“Let’s go get boba!”
A popular phrase uttered during my high school career. Strangely, I hadn’t completely jumped onto the bandwagon until 10th grade. I’ve always been fascinated (and secretly proud) of the growing trend in the United States.
Although it originated in Asia, boba shops have been popping up all over the United States. Many of them are clustered all over Chinatown, but more and more shops have been offering the specialty drink.
I’ve been curious about the drink since middle school. I remember a friend of mine got a special delivery from her mom: a cup of “Kung Fu Bubble Tea.” And from then on, I was intrigued. She mentioned something about varying sugar levels, boba, and taro. All these terms confused me, but at the same time, I wanted to jump right into it. (Sugar levels? I have a sweet tooth: doesn’t that mean I’d absolutely love this??)
I’ve always been a shy kid and I didn’t jump into the social program until 10th grade. And, I definitely didn’t experience the hype until 10th grade either. It wasn’t a coincidence: it was a social thing. Maybe it wasn’t a phenomenon, but it was definitely a life changing event for me.
Maybe I’m being a tad dramatic, but it doesn’t feel like that.
A bubble tea shop that was closest to my high school was called “Kung Fu Tea.” It rang a distant bell in my memory: yes, the tea-shop that I was so interested in as an adolescent. I had no reason to go there, until I went with a friend. With such a huge menu (and a very indecisive mind), I stood there mesmerized as this new world unfolded in front of me.
I went with Matcha green tea (mostly because I already liked herbal green tea, so what would be the difference?) and my world suddenly shattered. Where was this my whole life? I began to grow obsessed with matcha and the whole world seemed to follow suit, the health benefits blasted on the headlines of every trendy food blog.
And yet, college seemed to catch up slowly. The taste of tea and milk was foreign to the majority of people there; it was strange. But, I think it’s okay. The phrase is coated with high school nostalgia.
I hope I can say, “Let’s go get boba” sometime. Maybe during college, maybe back home.
All I know is that it’ll taste like home, sweet home.
Some Other Food Blogs You May Be Interested In
