Bubble tea is  a popular choice among milk tea lovers. Cafes have crafted their own versions, including add-ons such as pudding and flavored gelatin. Despite the beverage's fame, many have no idea where and how they were first concocted. Learn more about its origins with these fun facts.

Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Bubble Tea

1. A Bored Manager in Taiwan Created It

It all started in the 1980s with Lin Hsiu Hui, a product development manager at Chun Shui Tang teahouse in Taiwan. She was sitting in a staff meeting, sipping iced Assam tea and eating sweetened tapioca. When she got bored, she decided to mix her dessert with her drink. The result tasted so good that the shop decided to include it on their menu, and it eventually became a bestseller.

2. It Has Many Names

You may have heard someone ordering boba tea or tapioca tea and wondered if these are different flavors. However, these are only variations of the term "bubble tea." Some use the names foam milk tea and momi milk tea. It is also called pearl milk tea, which is a translation of its Taiwanese name. All these terms refer to the same delicious tea with tapioca pearls, milk, and flavored syrups.

3. Its Name Doesn’t Refer to the Tapioca Pearls

The "bubble" in the name refers to the globules on top of the drink, not the chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom. The foam is created as the mixer combines the ice, tea, milk, and sugar. 

At the height of the drink's popularity, a shop owner decided to use 1/4-inch tapioca balls to make his beverage stand out. The pearls were three times bigger than the ones often used, and he called them “boba.”

Beat the heat with a refreshing bubble tea at Wave Tea in Honolulu, HI. With 10 years of experience, they serve a variety of drinks, including matcha and cheese tea, that use all-natural ingredients and locally sourced fruits. They also offer a relaxing atmosphere and free Wi-Fi, a perfect retreat for students and guests looking for a place to unwind. Check out their menu online, or learn more about their specials by calling (808) 591-8668.