A Sip Through Time: The History of Boba Tea
Let’s rewind to where it all began—Taiwan in the 1980s. A few inventive tea shop owners started dropping chewy tapioca pearls into iced milk tea. Customers loved the combo of creamy tea and gummy texture, and soon enough, boba tea was born.
Where Did Boba Tea Really Start?
Two shops often get credit for the first boba tea:
- Chun Shui Tang, known for cold milk tea
- Hanlin Tea Room, famous for adding tapioca pearls
Who was truly first? It’s still debated—but what’s certain is this fun, textural twist on tea quickly became a Taiwanese favorite.
Bubble Tea Takes Over the World
By the 1990s, boba tea had traveled far beyond Taiwan. It popped up in cities like Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Sydney, especially in communities with strong Asian roots. Younger customers embraced it for what it was: cool, fun, and totally customizable.
Over time, new variations appeared:
- Flavored milk teas like taro, Thai tea, and matcha
- Toppings like popping boba, jelly, pudding, and milk foam
- Blended and frozen versions for hot summer days
- Creative combos like fruit teas, Vietnamese coffee with boba, and more
Teapioca’s Take on a Global Favorite
At Teapioca Lounge, we love boba’s rich history—but we also love shaking things up. Our menu reflects both the traditional roots of boba and the fun modern twists that make it exciting today.
Popular picks from our menu include:
- Classic Milk Tea with Boba – A nod to the original
- Taro Milk Tea with Pudding – Creamy and sweet
- Strawberry Green Tea with Lychee Jelly – Refreshing and fruity
- Frappioca – Our frozen boba blend
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Tapioca Pearls – Rich and bold
- Matcha Milk Tea with Salted Milk Foam – Earthy meets savory
Plus, you can customize everything:
- Tea base (black, green, oolong, herbal)
- Sweetness and ice level
- Dairy or non-dairy milk
- Toppings like aloe vera, popping boba, and milk foams (including Taro Foam and Salted Foam)
Check out the full Teapioca menu
Bringing Tradition to Today
Boba tea might have humble beginnings, but it’s evolved into a worldwide obsession—and we’re here for it. At Teapioca, we pair top-quality tea with a customizable experience, so every sip tells your own flavor story.
And if you want more perks with your drinks:
- Join Teapioca Rewards to earn points
- Unlock Panda Treasures in-store
- Try our seasonal specials and rotating toppings
Sign up for Teapioca Rewards
Final Sip
So now you know the boba tea history—from a tiny tea shop in Taiwan to your favorite Teapioca Lounge. Whether you’re sipping something classic or trying the latest trend, you’re part of a global boba story.
Here’s to keeping the tradition alive—one chewy pearl at a time.