Yum But Why?

Spilling the Tea on Boba: How Bubble Tea Took Over

Wednesday · 23 min · Season 1 · Episode 8 · 16.8 MB
0:00-23:14

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Boba isn't just a drink anymore, it's a whole vibe. 

In this episode, we explore the surprising history of boba, from its debated origins in 1980s Taiwan to a ten-year court battle over who invented it. We follow the tapioca pearl’s journey from South America to Asia, investigate the unexpected story behind the word “boba,” and discover how bubble tea shops became important gathering places for Asian American communities.

Along the way, we explore boba trends around the world, explain why people love drinking and chewing at the same time, and share some truly questionable jokes.

Grab your widest straw and join us for the story behind one of the world’s most popular drinks.

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