ABOUT BOBA

Commonly called bubble tea (手摇杯), Taiwan is the undisputed boba capital of the world. “Boba” can refer to either a broad category of chunky drinks, or black tapioca pearls themselves. Monikers differ by location, but in its most basic form, the drink consists of black tea, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls. The pearls themselves are made from tapioca starch balls cooked in brown sugar water.

 

Since its beginnings, the basic tapioca iced tea recipe has evolved into an entire genre of drinks. Milks can range from whole and skim to nondairy substitutes, and the pearls can be fat, small, square-shaped, red, or crystal clear. Instagram has even started seeping into Taiwanese culture - and a new breed of shop has begun offering more elaborate drinks with a focus on aesthetics.