Bubble tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that has become wildly popular in recent years. It's the perfect combination of a drink and a dessert for any time of day. If you’ve never tried this treat before, find out more about its origins and flavors in the guide below.

How Bubble Tea Is Made

While a wide range of different drinks can be called bubble tea, what they all have in common is the addition of chewy pearls at the bottom of the cup. The name comes from the bubbles that form when the tea is shaken, not the pearls in the bottom of the cup. Boba tea, another name for the sweet beverage, comes from the Taiwanese slang term for the pearls.

The pearls are made from tapioca starch, which is extracted from cassava root. The marble-sized balls are boiled and kept in simple syrup, which makes them slightly sweet and retains their chewy texture.

The liquid base of boba tea is often tea-based, but not always. Other options include smoothies as well as fruit, coffee, and milk-based beverages.

Where Did It Come From?

There is no one origin story, although several rumors surround the invention of this popular beverage. It emerged in Taiwan in the 1980s where several tea companies claim they came up with the first boba tea blend. Lin Hsiu Hui, the product development manager of Chun Shui Tang teahouse in Taichung, is often given credit for the invention. Rumor has it that while sitting in a staff meeting, she poured her tapioca pudding into a glass of iced tea, inventing the first iteration of the now widely known beverage.

What Does It Taste Like?

The majority of the flavor comes from the drink itself, not the tapioca pearls. While the boba is slightly sweet, it’s added primarily for texture. The chewy pearls have a consistency similar to gummy candies, but a bit softer. The large straw provided allows you to chew the pearls as you drink, creating a unique and delicious combination of flavor and texture.

Whether you’re a bubble tea connoisseur or want to try your first cup, stop by Wave Tea in Honolulu for a delicious selection of beverages. With over 10 years of experience, this local hot spot is the place for visitors and locals alike to taste authentic, made-from-scratch bubble tea in flavors like milk, matcha, brown sugar tea, and various fruits. Check out all of the tasty offerings on their menu, or call them at (808) 591-8668 to inquire about the daily specials.