Yummy Magazine Vol 5 - Chinese New Year | Page 47

DESSERT text Alex Roberts WHAT’S BubblING? Not a staple and not widely known. Those who drink it become instantly addicted and spread the word: this crazy funky, colorful, unique drink/ dessert called Bubble Tea is the grab and drink kind of accessory anyone who knows anything about funky new food is on. Never heard of Bubble Tea? Well here is how it works: small chewy ‘pearls’ called Tapioca which release flavor as you bite into them, are added to nearly any combination of tea, iced tea, or fruit flavored cream drinks. The mix and match possibilities are endless. Some of the most popular flavours include mango, passionfruit and strawberry, although none of them can hold a candle to the most popular of all worldwide Bubble Tea flavors, honey dew. Flat out delicious, and memorable in every sip, this thirst-quencher drink/dessert is the science experiment of the dessert world, constantly putting new and insane spins onto this modern classic. The tapioca pearls of old have molded and changed into a smorgasbord, with the “bubbles” now being made up of different teas, fruit flavored jellys and even coconut. These crazy dots now come in a rainbow, with dozens of colors available. Available at Boba at the Thika Road Mall, Bubble Tea started in the 1980’s in Taiwan and is rapidly expanding worldwide, converting skeptics in its wake. If you are inclined to chill at home, but can’t possibly resist the urge of the incomparable Bubble Tea, there may yet be hope. This little drink can in fact be made from home. Simply order up some of the Bubble Tea “Pearls” online and as soon as they are delivered you can go to town. The process is less alchemy and more practicality than the name suggests. To make Bubble Tea sing, all you have to do is simply add in the pearls to boiling water, add tapioca mix and let boil for 15 minutes. You then drain them, cover with brown sugar syrup and you’re set. Start making your own combinations that will stretch the imaginations of your now jealous in-laws. Bubble Tea is a guaranteed hit at a party, it looks much more complicated than it is. So for a drink that’s crazy, unique, out-there and utterly delicious, be sure to try Bubble Tea, however be forewarned, once drank it’s hard to resist. Flat out delicious and memorable in every sip, this thirstquencher drink/ dessert, is the science experiment of the dessert world. 47.