Popping happy pearls in Fourways
FOURWAYS - A new taste sensation has just hit Fourways Mall in the form of bubble tea bar, Happy Me.
South African’s may not be familiar with the beverage trend that is bubble tea, but owner of Happy Me, Jan Roode explained that the beverage came from Asia and mixed together black and green teas, milk, tapioca and popping pearls which are little balls of liquid flavour. However, Happy Me’s exploration of beverages does not stop at bubble teas.
Roode explained that there were six base flavours which were dressed up. These are coffee, tea, yoghurt, vegetable, fruit and chocolate which is imported from Belgium. “Blending these bases with different flavours and textures creates a layered drinking experience,” Roode said. He launched his first beverage bar in Greenside and since then he’s opened branches in Eastgate, Rosebank and now Fourways.
Roode said because South African’s have ever-increasing concerns about health, Happy Me decided to also offer wholesome food. The bar started with their revolutionary ‘snow’ which consists of frozen flavoured water which is shaved, and mixed with fresh fruit and popping pearls. “The concept originated in Taiwan but is the first of its kind in South Africa,” Roode said. “It’s like frozen cotton candy.”
Happy Me also offers a range of mix and match salads, wraps and sandwiches made with gluten free bread. The bar’s other focus is on making quality coffee. “We based Happy Me on the Starbucks model and aim to make the brand the Starbucks of Africa,” Roode said.
