On a visit to Taiwan, you’re sure to come across bubble tea shops on almost every corner. Bubble tea is to Taiwan what coffee is to most. It’s a refreshing, tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the 80s. It uses tapioca pearls and is made with fresh fruit, milk and crushed ice to create a healthy milk shake.
And, just like in Taiwan, bubble tea shops are popping up all over the world – also right here at home.
RECIPE
Want to make your own bubble tea? Here’s how:
INGREDIENTS:
Tea (Black/ Green/ Rooibos)
Milk or cream
Sugar
Tapioca pearls
METHOD:
Brew Tea, Cook the Tapioca pearls (1 part tapioca to 8 parts boiling water), boil for 40 minutes, cover and let it sit for 15 minutes. Strain and rinse cooked tapioca with cold water. Sprinkle with sugar.
Add 3/4 cup of tea to shaker with 2 tablespoons of cream or 50ml milk with ice and sugar to preference. Shake vigorously.
Strain over cooked tapioca pearls
Bubble Tea ingredients and products can be bought online via bubbleteashoponline.co.za
Here are three local spots promoting the Taiwanese tea:
1. Happy Me
Happy Me allows you to make your own unique tea, choosing from its home-brewed tea bases and adding a range of delicious extras. Happy Me shops are located in Potchefstroom, Greenside, Menlyn, Lonehill, Fourways, Bedfordview and the Joburg city centre.
2. Coco Fresh Tea & Juice
With over 2 000 stores worldwide, Coco Fresh Tea & Juice can also be found in Joburg at the good ol’ Cresta and Clearwater malls.
3. The Bubble Tea Company
The Bubble Tea Company was the first to bring the drink to our shores. Since its debut in Cape Town in 2012, it has established stores nationwide, but also supplies cafés. Its best-selling flavours are mango, passion fruit, green apple yogurt, pina colada and mixed berries.
ALSO READ: SA gets its first dedicated tea bar