Dine & Sip

Pearls of Taiwan: A Journey Through the Island’s Iconic Bubble Teas

By PORTALTO Editor

25 July 2025

Somewhere between the chewy tapioca pearls, silky milk tea, and the sound of a plastic seal popping open, bubble tea became a global obsession. Over the past decade, it has grown from an after-school treat in Asia to a cultural icon worldwide. From East to West, boba shops have popped up on every corner. But nothing beats going back to the roots, Taiwan, the birthplace of bubble tea, where every cup tells a richer, more authentic story.

From Tapioca to Timelessness: Tracing Taiwan’s Pearl Legacy

Taiwan’s global fame may have bubbled up through a straw, thanks to its world-famous pearl milk tea—but the island’s story runs much deeper than tapioca pearls. Born in Taichung in the 1980s, bubble tea quickly became a cultural icon, a delicious symbol of Taiwan’s playful innovation and youth culture. But just beyond the sweetness lies a nation steeped in quiet elegance: centuries-old tea traditions, poetic coastlines, and hidden enclaves of artistry.

For those ready to sip their way through the island, here are five iconic spots that define Taiwan’s milk tea culture with each offering something distinctly their own. These are Taiwan’s true pearls that are waiting to be uncovered, one layer at a time.

1. Chun Shui Tang — The Origin Story

You can’t talk about bubble tea without paying homage to Chun Shui Tang, the Taichung teahouse where it all began in the 1980s. Stepping into one of their branches feels like walking into a calm, refined version of the past—tea-stained wood, minimalist interiors, and a sense of reverence in the air.

Their Roasted Wheat Flour Tea Latte is a toasty, comforting hug in a cup that tastes nutty and velvety, perfect for cooler days. Pair it with the Bobba pearls or Jelly Cake, a local favorite, and you've got the kind of boba experience that doesn’t scream trend, it speaks tradition.

Photo courtesy of @chunsuitang instagram

2. 50 Lan — The People's Choice

Locals love 50 Lan for good reason. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to be cute. It’s reliable and absolutely everywhere. If you want a taste of what everyday boba looks like in Taiwan, this is it.

Their famous Green Milk tea, often pair with small bubble is light yet creamy, while their Yakult Green Tea is citrusy, tangy, and oddly addictive often pair with coconut jelly. Bonus points for the ability to customize everything from ice to sweetness to topping texture. It's true boba nerd territory.

Photo courtesy of @50lan_central Instagram

3. Ten Ren Tea — For the Tea Purist

For those who take their tea seriously, Ten Ren is a must. This brand has been around for decades and is known for its dedication to quality leaves and traditional brewing methods.

Their Dark Oolong Milk Tea is rich, roasted, and earthy—less sugar, more soul perfect to combine with their pearl topping. But the standout is their signature 913 King’s Oolong Tea (913茶王), blended with ginseng for a flavor that lingers gently long after the last sip.

Photo courtesy of Taiwaneverything

4. Kebuke Tea — Vintage Charm & Bold Flavors

With its nostalgic branding and retro interiors, Kebuke feels like stepping into a Taiwanese tea shop from the 1930s and this tea shop also had a killer drink menu.

From their classic Bubble Milk tea that gives you a nostalgic trip in the most soothing way, to their creative mixing of the Peach Black Milk Tea that offers a floral-fruity profile that feels like creamy smooth spring in a cup, Kebuke Tea is worth trying for.

Photo courtesy of KEBUKE TEA

5. Guiji — Modern, Fruity, and Fun

Guiji is for the bold and playful tea lovers. The drinks here are vibrant, juicy, and slightly less conventional, perfect for fruit tea fans.

Their Pearl Red Milk Tea is a favorite classic drink for you pearl lovers, while the King Oolong Milk tea will wakes up your entire palate, it is considered one of the richest milk tea taste by the locals. The aesthetic packaging doesn’t hurt either, Guiji Tea is practically made for Instagram.

Photo courtesy of @guiji_official instagram

The Takeaway

Boba in Taiwan is more than just a drink, it’s part of the rhythm of daily life. Some people sip it on their commute, others treat it as a midday ritual. Whether you’re into creamy lattes, tea-forward blends, or fruit-packed refreshers, Taiwan offers a boba story for every taste.

So next time you're here, skip the usual chains and follow the pearls and you just might fall in love one cup at a time.