You've probably had tea.
Maybe even tapioca pudding.
Who thought of combining the two? Well, minus the pudding. Many cultures enjoy gelatinous desserts, so why not add tapioca pearls to your drink of choice? I still remember my first bubble tea ... strawberry juice. Yes, bubble tea is more often than not made with a beverage other than tea. Juices, smoothies, iced teas and coffee normally are the choices. My current favorite, thanks to my sister, is the taro smoothie. If you don't get weirded out by the lilac color, you will enjoy a treat very similar to cookies and cream ice cream.
Bubble tea is a very simple concept. Unfortunately, some shops do not handle it very well. Please do not be discouraged if you have a bad bubble tea experience! Here are a few tips to know you have a tasty treat!
1) The most official bubble teas come from cafes that only sell bubble teas. They know what they are doing, especially with their machine that seals your cup until you are ready to enjoy.
2) Restaurants have potential to make amazing bubble tea. Just be wary if not given the choice between iced or smoothie. I remember ordering a strawberry bubble tea, expecting iced juice, and received a smoothie that was probably made with Nesquik powder. I still shudder at the thought.
3) Though the drink is important, the bubbles cannot be forgotten. They should be cooked thoroughly, remaining chewy but not doughy in the center. Also, the tapioca pearls need to be sweetened, either with sugar syrup or honey. If not, they are tasteless despite the drink added.
I hope these tips allow bubble tea to become your new favorite treat!
