Taro Bubble Tea (Taro Milk Tea): Taste, Colour & Where to Try It in Vellore

If you’ve seen a pastel-purple drink on Instagram and wondered what it was, chances are it was taro bubble tea – also called taro milk tea or taro boba. It’s one of the most popular bubble tea flavours in the world, and it’s the signature drink at Hooba Boba, opposite VIT’s 3rd Gate in Vellore. Here’s everything you need to know before your first sip.

What is taro?

Taro is a starchy root vegetable grown across Asia and India. In Tamil Nadu you may know it as seppankizhangu. When it’s cooked and blended, taro turns soft, creamy and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for milk-based drinks and desserts.

Taro in Tamil: seppankizhangu (சேப்பங்கிழங்கு)

Many people search for taro in Tamil. Taro is the same root vegetable known in Tamil as seppankizhangu (சேப்பங்கிழங்கு) – the one used at home in fries and curries. In bubble tea, it becomes a smooth, creamy, lightly sweet purple drink.

Taro bubble tea, taro milk tea and taro boba: what’s the difference?

They are usually the same drink with different names:

• Taro milk tea – taro blended with milk and a tea base.
• Taro bubble tea / taro boba – taro milk tea served with chewy tapioca pearls (boba).
• Taro milk – a taro and milk drink without tea.
• Taro latte – a taro and milk drink, usually without pearls.

At Hooba Boba, our Taro Bubble Tea is a creamy taro milk tea with chewy pearls – our signature drink.

What does taro bubble tea taste like?

Most people describe taro milk tea as:

• Nutty and creamy, a little like a smooth milkshake.
• Gently sweet, with hints of vanilla and sweet potato.
• Comforting: not sour, not bitter, and easy to like on the first try.

Paired with chewy tapioca pearls, it’s one of the best “starter” flavours for anyone new to bubble tea.

Why is taro bubble tea purple?

Taro has a natural lilac tint, especially in some varieties, and that soft purple shade has become the drink’s trademark look. At Hooba Boba, our taro is creamy, nutty and naturally purple, and it looks as good in photos as it tastes.

What makes Hooba Boba’s taro bubble tea special?

• Premium taro – our signature ingredient, chosen for a creamy, nutty taste and natural purple colour.
• Our own formulation – developed by the Hooba Boba R&D team so the taste stays strong and consistent.
• Quality checks on every batch – not just the first sample.
• Made fresh to order – with freshly cooked chewy pearls.

Many shops make taro drinks from ready-made taro powder. We focus on premium taro and our own formulation, which is why Taro is the drink Hooba Boba is most famous for.

Taro vs other milk teas

• Taro vs Classic milk tea: Classic has a stronger black-tea flavour. Taro is creamier, nuttier and more dessert-like.
• Taro vs Matcha: Matcha is earthy and grassy. Taro is sweeter and milder.
• Taro vs Ube: ube is purple yam, a different root. Taro is nuttier and milder; ube is sweeter and more vanilla-like.
• Taro vs Cardamom Almond: both are nutty, but our Cardamom Almond adds a fragrant Indian spice note.

How to enjoy taro bubble tea

1. Give the cup a good shake so the creamy taro mixes evenly.
2. Enjoy it chilled, which is perfect after a long day of classes.
3. Try it once with pearls. The chewy texture is what makes it special.

From our menu

Tap any drink to see our complete bubble tea menu.

Frequently asked questions

Does taro bubble tea contain caffeine?

Taro milk tea is usually made with a tea base, so it may contain some caffeine. Ask at the counter if you’d like to know more about a specific drink.

Is taro bubble tea good for first-timers?

Yes. Its creamy, nutty and mildly sweet taste makes it one of the easiest bubble tea flavours to enjoy on your first try.

Where can I get taro bubble tea in Vellore?

Hooba Boba, opposite VIT’s 3rd Gate in Katpadi, serves taro bubble tea as its signature drink, open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.

Is taro milk tea the same as taro boba?

Yes, mostly. Taro boba or taro bubble tea is taro milk tea served with chewy tapioca pearls.

Is taro bubble tea made with taro powder?

Many shops use ready-made taro powder. At Hooba Boba we use premium taro and our own formulation, with quality checks on every batch.

Is taro the same as ube?

No. Taro is a nutty root vegetable (seppankizhangu in Tamil); ube is purple yam, which is sweeter.

What does taro boba taste like?

Creamy, nutty and gently sweet, with hints of vanilla and sweet potato, plus the soft chewy bite of the pearls.

What is taro called in Tamil?

Taro is called seppankizhangu (சேப்பங்கிழங்கு) in Tamil.

What is taro bubble tea?

Taro bubble tea is a creamy, purple milk tea made with taro root (seppankizhangu), served with chewy tapioca pearls. It is Hooba Boba’s signature drink.

What is a taro boba drink?

It is the same as taro bubble tea – taro milk tea with boba (tapioca pearls). Some people also call it taro milk tea with pearls.

Is taro bubble tea healthy?

Taro is a nutritious root vegetable, but taro bubble tea also contains milk and sugar, so enjoy it as a treat. You can ask for less sugar – and sugar-free bubble tea is coming soon at Hooba Boba.

Further reading

• Taro Powder Guide: Taro Premix & Taro Milk Tea with Powder
• Bubble Tea Ingredients: What Is Bubble Tea Made Of?
• How to Make Bubble Tea at Home
• Best Bubble Tea Flavours to Try
• What Is Bubble Tea?
• 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

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