If you’re a fan of the delicious and refreshing bubble tea, then you’re definitely familiar with the term “toppings.” Those crunchy and tasty add-ons are an essential part of the bubble tea experience, enhancing the flavor and texture of this beloved beverage. Imagine walking into a bubble tea shop with your friends and confidently ordering, “A cup of bubble tea with all the toppings, please!” Now that’s a true bubble tea enthusiast!
What are Toppings? Explore the World of Bubble Tea Toppings
But are you truly a bubble tea connoisseur if you don’t know all the different types of toppings available? Join us as we dive into the wonderful world of bubble tea toppings that every fan should know about!
1 What are Bubble Tea Toppings?
Literally, “topping” refers to something that sits on top of or is added to the surface of another item, especially in the culinary context. In the case of bubble tea, toppings are the extra treats that are added to enhance the flavor and overall experience of the drink.
So, now you know what bubble tea toppings are! Simply put, bubble tea toppings include various types of jellies, tapioca pearls, and baked goods that accompany your drink.
These additions elevate the flavor profile of bubble tea and make it a more enticing and versatile beverage. Without the toppings, bubble tea just wouldn’t be the same!
The very first topping to grace bubble tea was the tapioca pearl, which made its debut in the 1980s in Taiwan. Since then, it has spread worldwide and become an iconic pairing with bubble tea.
2 Types of Bubble Tea Toppings
Traditional Tapioca Pearls
These chewy, sweet pearls are the most common and classic topping you’ll find in bubble tea. They first appeared in Taipei, Taiwan, in the 1980s, and by the 1990s, they had gained popularity in Southeast Asian countries. By the end of that decade, they had become a staple in North American cities with significant Asian populations.
In Vietnam, tapioca pearls and bubble tea were introduced in the 2000s, although the drink didn’t immediately gain widespread popularity. In 2009, there were concerns about the use of plastic polymers in the pearls, which led to a decline in consumption and the closure of many shops. However, in 2012, Taiwanese bubble tea with a new business model stormed into the market and created a fever that hasn’t cooled down ever since.
Traditional tapioca pearls come in various colors and are usually made from cassava or tapioca starch, giving them a sweet, crunchy, and chewy texture. They can be flavored with fruits like taro, strawberry, or corn, among other options.
From the traditional pearls, creative variations have emerged, such as white, chewy, golden, and string-shaped tapioca pearls.
Check out some recipes for tapioca pearls:
-
Basic Tapioca Pearls
-
Colored Tapioca Pearls
-
Taro Tapioca Pearls
-
Strawberry Tapioca Pearls
-
Corn Tapioca Pearls
Agar-Agar Jelly Topping
Agar-agar jelly is another popular topping that adds a unique twist to bubble tea. With its crunchy, chewy, and bouncy texture, it’s a favorite among the youth.
Agar-agar jelly is typically made from agar-agar powder, gelatin, or a combination of both. While the process of making the jelly is not too complicated, it requires precision in heating and mixing the ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
-
Basic Agar-Agar Jelly
Nowadays, you can find hundreds of jelly flavors to pair with your bubble tea, so go ahead and explore to find your favorites!
Check out some recipes for agar-agar jelly:
-
Mango Jelly
-
Lychee Jelly
-
Strawberry Jelly
-
Passion Fruit Jelly
-
Coconut Jelly
-
Taro Jelly
-
Coffee Jelly
-
Chocolate Jelly
-
Green Tea Jelly
-
Red Bean Jelly
Cheese Jelly Topping
Cheese jelly is a delightful variation of the classic agar-agar jelly, featuring a cheesy center surrounded by a crunchy jelly exterior.
When you bite into a cheese jelly, you’ll first experience the crunch of the jelly, followed by the creamy, melted cheese—a truly indulgent treat!
Preparing cheese jelly at home is simple. You can make the outer jelly layer using the standard jelly-making process and then add a small piece of cheese before letting it set.
Check out some recipes for cheese jelly:
-
Basic Cheese Jelly
-
Mango Cheese Jelly
Jicama Jelly
Jicama jelly, or bang bang ji, took the world by storm a few years ago. It’s not just about the jicama, though—you can also add other types of seeds or fruits to create unique flavors.
To make jicama jelly, simply cut jicama, corn, taro, or other root vegetables into small cubes, coat them with tapioca starch, boil them, and finally soak them in a sugar syrup. It’s a simple process that yields a delicious and crunchy topping!
Crème Caramel (Flan)
Crème caramel, or flan, has evolved from a beloved dessert to a popular topping for bubble tea. If you’re a flan enthusiast, be sure to ask for it as a topping the next time you order bubble tea—you won’t be disappointed!
Flan is typically made with eggs, fresh milk, and condensed milk, and it can be flavored with caramel, coffee, green tea, and more. While the process of making flan is straightforward, it requires skill to achieve the perfect texture without ending up with a cracked dessert.
-
Basic Crème Caramel
Check out some recipes for flan:
-
Caramel Flan
-
Coffee Flan
-
Green Tea Flan
-
Chocolate Flan
-
Taro Flan
Pudding
Like flan, pudding has a soft, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. However, pudding also contains gelatin, giving it a chewy, sticky quality that sets it apart from flan.
Preparing pudding for bubble tea is simple and can be done with basic egg custard powder, resulting in a rich, creamy texture that pairs well with various flavors, from fruits to green tea and even cheese.
Check out some recipes for pudding:
-
Basic Egg Pudding
-
Mango Pudding
-
Green Tea Pudding
-
Cheese Pudding
White Fungus Jelly
White fungus jelly, also known as snow fungus, is a popular ingredient in Vietnamese desserts, including the well-known che khuc bach (white fungus sweet soup). It has a similar texture to tofu but with the addition of gelatin, giving it a chewy, bouncy consistency.
Check out a recipe for white fungus jelly:
-
White Fungus Jelly
Popping Boba ( Bursting Pearls)
Also known as Popballs, these tiny balls resemble tapioca pearls but with a juicy, flavorful center. They come in various flavors like strawberry, mango, and orange, among others. Despite concerns about their potential health risks due to plastic content, they remain a favorite choice for many bubble tea enthusiasts.
-
DIY Popping Boba
Other Bubble Tea Toppings
The world of bubble tea toppings doesn’t stop there! You can also find mocha balls, red bean paste, and even unique, brand-specific toppings like black sugar tapioca pearls, fresh lotus seeds, aiyu jelly, and Okinawan jelly.
3 Where to Buy Bubble Tea Toppings?
If you’re an avid home bubble tea maker, you can certainly prepare your own toppings in small quantities. However, if you’re a bubble tea shop owner or planning to become one, it’s best to source your toppings from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and consistency.
The price of these toppings can vary, typically ranging from 50,000 VND to 200,000 VND per type and brand.
So, there you have it! We’ve explored some of the most popular bubble tea toppings that every fan should know about. Be sure to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match. Stay tuned for more food-related tips and tricks to enhance your culinary adventures.
Food that helps rejuvenate skin from within: Eat 1 bowl instead of applying 10 face masks.
Looking for an effective, safe, and cost-effective skincare method? Try this “miracle food” now! With just one serving per week, your skin will be deeply moisturized, anti-aging, and become more vibrant and smooth.
“The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Delicious Yogurt-Marinated Cherry Plum Dish with Tapioca Pearls”
Sour-sweet with a vibrant red hue, the enticing cherry-like fruit known as Thanh Mai beckons with its unique flavor. Elevate your taste buds with a delectable twist by crafting a refreshing yogurt dessert. Indulge in the ultimate sensory experience with our mouth-watering recipe, a perfect blend of creamy yogurt, chewy tapioca pearls, and the captivating tang of Thanh Mai. Discover the ultimate culinary delight and take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
The Ultimate Dessert Destination: Hanoi’s Tran Hung Dao Street Che
Despite the hefty price tag of up to $4 for a cup, this dessert spot on Tran Hung Dao Street is a hot favorite among locals and visitors alike. The allure lies in its delectable offerings, with a focus on sweet and fragrant flavors that keep patrons coming back for more.
5 Guilt-Free Bubble Tea Indulgences: Tips for the Addicted Saints
Introducing the ultimate guide to indulging in your bubble tea obsession without packing on the pounds! Bid farewell to the days of fretting over weight gain with these five ingenious methods for savoring your beloved beverage guilt-free. Prepare to revolutionize your bubble tea experience and embrace a healthier you!
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Decadent Black Sugar Tapioca Pearl Fresh Cream Butter
Fresh butter milk with boba and black sugar is a unique combination that creates a delicious and captivating drink. Learn how to make this indulgent treat – fresh butter milk with boba and black sugar – today!
