Bubble tea, also known as boba or milk tea, has taken the world by storm in recent years. Bubble tea is an extremely versatile drink that can be prepared in countless ways. It is typically tea-based and can be made in a variety of flavors, and always includes the drink’s signature chewy tapioca pearls. Bubble tea originates in Taiwan, and has been popular in east Asia since the late ’80s. Nowadays, bubble tea is widely known and loved, not just in Asia, but all around the globe. With this huge surge in popularity, people are inventing new ways to adapt and enjoy this delicious beverage. Bubble tea has been made into cakes, puddings, milkshakes, and even pizza, but one of the most intriguing adaptations of the beverage is the invention of bubble tea hot pot.
Bubble tea hot pot is a spin on traditional hot pot. Hot pot is a Chinese method of cooking and eating in which different foods are cooked in a single pot of broth, and then distributed amongst diners, who eat the various dishes with sauces. Diners serve themselves from the pot, (or steamboat) while socializing with friends and family. Bubble tea hot pot remains a social, soup-themed experience, but with some distinct changes. To start off a bubble tea hot pot experience, customers choose between fresh milk or milk tea to replace the soup base in traditional hot pot. Then, diners must choose whether they want their bubble tea hot pot to be served hot or cold. Fire is typically used to heat the dessert, and dry ice is used to cool the bubble tea, but also to create an aesthetically-pleasing vapor that is perfect for a photo. Customers can choose to include several delicious additions to their order of bubble tea hot pot, including an assortment of jellies, cubes of fruit such as mango and strawberry, taro balls, and honey. Finally, once the order is placed and the mouth-watering bubble tea is prepared, it is served in the traditional steamboat, with a gorgeous presentation that is almost as wonderful as the bubble tea itself.
To true lovers of bubble tea, this may seem like a dream come true, but where can eager bubble tea fans find this unique treat? In 2019, tons of articles and videos were shared online from tourists and even locals who discovered restaurants that served bubble tea hot pot, mostly in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and China. However, this trend quickly spread far beyond the countries of Asia, and now bubble tea hot pot can be found in restaurants all across Europe and North America. Restaurants in major cities in the United States, such as San Jose’s Milk Tea Lab, and New York City’s Xiang Hotpot, are receiving major attention on social media platforms for serving this delectable, visually-appealing treat. Every restaurant puts their own spin on the treat, but one thing’s for certain: bubble tea hot pot is a unique dessert that everyone should try at least once.