Taichung Taiwan: Travel and Learn the Origin of Bubble Milk Tea

Taiwan is the go-to place for TEA.

The facade of the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse and its giant pearl milk tea statue

Filipino's favorite alternative to coffee is tea. In fact, many tea cafes have popped up and gained popularity among tea lovers. One of their favorites is pearl milk tea, also known as bubble milk tea.

The 2nd floor of the tea house, where the workshop normally takes place. 

But did you know that bubble milk tea originated in Taiwan?

Meet Ai-Jia, she is a half Filipina (though she cannot speak Tagalog) she taught us how to do their signatured tea.

I learned the history of this yummy drink after listening to some stories during our stopover at the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse in Taichung.

With me are the delegates who attended the sponsored trip of Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Seated, L-R: Nina Depon, Charito Nario (author), Michael Cudiamat, & Simon Yim. Standing, 2nd row: Ching Ting Shao of Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Air-Jia of Chun Chui Tang Teahouse.

In 1983, Liu Han-Chieh founded the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse. He incorporated the Japanese style of serving cold coffee into his way of preparing tea, and that’s how cold tea came into existence. Then, in 1987, Lin Hsui Hui, the product development manager, introduced cold tea with tapioca pearls. And that was the starting point of the business’ success which allowed it to expand to many branches. 

My DIY cold tea. 

Finish bubble milk tea product to complete the workshop.

By the way, the Chun Chui Tang Teahouse also offers workshops that teach you how to make pearl milk tea and create your own version. Check their store locations.      
  

This is the certificate given to someone who has completed a workshop. 

Special thanks to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Rakso Travel for this amazing trip.

Stay tuned for more. 

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