Pearl Milk Tea
珍珠奶茶
- Country
- Taiwan
- Region
- Taichung
- Recipes
- 3 Recipes
Dish information
Pearl Milk Tea, or 珍珠奶茶 (zhēnzhū nǎichá), is a globally iconic beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. Its invention is widely attributed to Liu Han-Chieh, the owner of Chun Shui Tang teahouse in Taichung, who is credited with adding fruit and tapioca balls to traditional milk tea for a more flavorful experience. Another popular account credits a vendor named Lin Hsiu Hui from Hanlin Tea Room, who supposedly added tapioca pearls to her tea in the 1980s. Regardless of the precise origin, the beverage quickly gained immense popularity across Taiwan and then the world. The 'pearls' are chewy tapioca balls, typically made from tapioca starch, which give the drink its signature texture and appeal. Initially, these pearls or 'boba' were smaller, but the larger, more substantial chewy pearls became the norm. The cultural impact of Pearl Milk Tea is undeniable. It transformed the traditional Taiwanese tea culture into a modern, accessible, and trendy beverage experience. It became a symbol of Taiwanese innovation and a beloved comfort drink, especially popular among younger generations. Its widespread adoption led to countless variations, including different tea bases (green tea, oolong, black tea), milk options (dairy, non-dairy), sweeteners, and flavors. The drink's journey from a local innovation to a worldwide phenomenon in just a few decades is a testament to its addictive taste and its role as a social beverage. Today, it's enjoyed in countless shops, from small kiosks to large chains, solidifying its status as a modern cultural export from Taiwan, deeply entwined with casual social gatherings and daily life.
Timeline
Earliest documented versions combining milk tea and tapioca pearls emerge in Taiwan.
Chun Shui Tang claims to have popularized the drink, adding tapioca balls to iced tea.
Hanlin Tea Room is also credited with adding tapioca pearls to milk tea, calling them 'boba'.
Pearl Milk Tea gains widespread popularity across Taiwan, becoming a fixture in cafes and night markets.
The beverage begins its rapid global expansion, with chains opening internationally.
Pearl Milk Tea becomes a worldwide phenomenon, influencing global beverage trends with its customizable options.
