Francie, a girl from Taiwan, settled in Portland, Oregon. Like many others from Taiwan (where the bubble tea was originally created) she wanted an authentic cup of bubble tea .
In 2001, she decided to open her own bubble tea shop. She went back to Taiwan to find the best recipes and ingredients. She spent over a year studying with experts and learning how to brew the best tea to make the most delicious drinks. Over the past 10 years she has introduced this unique drink and people are getting to know it very well.
She has travelled back to Taiwan many times to look for new recipes and improved methods in order to serve loyal customers. As the owner of Bubble Bubble Tea, she has made a promise that she will always provide the best cup of Bubble Tea.
What is “Bubble Tea”?
Bubble Tea was brought to the US from Taiwan (where bubble tea is originally created) in the early 1990’s. “Bubble Tea” is a mixture of tea, creamer, sugar, and giant black tapioca balls. The original “bubble” refers to the foam created by shaking the freshly brewed tea with creamer and ice (the drink must always be shaken and not stirred). Another meaning of “Bubble” refers to the tapioca balls that stay at the bottom of the cups. This is also why our store is named “ Bubble Bubble Tea” (BBT) with double “bubble” implications.
Despite its name, bubble tea isn’t always made of tea. It can be made of a combination of ingredients, such as milk, fruit juice, coffee or tea, plus the tapioca pearls. The four components of boba are liquid, sweetener, flavor and texture-the “extra” such as the tapioca balls, jellies…etc.
What are the bubbles made of?
The Bubbles (Tapioca Balls, also called Pearls, Boba) are made from tapioca, the starch comes from the root of the cassava plant. Regular tapioca is in its clear color, however, our giant tapioca balls are made with brown sugar, and therefore it’s dark brown color.
What are the Jellies made of?
Jellies are made from coconut fiber and konjac, it has a plain, almost crispy consistency texture. It comes in small cubes, stars, or rectangular strips, and in different varieties of fruit flavors.
What do you mean by “adding bubbles” or “adding extras” in my drink? How many extras can I add to my drink?
The unique attraction of having a bubble tea is to add “extras” into your drink to create different textures. The extras can be: Giant Tapioca Balls (bubbles), Jellies (5 Flavors available: Rainbow-mixed Fruity; lychee; Pineapple; Green Apple, Mango), Custard Pudding, or grass jellies (Chinese herb jelly with a translucent black color, minty and bittersweet). You will need the giant straw that we provide for you to suck up the extras.
For the perfect balance of the drink and extras, You can add up to 2 different “extras ” in each cup.
Do I have to get the bubbles with the drink?
Not at all. You can just enjoy a cup of authentic bubble tea without any extras.
What’s the difference between a Snow Bubble Smoothie and a Milk Tea?
Snow Bubble is a drink mixed with non-dairy creamer and fruit flavor. It can be ordered over ice or blended.
Milk Tea is a mixture of black tea, non-dairy creamer and sugar, with the flavor of your choice. Milk tea can be served iced, hot, or blended.
What is Yogurt drink/smoothies?
Our unique yogurt drink uses a special kind of Asian yogurt mixed with different fruit flavors. The Asian Yogurt is different than American style yogurt. It’s actually a “fermented dairy drink”. It has a tart, almost fruity flavor. The first Asian Yogurt is originated by the brand “Yokult” in Japan. If you have ever tried “Yokult”, then you know how tasty and special our Yogurt Juice or Yogurt Smoothies are.
Our yogurt drink can be served over-ice or blended.
What’s taro? Is it really purple?
Taro is a tropical plant grown primarily as a vegetable food. It tastes sweet and creamy. Taro powder is purple, however, when added to milk tea, it blends into golden brown color. Taro Snow Bubble drinks are a lavender color.
What’s your best drink?
We have so many great varieties, we recommend that you look at our home page to find our Featured Drink and our Top 10.
I can’t decided, can you just surprise me?
To order a bubble tea is full of surprises already! Let us know your preference first, then we will surprise you with one of our famous combinations.
Do you offer sugar free options?
Yes, we can make milk tea sweetened with “Splenda” upon request. However, all of our flavored syrups do have sugar. Please feel free to ask one of our friendly team members for more information.