What is Boba?

The term boba is often used in two ways:

1) The chewy black pearls found at the bottom of bubble tea.

2) Bubble tea itself—a popular Taiwanese drink featuring tea, milk, sweeteners, and chewy tapioca pearls.

These chewy pearls add texture and fun to every drink, making boba tea one of the most sought-after beverages in the world.

What is Boba Made Of?

Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, is made from cassava root, a starchy tuber native to South America. The root is processed into tapioca starch, which is then mixed with water and brown sugar to create a dough-like consistency. This dough is rolled into small spheres to form the soft, chewy pearls that give bubble tea its signature texture.

Despite being closely associated with Asian tea culture, tapioca actually originates from indigenous South American traditions. Over centuries, cassava made its way to Africa and Asia, where it became a staple ingredient in many cuisines. In Taiwan, the birthplace of modern bubble tea, tapioca pearls were first used in desserts before being added to milk tea, creating the boba drinks we know today.

At Teapioca Lounge, we refer to these pearls as Tapioca, emphasizing their main ingredient. Their chewy texture and subtle sweetness make them the perfect addition to milk teas, fruit teas, and other refreshing drinks. Whether you’re new to boba or a longtime fan, these tiny pearls add a fun and delicious element to every sip.

Want to try authentic boba tea? Visit Teapioca Lounge and explore the world of bubble tea today!

How Did Boba Become Popular?

Boba tea, or bubble tea, started in Taiwan in the 1980s when vendors combined milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls. It quickly became a local favorite and spread across Asia.

In the 1990s, boba arrived in the U.S., first in California, gaining popularity in Taiwanese-American communities before expanding nationwide. The drink’s customizable flavors, fun textures, and unique aesthetic made it a hit, especially among younger generations.

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok helped turn boba into a global trend. Its colorful drinks, creative toppings, and photogenic appeal made it perfect for sharing online.

Today, boba is a mainstream favorite, with new flavors, innovations, and sustainability efforts shaping its future. At Teapioca Lounge, we’re proud to bring authentic boba tea to fans everywhere. Try it today and see why the world loves boba!

Where to Get the Best Boba?

At Teapioca Lounge, we take boba seriously! Here’s what makes our drinks stand out:

  • Premium Ingredients – We use high-quality tea, real fruit flavors, and fresh tapioca pearls for the perfect balance of taste and texture.

  • Authentic & Innovative Recipes – From classic milk teas to creative signature drinks, we offer a blend of tradition and new flavors.

  • Customization – Choose your sweetness, ice level, and toppings to create your perfect boba experience.

  • Freshness & Consistency – Our teas are brewed fresh daily, and our boba is cooked throughout the day for the best chewy texture.

  • A Fun & Welcoming Space – Whether you’re here for a quick treat or to hang out with friends, we make every visit enjoyable.

Try Teapioca Lounge today and taste the difference—boba done right!

Try Boba Today

Now that you know what boba is, it’s time to experience it yourself! Visit your nearest Teapioca Lounge location and explore our wide selection of bubble tea drinks, tapioca milk tea, and delicious toppings.

Join the boba craze today and discover why bubble tea is more than just a drink—it’s an experience!