The Story of Boba Tea: How Taiwan's Favourite Drink Went Global

Boba tea , also known as bubble tea , has transformed from a local Taiwanese invention into a global craze. With its iconic chewy tapioca pearls and wide range of flavors, this beverage is now loved by people across the world. But how did it all begin, and what fueled its international success?

Where It All Began: Taiwan in the 1980s

The origins of boba tea trace back to Taiwan in the 1980s, though its invention is hotly debated. Two tea shops—Chun Shui Tang in Taichung and Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan—both claim to have created the drink that started a global trend.


Chun Shui Tang’s Claim to Fame

Chun Shui Tang founder Liu Han-Chieh was inspired by Japanese iced coffee and began serving cold tea. In 1988, during a staff meeting, product development manager Lin Hsiu Hui added tapioca pearls to iced tea—creating a new drink that quickly became popular.

Hanlin Tea Room’s Story

Meanwhile, Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan tells a different tale. Owner Tu Tsong-he noticed white tapioca pearls at a market and decided to try them in tea. This led to the creation of boba tea, which later evolved to include the now-standard black pearls.

From Local Treat to Nationwide Trend

Originally enjoyed by Taiwanese children and teenagers, boba tea quickly gained traction throughout Taiwan. As demand grew, so did the variety—fruit teas, milk teas, flavored jellies, and more were added to the mix.

Crossing Borders: Boba Goes Global

In the 1990s and early 2000s, boba tea began its journey beyond Taiwan, reaching China, Japan, and Hong Kong. Taiwanese immigrants introduced it to the U.S. and Europe, especially in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and London where Asian communities embraced it first.

Rise of Customization and Creativity

Modern boba shops allow endless customization—from tea bases and sugar levels to toppings like pudding, aloe vera, and popping boba. This versatility helped the drink appeal to a wide range of tastes around the world.

Boba and Social Media: A Perfect Match

Social media platforms played a major role in popularizing boba tea globally. Instagram-worthy colors, unique cup designs, and fun textures made it a viral sensation. Influencers and cafes continue to fuel its popularity with creative twists.

Trending Variants: Cheese Foam and Brown Sugar

New versions like brown sugar boba with thick syrup and cheese foam-topped tea have added to the drink’s allure. These modern takes keep boba fresh and exciting for longtime fans and new audiences alike.

Now Found Everywhere

Today, boba tea can be found in dedicated shops, supermarket aisles, food courts, and even vending machines. Major franchises have taken it worldwide, and more continue to open each year.

A Global Icon with Humble Beginnings

From a simple experiment to an international phenomenon, boba tea’s journey is a testament to innovation and cross-cultural appeal. With its comforting texture and sweet flavor, it remains a beloved treat enjoyed by millions.