A Guide to Bubble Tea in Taiwan

 Most people in the world have sampled the curiously refreshing phenomenon known as bubble milk tea. It is traditionally made from black tea mixed with milk and sugar, but it is made unique because of the chewy, sweet pearls that sit at the bottom of the cup. The pearls were originally made from tapioca and sugar, but in recent years adventurous tea shops have made them out of honey or brown sugar. 

50 Lan Original Milk Tea with a mix of mini and large-sized pearls

Within a small radius of my house, there are at least five bubble tea shops. A new tea shop opened up across the street, then about a week later, another tea shop opened right next door. You might think this would be an issue for business, but both shops consistently have long lines.

I've prepared a list of different bubble milk tea shops that I really like. I have ranked them, with number one being the store I like the most.

5. Coco

Coco has landed overseas in the US, Canada, China, Japan, and Australia. They are known for their unique flavor combinations and decadent toppings, such as pudding, coconut jelly, and grass jelly. The menu is very extensive, with a choice of fresh milk or rehydrated powdered milk, or a juice base. Another popular menu item is their drinks that incorporate Yakult, the citrusy yogurt drink.

4. Comebuy

This was my favorite milk tea place when I first came to Taiwan. The first drink I had was the original milk tea with a mix of tapioca pearls, taro, and sweet potato balls. I think the sugar level was also 100%, so that may have influenced my appreciation. I think the tea is good, but the ingredients you can add to the drink can sometimes be a hit or a miss.

3. 50 Lan

50 Lan (Wushilan) is another shop with a nice variety of teas and toppings. I prefer a milk tea with green tea and a mix of mini pearls and normal-sized pearls. The texture is just so interesting, and it is strange to be able to drink the mini pearls without chewing. 

2. Ten Ren's Tea

Ten Ren's is known for its tea. The careful construction they put into making good tea is the same care they put into crafting a bubble milk tea for their customers. I really enjoy their original bubble milk tea. It is perfectly sweet and creamy, and the flavor of the tea is not lost in the milk.

1. Milk Shop

Milk shop cannot be beaten. This store uses the one ingredient that few other shops use—real milk from cows. You read it here, folks, the Milk Shop uses the highly-coveted real milk! It is so creamy and delicious, and so refreshing. The Milk Shop also uses honey-based pearls that are perfectly chewy and not too sweet. My favorite drink to order is the Earl Gray tea latte with pearls, 30% sugar, light ice. I encourage you to follow my lead and order one for yourself—you won't be sorry.

There are hundreds of tea shops in Taiwan, so the above list is in no way exhaustive! I hope you can go out and find your favorite tea.