The History of Bubble Tea: From Taiwan to Vellore

Where does bubble tea come from? Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, when tea shops began adding chewy tapioca pearls to sweet milk tea. It is also called boba or pearl milk tea, and today it is loved all over the world – including Vellore.

Today you can find bubble tea everywhere from Taipei to Toronto, and opposite VIT’s 3rd Gate in Vellore. But how did a drink with chewy pearls become a worldwide favourite? Here is a concise history of bubble tea, from its origins to its arrival in Vellore.

📖 See how bubble tea has gone local in Desi Twist: Indian Flavours in Bubble Tea You Must Try

1980s: the history of bubble tea begins in Taiwan

Bubble tea began in Taiwan in the 1980s. Taiwan already had a strong tea culture and a love for sweet tapioca desserts, and someone had the brilliant idea of putting the two together. Two Taiwanese tea houses both claim to have invented the original pearl milk tea, and the friendly debate continues to this day.

Why “bubble” tea?

There are two popular explanations. Some say the name came from the foamy bubbles created when the tea was shaken. Others say it refers to the round tapioca “pearls” at the bottom. Either way, the name stuck. Many people also call it boba, a slang term for the pearls.

1990s–2000s: spreading across the world

Bubble tea spread through East and Southeast Asia and then to North America, Europe and Australia, often starting in neighbourhoods near universities. Students loved it, and it quickly became a cultural icon.

New flavours and toppings

Over the years, bubble tea evolved from classic milk tea into hundreds of variations: taro, matcha, fruit teas with popping boba, and coffee versions.

Bubble tea in India and Vellore

Bubble tea arrived in Indian cities in recent years and has grown fast, especially among college students. At Hooba Boba, we brought it to Vellore with a mix of global classics (Classic, Taro, Thai, Matcha) and Indian-inspired flavours like Cardamom Almond, Jamun and Custard Apple.

From our menu

Tap any drink to see our complete bubble tea menu.

Frequently asked questions

Where was bubble tea invented?

Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s.

Why is bubble tea called boba?

Boba is a popular slang term for the tapioca pearls in bubble tea, and many people now use it as a name for the whole drink.

What was the first bubble tea flavour?

The original was pearl milk tea: black tea with milk and tapioca pearls, which we serve as our Classic Bubble Tea.

Further reading

• Bubble Tea in Vellore: A First-Timer’s Guide to Boba Near VIT
• Matcha Explained: From Japanese Tencha to Hooba Boba’s Matcha Bubble Tea
• About Hooba Boba

📸 See our latest drinks and reels on Instagram: @hoobaboba.official · Facebook · hoobaboba.com