What is bubble tea?

Bubble tea originates from Taiwan , a small island located in Southeast Asia. It is said that bubble tea was a chance invention by a small vendor outside of a school.  Tapioca had long been a traditional dessert, so he added tapioca balls to shaken iced tea to attract students and it became an instant success. This new beverage concept had become wildly popular and quickly spread throughout the island and subsequently, the Asian community around the world. 

There's always been a misconception about bubble tea:  Many people mistook the term bubble to the tapioca balls on the bottom of the cup.  However, “bubble” really refers to the bubble foam on the top of the tea after the tea is vigorously shaken to enhance its flavor. 

Boba, also known as tapioca pearls or tapioca balls, is derived from the starch of the cassava root. When cooked perfectly, Boba becomes a sweet chewy ball with a gummy-bear like texture about 1/4 of an inch in diameter. The dark coloring is natural for unbleached tapioca. 

Boba is chewy, almost like gummy bears, but softer.  It can be added to any drink: tea latte, iced tea, coolers, and shakes. When boba is added to a drink, it adds a texture that is a fun twist to the drink.

Because the size of the tapioca pearls is larger than your typical straws, bubble tea drinks usually come with fat straws to allow the bubbles to travel through. 

In addition to pearls, we offer 8 varieties of jellies: mango, green apple, lychee, pineapple, coffee, strawberry, passion fruit, and tri-color (strawberry, coconut, and passion fruit).  They are made of either carrageenan or agar-agar (seaweed-based), and are vegan-friendly.

Come experience the fun of creating your own custom drink at The Tea Garden!

 

 

The Tea Garden has four “categories” of bubble tea.

Fruit teas come with your choice of green (jasmine) or black tea, shaken in a cocktail shaker with your choice of fruit concentrates. Served hot or on ice.	Tea lattes also come with your choice of green or black tea, shaken or blended with your choice of fruit concentrates or flavors such as cappuccino, coffee, chocolate, etc, plus non-dairy cream is added to give the drink a smooth, creamy taste. Served hot or on ice.	Coolers are icy fruit slushes.  Ice blended with fruit concentrates or flavors.	Shakes are creamy smoothies.  Ice blended with concentrates or flavors, plus non-dairy cream to give the drink a smooth, creamy taste.