Thai Bubble Tea

Thai Bubble Tea with tapioca pearls on top, served in clear cups with straws.

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Experience the exotic flavors of Thailand with our Thai Bubble Tea recipe. This delightful beverage combines the richness of black tea with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and the fun texture of tapioca pearls. In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making Thai Bubble Tea at home, allowing you to savor the unique and refreshing taste of this popular drink. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Thailand as we explore the flavors and techniques behind this beloved beverage.

Thai bubble tea, also known as "boba" or "pearl milk tea," is a beloved beverage that originated in Taiwan during the 1980s. Its creation is often credited to the teahouse owner, Lin Hsiu Hui, who added tapioca pearls to traditional milk tea, creating a unique and delightful drink.

The popularity of Thai bubble tea quickly spread from Taiwan to other parts of Asia and eventually around the world. Today, it comes in various flavors and preparations, but the core concept remains the same: sweet and creamy tea or fruit-based beverages, often served with chewy tapioca pearls or other fun toppings like fruit jellies.

This refreshing and customizable drink has become a global phenomenon, with countless variations and flavors to suit every palate.

Cooking Method
Cuisine ,
Courses ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Rest Time: 1 hr Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Servings 2
Calories 275.03
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

Thai Bubble Tea, also known as "Cha Yen," is a Thai twist on the classic bubble tea. It features a combination of strongly brewed black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and tapioca pearls. The drink is known for its bold flavors, creamy texture, and the delightful surprise of chewy tapioca pearls with each sip. In this blog post, we will take you on a culinary journey to Thailand, where you'll learn how to recreate this beloved beverage in the comfort of your own kitchen. From brewing the perfect black tea to creating the signature Thai flavors, we have you covered. Get ready to dive into the world of Thai Bubble Tea!

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients
    For the Thai Bubble Tea:
  • 2 tbsp Thai tea leaves
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based)
  • ice cubes
    • For the Tapioca Pearls:
  • 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
  • water (for boiling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
    Brew the Thai Tea:

  1. Place the Thai tea leaves in a heatproof container or teapot.

  2. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep for about 5 minutes.

  3. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh strainer or a coffee filter to remove the tea leaves.

    4. Cook the Tapioca Pearls:

  4. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.

  5. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking.

  6. Cook the pearls according to the package instructions, usually around 10-15 minutes or until they are soft and chewy.

  7. Once cooked, drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.

  8. Transfer the pearls to a bowl and cover them with cold water until ready to use.

    9. Prepare the Thai Bubble Tea:

  9. In a blender or shaker, combine the brewed Thai tea, sweetened condensed milk, and milk.

  10. Blend or shake until well combined and frothy.

  11. Add ice cubes to serving glasses.

  12. Pour the Thai tea mixture over the ice, leaving some space at the top for stirring.

  13. Stir gently to mix the tea, milk, and ice.

    14. Add the Tapioca Pearls:

  14. Drain the soaked tapioca pearls and divide them equally between the serving glasses.

  15. Insert a bubble tea straw into each glass and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 275.03kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.59g9%
Saturated Fat 3.33g17%
Cholesterol 21.19mg8%
Sodium 71.18mg3%
Potassium 258.71mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 50.62g17%
Dietary Fiber 1.31g6%
Sugars 17.56g
Protein 5.6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.

Note
Tips and Variations:
  • For a vegan version, use a plant-based milk and substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a vegan-friendly alternative like coconut milk or coconut condensed milk.
  • Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk according to your preference.
  • If you can't find Thai tea leaves, you can use regular black tea or Earl Grey tea as a substitute.
  • Experiment with different flavors by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the Thai Bubble Tea.
  • Customize your bubble tea by adding other toppings such as grass jelly, coconut jelly, or fresh fruit.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Thai Bubble Tea is best enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a refreshing treat any time of the year.
  • Serve it alongside Thai snacks or desserts like mango sticky rice for a complete Thai culinary experience.
Allergen Information:

Thai bubble tea recipes can vary, so it's important to be aware of potential allergens depending on the ingredients used. Here are some common allergens to watch out for:

  • Dairy: Many Thai bubble tea recipes contain dairy in the form of milk, creamer, or condensed milk. If you have dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, you can use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.

  • Tapioca Pearls: The chewy tapioca pearls used in bubble tea are typically made from cassava root. While they are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur, so those with gluten allergies or sensitivities should check for gluten-free tapioca pearls.

  • Nuts: Some bubble tea shops offer nut-flavored or nut-containing toppings and syrups, so individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution.

  • Sugar: Bubble tea is often sweetened with sugar or syrup. If you have diabetes or are watching your sugar intake, consider using sugar alternatives like stevia or reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Wine or Drink Pairing:

While Thai bubble tea is a popular standalone drink, here are some creative pairing ideas:

  • Spicy Thai Cuisine: If you're enjoying Thai bubble tea with a spicy Thai meal, its sweetness can complement the heat. Try it with dishes like green curry or pad Thai.

  • Fruit Desserts: Pair Thai bubble tea with fruity desserts like mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.

  • Light Snacks: Enjoy it with light snacks like spring rolls or Thai-style satay skewers for a satisfying and balanced combination.

Storage and Leftovers:

Since Thai bubble tea is typically served fresh, it's best consumed shortly after preparation to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture. However, if you have leftover bubble tea or tapioca pearls:

  • Tapioca Pearls: Tapioca pearls can be stored in a simple syrup (sugar and water) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Before using them again, rinse and reheat them by briefly boiling them in water.

  • Bubble Tea: Leftover bubble tea can be refrigerated in a sealed container for a few hours, but it's best consumed on the same day it's made. Over time, the texture of the tapioca pearls may change, becoming less chewy.

Keywords: Thai Bubble Tea, Cha Yen, Thai Iced Tea, Bubble Tea Recipe, Thai Drink