You may think that the grande-sugar-free-nonfat-half-caf-extra-shot-caramel-macchiato-blah-blah-blah-with-no-whipped-cream coffee fad is taking the world by storm, but coming from Asia there is a new contender that is fast sweeping across the sea into the US. Bubble Tea—otherwise known as boba, pearl tea, milk tea, or other names—is in many ways part drink, part snack and part dessert, and all fun!

Boba Beginnings

Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980’s and over the past 10 years has migrated to China, Canada, New York City and then to the west coast. Rumor has it that after featured in a Taiwanese TV show, the bizarre drink became an instant hit. You can now find a Bubble Tea café on almost every corner in Asian cities, and they are springing up in US cities as well.

So what is it?!

The Boba experience is made up of big black balls of chewy tapioca, which are about the size of small marbles. They sink to the bottom of your cup, and the tea is usually served with a large straw to suck them up with. They have a gummy consistency which adds a unique texture to any drink. Sometimes the drink is made with fresh fruits, milk, and crushed ice to create a healthy milk shake. You can also find drinks that are made of powdered flavoring, creamer, water. And if you like it like the Asians do, the cool drink usually includes a healthy tea, infused by a flavoring.

At Higher Groundz

The beauty of Bubble Tea is it’s versaltility. At Higher Groundz we offer Boba in any drink for fifty cents, but also offer a small menu of drinks that we recommend that pair the best with these unique pearls. A lot of people claim that is is a drink that you’ll either love or hate; but either way we encourage you to give this fad a shot and let us know what you think.

Use the comment form below to let others know what you think, or what flavors you’d like us to ad here at Higher Groundz.