

Established in 2018, TaoTao Tea blends British aesthetics with Eastern tea culture, offering a refined and innovative tea experience. Their signature Snow Dew topping, a low-calorie agar-based alternative to pearls, adds texture without extra sugar. Popular drinks like English Fruit Tea and Creamy Peach Tea highlight their commitment to quality and creativity.

A favorite among regulars is the Rose Series, known for its delicate floral aroma and smooth taste. If you love milk tea with layered flavors, this one is a must-try. There's even an urban legend that drinking rose tea helps with digestion—pretty wild!

Onezo

Onezo stands out in the bubble tea scene by being the first brand to craft fresh, handmade boba pearls in-store, offering a unique and delightful texture in every sip. Their signature drink, the Brown Sugar Dirty Milk, combines creamy milk with rich brown sugar syrup and freshly made boba, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. What many people miss is their Taro Milk Tea with the taro-infused boba. The combination of the earthy taro flavor and the chewy, freshly made boba was just exceptional.

How Bobas Are Made? Onezo Has the Best Handmade Boba!

Boba, or tapioca pearls, are made from tapioca starch, derived from the cassava root. The process begins by mixing the starch with boiling water to create a dough. This dough is then rolled into long strips, cut into small pieces, and shaped into round pearls.

Once formed, the pearls are boiled until they float, signaling they’re fully cooked. To enhance their flavor and texture, they’re simmered in rich brown sugar syrup, giving them a deep caramel taste and dark color. The result is a perfectly chewy and slightly sweet pearl, ideal for pairing with bubble tea and other desserts.

While many bubble tea shops use mass-produced pearls, Onezo takes boba to the next level with its handmade approach. If you’ve never tried fresh, handmade boba before, you're truly missing out. From the very first sip, you'll notice the difference—these pearls are incredibly soft, chewy, and bursting with a rich caramel-like sweetness from the brown sugar syrup. Unlike the usual store-bought boba, which can sometimes be too hard or bland, Onezo’s handmade pearls have the perfect texture and flavor in every bite.

What makes it even more special is seeing them made fresh on-site. Watching the tapioca dough being kneaded, rolled, and shaped into pearls before being cooked to perfection adds to the experience. It’s a level of craftsmanship that sets Onezo apart. If you're a bubble tea lover, you need to try Onezo’s handmade boba—it’s a game-changer!

Join Onezo and Share the Love for Authentic Taiwan Bubble Tea!

Bubble tea lovers, look no further! Onezo, a renowned brand for bubble tea from Taiwan established in 2015, is your go-to destination for an authentic boba tea experience. We are proud to be the first cafe in the world to make our own boba in-store, ensuring the freshest boba drinks for our customers. Each cup of our bubble tea is crafted with the same passion and quality that made this drink a global sensation.

With branches all across the US, including California and Texas, we offer a wide variety of flavors and toppings, developed through our creativity and dedication to excellence. Visit one of our many locations to find your ideal drink and experience the Onezo bubble tea spirit firsthand now. 

Not only can you enjoy our exceptional bubble tea, but you can also join the Onezo family by opening your own franchise. If you're interested in bringing this beloved beverage to your community, contact us via our franchise consulting form and take the first step towards joining a brand dedicated to delivering the best bubble tea experience.

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