Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink. It is a mix of milk and tea, with delicious tapioca pearls (small chewy spheres made from starch). You can also get fruit teas which come with popping boba. There are many different flavours and toppings, which allow you to completely customize your drink.

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the mid-1980s, and many variations of the drink have evolved over the years, especially in East Asian countries.

Bubble tea took off in England at some point during the 2010s, although it is hard to state when. The hype of the drink can be contributed to many factors. One is the extensive range of options and customizability, allowing people to adjust the drink to their personal tastes (this includes sugar and ice levels, flavour, topping and more). Some say that this ability to adjust the drink to your own preferences is why the drink is so popular with younger generations. Some describe their shops as being a “taste of home” for those who have moved to the UK from East Asia.

The residents of Canterbury are becoming very familiar with the drink, as seven shops selling Bubble tea have popped up in the high street. Whilst you cannot deny that this drink is high in demand, some residents are wondering if this justifies seven shops all within walking distance of each other.

Some support the increase in bubble tea shops, appreciating the increasing diversity in the food market in canterbury.

Overall, Bubble tea is still incredibly popular, a simple walk down the highstreet will show you that, as many will be seen holding a cup of the delicious drink.