Description
The classic 1980s Taiwanese boba tea that swept the world, intentionally using 'milk powder (creamer)' instead of fresh milk to highlight the black tea aroma.
Restaurants serving Classic Pearl Milk Tea (Boba)
Researching
We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Black boba
- Black tea leaves
- Nai Jing(Creamer)
- Simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- [Boba (Zhenzhu)] Boil large dried black boba in massive hot water for
- mins, turn off heat and steep for
- mins. Wash off slime, soak in brown sugar/honey syrup.
- [Black Tea] Brew strong Assam or Ceylon tea to make a highly aromatic hot tea base.
- [Biggest Point: Nai Jing] Instead of fresh milk, dissolve plenty of 'Nai Jing (creamer/milk powder)'—unique to Taiwanese drink stands—into the hot tea. This removes milk odor and creates a rich milk tea highlighting the tea aroma.
- Put ice, milk tea, and simple syrup (to taste) in a shaker, shake vigorously to mix in air.
- Put boba in a cup, pour the frothy cold milk tea over it, and insert a thick straw.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Rich black tea aroma
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Fresh milk (becomes 'Zhenzhu Xian Naicha', a different drink)
Pairing
Fried chicken(Da Ji Pai)
Trivia
[For Everyone] The 'fresh milk + brown sugar' boba popular in Japan is a new style. The 'original Pearl Milk Tea' Taiwanese have loved for decades uses this creamer, an absolute staple where tea flavor is tasted directly.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Insert a thick straw to the bottom, chew the bouncy boba, and wash down the junk, rich sweetness unique to milk powder in one go!
Allergen
Dairy (from creamer)