Tapioca Milk Tea

The beverages shown in the pictures below are tea drinks from Ten Ren's Tea Time and Lollicup! They look more like smoothies or Starbucks' Frappuccinos. These type of tea drinks are better known as "Bubble Tea" or "Boba Tea", a tea phenomenon introduced in the States from Taiwan.

What is "Bubble Tea"? Well, according to this web site, "Bubble drinks are usually cool, refreshing, and a sweet drink with tapioca pearls sitting on the bottom of a clear cup. Sometimes the drink is made with fresh fruits, milk, and crushed ice to create a healthy milk shake. You can also find drinks that are made of powdered flavoring, creamer, water, and crushed ice. And if you like it like the Asians do, the cool drink usually includes a healthy tea, infused by a flavoring."

Most well known tea houses in the southern California area are Tapioca Express, Lollicup, and Ten Ren's affiliates or subsidiaries like the famous Tea Station or Ten Ren's Tea Time. With the exception of the two Lollicup drinks, all the images shown in this entry are taken from Ten Ren's Tea Time. The decors of these modern tea houses are hip and colorful with techno or dance music blasting in the background. Many of them also serve Taiwanese snacks and food. I love the fried pork chop rice dish and fried tofu. Some of my favorite drinks include but certainly not limited to Red Bean, Taro, and Lychee. A few of these tea houses are starting to show up on the east coast, mostly in New York city. If you find one in your area, indulge yourself and check it out. It is an experience and taste unlike any other.