Taiwan, 1980s: the birth of an icon
The context: tea cools down
In the 1980s, Taiwan experienced a quiet revolution in its teahouses. The national drink, previously savoured hot and in silence, began venturing beyond tradition. It was served cold, shaken in a shaker, and enjoyed on the go. A young, urban clientele sought something different — without turning its back on tea.
It was within this experimental landscape that bubble tea was born.
An almost accidental invention
The most widespread account points to the Chun Shui Tang teahouse in Taichung. One day, during an internal meeting, an employee reportedly had the idea of adding tapioca pearls — previously reserved for desserts — into her iced milk tea. The result surprised everyone. The drink was added to the menu, and success was immediate. Simple, almost accidental. Yet this gesture marked a lasting turning point.
So why the name "bubble" tea?
It is often believed that the "bubbles" in bubble tea refer to the tapioca pearls. This is a common misconception. Originally, the word "bubble" referred to the froth that forms on the surface when the tea is vigorously shaken in a shaker. This step is not just aesthetic: it aerates the drink and harmoniously blends the flavours.
Over time, "bubbles" took on a dual meaning in the collective imagination — referring to both the froth and the pearls. Both are now inseparable from the drink.
Tea, always at the heart
An extension of Taiwanese tea culture
Taiwan did not invent bubble tea by chance. The island is renowned for its exceptional oolong teas, as well as its premium black and green teas. Bubble tea was not created in opposition to this tradition — it is a natural extension of it.
Tea remains the backbone of the recipe. It is what provides character: a black tea brings strength and depth, while a green tea offers freshness and lightness. Changing the base means transforming the entire personality of the drink.
The founding ingredients
Although variations are endless today, the original structure rests on a few simple elements:
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Brewed tea | The aromatic base, the soul of the drink |
| Milk or plant-based alternative | Roundness and sweetness |
| Tapioca pearls | Texture and chewy delight |
| Sugar or syrup | Taste balance |
| Shaker | Froth, the visual signature |
This minimalist foundation explains why bubble tea can constantly reinvent itself without ever losing its identity.
From Taiwan to the rest of the world
A whirlwind conquest across Asia
From the 1990s onwards, bubble tea crossed Taiwanese borders. China, Japan, and South Korea adopted it, each in their own way, shaping it to their own cultural codes. The drink naturally found its place in urban lifestyles: enjoyed on the go, ordered for takeaway, and customised to taste.
And in France?
Its arrival in the West occurred around the turn of the 2000s, driven by Asian diasporas in North America. In France, the phenomenon took a little longer — but firmly established itself. Initially championed by a young audience curious about Asian cultures, bubble tea now appeals to a much broader range of consumers, particularly those who value premium tea and authentic ingredients. At Kusmi Tea, we are dedicated to offering you a Bubble Tea recipe made with organic teas, natural flavourings, and fruit pearls made in France!
Towards a more refined bubble tea
A drink that sometimes lost its way
The freedom to customise is one of the greatest strengths of bubble tea. However, it has also had a downside: some variations have pushed tea into the background, favouring artificial flavourings and excessive amounts of sugar.
This is not inevitable. In fact, it is the perfect opportunity for a return to roots.
The new wave: less sweet, better brewed
More and more consumers are looking for balanced, less sweet bubble teas made from high-quality teas. This trend is by no means a step backwards — it is a return to meaning. Using an exceptional tea as a base restores the drink's aromatic complexity, cuts out unnecessary additives, and revives the elegance of the original recipe.
