HAVE you noticed bubble tea shops popping up in your neighbourhood, with hoards of people queuing up outside, and asked yourself what all the fuss is about? This article explores what makes the beverage so popular and where you can find it in your area.

Where did bubble tea originate?

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea or pearl milk tea, is a traditional Taiwanese drink and has been a popular drink in Asian countries since the 80s. This often technicoloured drink is based on a Taiwanese recipe of blending a hot or cold tea base with the choice of milk, fruit and fruit juices, then adding the signature ‘bubbles’ – soft and chewy tapioca pearls that sit at the bottom. Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root that is gluten-free and quite bland in flavour, but great in texture.

Bubble tea is served in transparent cups with a fat straw so that you can draw up the tapioca balls – also known as ‘pearls’ or ’boba’ and chew them as you swallow the tea. The ’bubble’ in the name refers to both the tapioca balls and the many bubbles created by the shaking involved in the blending process.

Somewhere between a fancy beverage and a snack, this crazy concoction has formed a large part of youth culture today, thanks to its variety of colours, flavours and textures.

Where to find bubble tea in Durban (Berea)

Ben’s Bubble Tea

Founded in 2021, Ben’s Bubble Tea is available in provinces and cities across South Africa. The Durban branch is located at 38 Problem Mkhize Road in Essenwood, Berea.

Bobar Gourmet Bubble Tea

Bobar is a trendsetting tea bar that was established in Durban. The local spot has a wide selection of bubble tea in a variety of flavours. Bobar Gourmet Bubble Tea is located at 295 Florida Road, Windermere.

Cool Tea

Cool Tea is located at 257 Florida Road and serves a delicious selection of bubble tea drinks.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.