Although it's not the savory Asian treat I've been looking for, I've noticed recently that bubble tea has come to town. If you don't know what it is, bubble tea is a milk tea (now in all kinds of psychedelic colors and flavors) with giant tapioca balls, and you drink it with a super-size straw. Bubble tea was popular in Taiwan in the 90s, then it immigrated to the US in the 2000s, and just when you think the trend is dead, it arrives in Mexico. Kind of like what's happened to high-fructose corn syrup -- when your profits plummet in the US, revive the product in Mexico.
Twice last week I saw advertisements for bubble tea in Mexico City. Original Boba's House will be opening soon on Calle Tamulipas in La Condesa. Another chain, Tapioca Go, is in Plaza Altavista in San Ángel. I'm sort of over the bubble tea thing because it's hard to justify paying $3-4 for tea, but I'll probably go get some just because it's made it this far down the food chain.
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bubble tea is so good! i wish i could have it instead of water :)
ReplyDeleteNO WAY. Ok Im very very very jealous. I so miss Bubble tea. Drink one for me and chew on the fun little balls, but be sure not to get choked on one. ;)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Bubble Tea will ever make its way to my pueblito. :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Leslie -- if bubble tea never makes it to your pueblitos, you can make it at home. i've never seen the giant tapioca balls here, but you can easily find the small white kind. using a black tea, add simple syrup, creamer, and the cooked tapioca. not as delicious as the ones from the store but pretty close.
ReplyDeleteHi there. Just stumbled upon your blog. We lived in Mexico City for a year prior to moving to Mérida, and always thought it would be a fantastic idea to start up a bubble tea stand (especially with all the amazing fruit that comes in from around the country). We travel often back to DF to stock up on items (mainly Asian ingredients) and of course to gorge ourselves on the many fantastic restaurants that are there. We will definitely check out these stands when we next visit.
ReplyDeleteAs for the corn syrup fiasco, it's a true shame! First Coke, then Doritos and now corn syrup.
As much as they love sweets and yogurt I'm imagining this'll be a hit here. LOL I'm surprised I've never heard of it - tapioca balls??? who knew? :)
ReplyDeleteGringa,
ReplyDeleteIs there a Vietnamese community along the border near you? Because they have these kinds of drinks at any Vietnamese restaurant. Try it!