What is Regular Boba and Other Types of Boba? (Toppings and Add-Ons)

Have you ever found yourself standing before a bubble tea menu, feeling a tad perplexed, as if untangling the mysteries of the universe—or perhaps just a pair of headphones that have spent too much time in your pocket? We get it. The bubble tea lingo can be indeed baffling at first glance.
 

Is it Bubble or Boba? Are They Equal to Pearl and Tapioca?

Okay, to clear things up: 'bubble tea' and 'boba' are essentially the same refreshing drink that delightfully blurs the lines between a snack and a beverage. Meanwhile, the standout feature of these drinks is the chewy 'pearls' or 'tapioca', derived from the starch of the cassava plant. These pearls provide the distinctive texture that defines bubble tea and transforms it from a mere drink into an immersive, flavorful journey.
 

Types of Bubble/Boba

Now, there's a wonderful world of textures and flavors to explore beyond the menu's surface, opening up endless possibilities with bubble tea toppings. From the chewiness of the pearls to the fusion of various flavors, each element plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate bubble tea experience.

Standard Tapioca Pearls:

Standard tapioca pearls, by all appearances, are the classic and iconic addition most people envision when thinking of bubble or boba tea. These black, chewy spheres are a study in texture - a quality that, when perfected, draws attention from bubble tea enthusiasts far and wide. The cooking process for it is pivotal; it's on the precipice of being simple yet can quickly go off the rails if not monitored carefully. When done right, the texture waxes and wanes perfectly between soft and chewy.

Mini Pearls:

Mini pearls are a well-considered evolution within the bubble tea realm. These smaller versions of the standard pearls are now experiencing an upswing in popularity lately. More specifically, they cater to customers that prefer something more understated in their drink, something that doesn't overwhelm the beverage itself. With their subtle size, they fuse the gap for those who enjoy the textural component of pearls but in a less pronounced form.

Fruit Flavor Bubbles:

Fruit flavor bubbles are a colorful and tasty twist on the traditional boba concept. These bubbles come packed with vibrant flavors like mango, grape, and other fruity options, almost as if they're trying to enchant the drinker with unexpected bursts of juiciness. These bubbles provide a unique drink experience without the need for a mega price tag. Needless to say, they've swiftly become a crowd-pleaser for those looking for a fresh twist on their favorite drinks.
 

Wanpo Boba Tea Shop Toppings List and Common Toppings

The tapestries of Oriental traditions have long been woven into the fabric of Taiwanese gastronomy, where local snacks are not just treats but emblematic of the island's rich heritage. At Wanpo Boba Tea Shop, we take great pride in transforming these beloved snacks into tantalizingly flavorful beverages.

Wanpo Tea Shop Toppings

For those visiting Wanpo Tea Shop looking to customize their drinks, the shop offers a selection of bubble tea toppings. Customers can enhance their tea experience by choosing from Wanpo’s boba toppings list:

 

• Jelly Cake: A delightful, chewy boba topping that adds a pleasant textural contrast to your tea.

• Aiyu Jelly: Known for its refreshing qualities, this jelly provides a subtle sweetness and a jelly-like texture.

• Taro Balls: Soft, chewy, and slightly sweet, taro balls are a hearty addition that complements the tea's flavors.

• Red Bean: Offering a sweet, bean-based bubble tea topping, red beans add a traditional twist to any drink.

• Oats: For a healthy boost and added texture, oats are a great choice that blends well with many tea bases.

Common Toppings

Wanpo also has a range of common boba toppings that are popular among bubble tea aficionados:

 

• Pudding: A creamy and smooth addition that pairs well with almost any tea.

• Herb Jelly: Also known as grass jelly, this boba topping introduces a subtly bitter yet refreshing note, perfect for balancing sweeter drinks.

• Coffee Jelly: For coffee lovers, adding coffee jelly to your tea introduces a distinct, robust flavor that's both energizing and comforting.
   

​​Special Combinations You Should Try!

Whether you're a connoisseur of tea or new to the spectrum of its flavors, Wanpo Tea Shop offers an enriching journey into the heart of tea culture. Here are a few special combination beverages that stand out for their uniqueness and are definitely worth a try:
 

1. Custard Boba Milk - Freshly inspired by Taiwan's famous street food, this  beverage marries creamy custard pudding and boba pearls, creating a luscious treat for the taste buds. Available in both the original custard and the ever popular oreo flavor, this drink is the perfect blend of sweet and savory for a satisfying indulgence.

 

 

2. Boba Oats Milk Tea - Embrace the comforting fusion of velvety oats milk and classic bubble tea with this innovative option. The Boba Oats Milk Tea caters to those yearning for a heartier drink. It blends the chewy delight of boba with the creamy, wholesome richness of oats milk. It's a perfect choice for a fulfilling snack that doesn't skimp on the iconic boba experience!

 

 

3. Winter Melon Lemonade - Refreshing and quintessentially summer, the Winter Melon Lemonade merges the distinctive, subtly sweet taste of winter melon with the crisp zestiness of lemonade, all under the aromatic shadow of eucalyptus. It can be complemented by Aiyu Jelly, which enhances its refreshing nature, or Herb Jelly to add an extra layer of freshness suitable for a summery drink.

 

 

4. Aiyu Jelly Lemon Tea - Experience a refreshing burst of flavor with Aiyu Jelly Lemon Tea! This unique blend combines the tangy zest of lemon with the subtle, fragrant notes of green tea. Infused with Aiyu Jelly, each sip promises a thirst-quenching delight with a light, enjoyable texture that dances on the palate.

 

 

5. Island Black Tea - The signature Assam black tea from Wanpo boasts a rich aroma and a smooth, mellow taste that glides down the throat without any harshness.

In 2024, it participated in a blind taste test judged by Michelin-star chefs, international sommeliers, and professional tasters,earning the prestigious Superior Taste Award.For those who prefer a full-bodied tea, the Island Black Tea, with its robust flavor, serves as an ideal canvas. Complement this with anything from Wanpo’s popular boba toppings list. From the subtle sweetness of Red Bean to the unique texture of Coffee Jelly to enhance the depth of flavors, this drink provides a comforting yet exciting tea experience.

 

 

Exploring these special combinations at Wanpo Tea Shop allows you to delve into a world where every sip tells a story—one of tradition, innovation, and the joy of sharing Taiwanese culture with the world. So next time you find yourself pondering over their menu, consider these harmonious blends for an extraordinary tea experience.