There is a deep appreciation that Asian cuisine is all the rage as America is widening its horizons to flavorful food and beverages from across the largest continent with 48 countries. Today we venture to Taiwan, which concocted and gave us a reason to gulp down and celebrate the 5th National Bubble Tea Day. The fun, gelatinous balls made from tapioca starch were invented 40 years ago and gained popularity at night markets with Taiwanese youth. As adolescents came to the U.S. to study in the 90s, tea went along to college towns. In 2018, the bubble tea chain, Kung Fu Tea, requested that the particular date be added to the calendar, honoring the opening date of its first location eight years prior.
Accessibility to bubble, aka “boba tea,” aka “pearl tea,” has been made convenient with the arrival of large chains like Happy Lemon, Share Tea, Lollicup, Ding Tea, Daboba, The Alley, Gong Cha, and of course, Kung Fu Tea opening one or more locations in Denver. My favorite is the classic milk tea, but shops typically offer an assortment of drinks and flavors for slushies, teas, smoothies, etc., to enjoy through your wide straw. Find the best spot and treat yourself to delicious tea and gummy bubbles at one of the following locations.
Kuluka Boba
6030 W 92nd Ave Suite 300, Westminster, CO 80031
Tea and Bao
600 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Tiger Den Tea House
44 Springer Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129