The Best Countries to Visit in the World for Bubble Tea

Known for being a sweet, creamy, and chewy refreshment, bubble tea has quickly become the drink of choice for millions of people worldwide. The tea-based drink originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s and has taken the world by storm. It has become the go-to beverage throughout not just Taiwan, but also all over Asia, North America, and Europe.

This delicious beverage is most commonly referred to as boba tea, bubble tea, and pearl milk tea. The traditional tea element is served cold and is combined with milk or infused with fruit juice. You can also add chewy tapioca balls, or fruit-flavoured jellies for an incredible drink experience.

While many people think that the name bubble tea refers to the appearance of the pearls (or boba), bubble tea connoisseurs will know that the name actually refers to the frothy bubbles formed after the milk and tea blend together after the drink is removed from the shaking machine.

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In honour of this delicious beverage, we’ve rounded up the eight best countries in the world to visit that serve some of the best bubble tea.

Taiwan

Bubble tea lovers won’t want to miss a chance to taste it in the country where it was founded. It’s been said that the beloved drink was invented in Taichung, Taiwan, by Liu Han-Chien at the Chen Shui Tang tea shop after Liu visited Japan in the 80s, where he saw coffee served cold. Today, you’ll find bubble tea shops occupying nearly every corner of Taiwan’s streets, but you’d be remiss not to try the delicious drink at the Chen Shui Tang tea shop.

Japan

Since bubble tea was inspired by cold drinks in Japan, it’s no wonder that the drink has gained popularity here, especially in Tokyo. If you find yourself in Japan, make sure to pay Gong Cha a visit. The popular chain was founded in Taiwan, but now has locations worldwide where you’ll likely see a long line of bubble tea lovers waiting outside of one of the chain’s establishments.

South Korea

While bubble tea has undoubtedly spread like wildfire worldwide, it’s taken over the busy streets of Korea. After making it big in Japan in the early 2000s, it’s slowly made its way to the peninsula and has more recently gained popularity throughout South Korea, with tea shops popping up everywhere.

China

With an ancient historical tradition of drinking tea, it should come as no surprise that you’ll find some of the best bubble tea in China. It’s become such a way of life that you’ll find more bubble tea stores than Starbucks in China, and you can find shops on every major street corner and in shopping malls. If you find yourself travelling through China, you need to pay HEYTEA a visit. First established in the Guangdong province, HEYTEA is quite possibly the most popular bubble tea chain in the country. Here you’ll find flavours a little different from your typical tapioca and milk tea combo, as HEYTEA is famously known for adding salty, creamy cheese to its fresh fruit teas.

United Kingdom

The UK’s bubble tea scene continues to grow with tea shops now located all throughout the country — however, the drink has gained serious popularity in London. The next time you’re in London and you need to get your bubble tea fix, Biju is the place to go. The local chain has a number of locations, including in Soho, Westfield, and South Kensington. If you’re a fan of matcha, Biju uses organic matcha sourced from Kagoshima, Japan. Biju also uses fresh organic milks and has vegan-friendly options.

Australia

Unsurprisingly, the bubble tea craze has also taken over Australia, and Aussies are all too happy to embrace the trend. The ever-growing list of boba shops in the country range from mega-chains and traditional Taiwanese operators to homegrown shops. If you want to try something locally made, Gotcha Fresh Tea is a great option. Not only does it farm its own tea, but Gotcha Fresh Tea is also freshly brewed and made for each order.

Canada

Given how multicultural Canada is, it comes as no surprise that Canadians are also crazy about bubble tea. Vancouver and Toronto hail as the best cities to get your bubble tea fix, with both cities boasting an impressive list of global chains and locally-owned shops. Regardless if you’re on the west coast or in Canada’s largest city, Chatime is always a popular spot to get your bubble tea fix.