Pearl Milk Tea, also known as Boba, Bubble Tea, and Tapioca Milk Tea, originated in Taiwan in the mid-1980s, starting as a childhood treat and expanded to reach the United States today. Originally made without the tapioca pearls, the fad quickly spread and is now a standard part of this drink.
 

    First time I had this drink in 2000 I choked on the tapioca balls at Cafe Ophelia in Milpitas, California. Needless to say that was not a pleasant experience, though many found it quite hilarious (go figure). Took me awhile to try another, but after getting over my initial fear, I tried some more and have liked it ever since.

    My favorite place to go get Pearl Milk Tea is at Tapioca Express in Newark, California. I prefer the drink to have more of a milk flavor to it rather than a coffee flavor that seems to be popular among the other Pearl Milk Tea cafes. I like having the ability to sit down in an environment that I am used to and have a nice cold drink while doing my homework and listening to Cpop like Sammi Cheng, Leon Lai, or Jay Chow.