Watford’s Atria Shopping Centre has welcomed the latest addition to its culinary landscape with the arrival of Bubble CiTea, marking the 47th outlet for the popular chain. Nestled in the Upper Mall between Sports Direct and Juice Bars Fuel, this establishment has joined the ranks of Bubble King, Yi Fang, and Bubbleology, contributing to the growing trend of Taiwanese bubble tea stalls in the town center.
Curiosity led me to explore the world of bubble tea, an adventure for someone accustomed to sipping tea without bubbles, preferably in a mug. With an open mind, I delved into the experience to discern what the hype was all about.
As a novice in the realm of bubble tea, the staff guided me towards the ‘Dirty Milk Tea,’ an homage to the original concoction served by bubble tea pioneer Liu Han-Chieh in the 1980s. The cup boasts a lining of brown sugar syrup, housing black tea, dark tapioca balls, and a crowning layer of milk. The intriguing visual result of the brown syrup merging with the milk tea earns it the intriguing moniker of “dirty.”
The cup is sealed with plastic, inviting patrons to pierce the seal with an extra-wide straw. The initial sip revealed a delightful blend of milky sweetness, complemented by robust undertones from the brown sugar syrup. Opting for ice in my tea, though suitable for a brisk January day, led me to ponder trying the original 1980s version served hot during future visits.
However, the unexpected sensation of sipping tapioca pearls through the straw presented a novel challenge. Drinking tea through a straw and encountering a chewy ball can be disconcerting for the uninitiated. Yet, once accustomed to the unique texture, the soft and sticky tapioca balls contribute an additional layer of deep brown sugar flavor to the overall drinking experience.
For those inclined to venture further, Bubble CiTea offers options to elevate the tea-drinking adventure with toppings such as aloe vera pieces, jelly chunks, or a variety of exploding fruit-flavored bubbles.
The bubble tea trend has gained significant momentum in the UK, evident in Watford alone, where seven establishments now offer diverse bubble tea selections. While this trendy beverage offers a unique twist for English tea enthusiasts, it may be worth a try for those yet to indulge. Personally, I find solace in my PG Tips for the time being.
