A pilgrimage to Taichung’s legendary Chun Shui Tang – where the global phenomenon began🧋
In recent years, the rise of bubble tea (or boba tea) has truly taken over the world! From Taiwan to Hong Kong, Mainland China, United States, and even Indonesia. A lot of boba shops pop up to capitalize on the phenomenon caused by these chewy tapioca balls.
Flashy new bubble tea brands such as Chatime, Kung Fu Tea, Xing Fu Tang, Gong Cha, and others have brought this insanely popular drink into the global market. Boba culture even morphed with the introduction of various new toppings: foam tea, aloe vera, red beans (!!!), et cetera.
Who knew that the origins of bubble tea started from humble beginnings? I just returned from the most epic food pilgrimage to Taichung, Taiwan, and I’m still so thrilled from the experience!
Check out my video on Taiwan’s boba 🧋
Traveling in Taichung
After an eventful trip to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan, we were finally back at the city of Taichung. My mission in this city is to track down the OG bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang. I had high hopes for the place where boba drink originated!
Nothing enchants me more than history- especially if it’s related to my favorite drink: bubble tea! The pearl tea drink originated from Taiwan, before globalization transports it to the rest of the world. Bubble tea consists of tea, milk or creamer, and chewy little balls of tapioca (boba).
Imagine standing in a quiet tea house in Taichung’s West District where beverage history was made in 1988. A product development manager dropped tapioca pearls into her tea during a staff meeting. This one spontaneous moment literally changed how the world drinks tea!
Bubble Tea History: How One Meeting Changed Everything 📚
The roots of bubble tea actually trace back to the 1940s, when Chang Fan Shu opened a tea shop selling unique hand-shaken tea made with cocktail shakers. But the real magic happened decades later when Liu Han-Chieh, founder of Chun Shui Tang, revolutionized tea culture by serving it cold in the early 1980s. He then built a chain of stores serving iced tea products.
Then came that fateful day in 1988 when Lin Hsiu Hui, working as a product development manager, decided to combine sweetened tapioca pudding called fen yuan with her tea. It was quite literally just a casual staff meeting where someone’s creative impulse created a billion-dollar industry! The combination of tea, milk, and those wonderfully chewy tapioca pearls created something completely revolutionary.
But here’s where it gets interesting – there’s actually a competing origin story! Tu Tsong He, who ran Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan, claims he invented bubble tea in 1986 when he added white tapioca balls to green tea after seeing them at a local market. The rivalry got so intense that it led to a decade-long court battle that finally ended in 2019 with the court basically saying “bubble tea belongs to everyone.” Honestly? I love that both stories exist – it shows how innovative Taiwan’s tea culture was during this era.
Stepping Into History: The Chun Shui Tang Experience 🏮
This is the first Chun Shui Tang store. Walking through those doors makes people feel like entering a living museum where every corner whispers stories of innovation. The Tang Dynasty-inspired decor isn’t just aesthetic – it’s cultural storytelling. Intricate paintings depicting the bubble tea timeline cover the walls. It gives off the atmosphere where you’re not just buying a drink, you’re a part of this (sweet) history.
I wasn’t able to make it to the original store, but the chain stores are spread all over the city. We sat down in one, and found that the menu here transcends typical bubble tea shop offerings. There are many choices for savory meals as well!
They have also preserved traditional tea bases while embracing modern innovations, creating a bridge between the original 1988 creation and contemporary tastes. Feeling hungry, we ordered a cup of milk tea and a bowl of beef noodle soup.
Our Order: Beef noodle soup and classic pearl milk tea (obviously!)
First Sip Reaction: Soo yum!!
Texture Analysis: Noodle was springy, bathed in a hot broth. The bubble tea was the perfect balance of creamy and chewy
Flavor Profile: Complex, nuanced
The OG Bubble Tea 🍹
Here’s the thing – I’ve tasted bubble tea across North America, Southeast Asia, and major cities worldwide. But that first sip at Chun Shui Tang? It’s like hearing your favorite song performed by the original artist. There’s depth, craftsmanship, and story that makes you appreciate your glass so much more.
The tapioca pearls here have this incredible texture – not too firm, not too soft, with just the right amount of sweetness. Made from high-quality tapioca starch, these little spheres of joy are crafted with decades of perfection behind them. The tea base itself is aromatic and well-balanced, clearly they are using premium tea leaves that create a smooth, rich foundation.
Each cup of milk tea is hand-shaken using cocktail shakers, creating fine air bubbles that gives the drink its silky mouthfeel. This traditional technique, combined with fresh milk instead of creamer, creates a noticeably richer taste that sets authentic bubble tea apart from chain versions.
How about the beef noodle soup? The broth was flavorful and the beef was tender. Much better than I expected! I would recommend it as well.
From Local Innovation to Global Phenomenon 🌏
Witnessing bubble tea’s success from its birthplace gives incredible perspective on cultural globalization. According to recent studies, the bubble tea industry is expected to grow by almost $2 billion to reach $4.3 billion by 2027. What started as one person’s creative idea has become a cultural bridge connecting Taiwan to the world.
The drink’s popularity exploded across Asia in the 1980s and 1990s. The tea drink then spread worldwide thanks to tourism, globalization, and social media. Taiwanese immigrants brought bubble tea to major cities internationally, creating a rise that shows no signs of slowing down.
Modern Innovations
These days, bubble tea continues to evolve with brown sugar variations using brown sugar and fresh milk instead of plain sugar and creamer. As a seasoned boba drinker, I noticed how the bubble tea scene has expanded beyond traditional offerings.
Modern bubble tea companies are experimenting with everything from cheese foam toppings to popping boba toppings. The soul of the drink, though, remains the tea base. As Tu Tsong He from Hanlin mentioned, using top-quality tea leaves is essential. Many shops still source premium Sri Lankan black tea grown in Taiwan for that smooth fragrance and great aftertaste.
One of my favorite ways to drink tea now is the recently invented cheese foam tea. The craze, started by Heytea in mainland China, has also spread to the corners of Asia. I enjoy a nice cup of cheese foam green tea from Happy Lemon now and then! The creaminess of the topping, mixing together with fragrant green tea, is a unique experience I loved from the first sip.
The visual appeal of new bubble tea innovations – Instagram-worthy brands – has made it a favorite among young people on social media platforms. But beyond aesthetics, it’s the unique drinking experience that keeps people coming back. There’s something deeply satisfying about sipping tea while chewing on various toppings.
The global journey of bubble tea reflects Taiwan’s unique position in international food culture. Assad Khan, who brought bubble tea to the UK through his Bubbleology brand, describes his first taste as “love at first sip”. He noted how the variation in texture creates a unique hybrid dessert experience unlike anything else.
More Than Just a Beverage, It’s a Culture 🇹🇼
Food historian Tseng Pin Tsang explains that bubble tea reflects Taiwan’s transitional mood in the late 1980s – “the feeling that society was transitioning from old to new”. The drink embraces traditional Taiwanese cultural experiences while embodying modern innovation, becoming a symbol of the island’s self-confidence and identity.
This cultural significance became hilariously apparent during Taiwan’s 2004 “bubble tea for arms” incident, when the defense ministry suggested people skip bubble tea to fund military expenses. The campaign backfired spectacularly, with bubble tea chains and drinkers uniting in opposition. Some scholars even claim this controversy helped propel bubble tea onto the international stage!
The deeper meaning resonates when you’re actually sitting in Chun Shui Tang, surrounded by locals and tourists alike, all sharing this uniquely Taiwanese experience. Bubble tea isn’t just refreshing – it’s a cultural connector that brings people together across languages and backgrounds.
Visiting Tips: Making Your Boba Pilgrimage 🗺️
Getting There: Taichung is easily accessible via Taiwan High Speed Rail from Taipei. The Original Chun Shui Tang store is located in No. 30號, Siwei St, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403 (Maps)
Best Timing: Weekday afternoons for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities
Language: English menus available, staff speaks conversational English
The prices here are higher than chain shops, in my humble opinion it is worth it for the authentic experience and superior quality. Expect potential wait times, especially on weekends, because popularity never fades at legendary establishments.
Final Verdict: Is This Pilgrimage Worth It? ⭐
100% yes!
My Personal Ratings:
- Historical significance: 10/10 (literally drinking history)
- Taste quality: 8.5/10 (noticeably superior to chain versions)
- Value for travel effort: 9/10 (unique experience you can’t get anywhere else)
- Instagram worthiness: 8/10 (perfect backdrop for bubble tea content)
Overall Experience: 8.8/10 🌟
This isn’t just another refreshing drink stop – it’s a cultural pilgrimage that deepens your appreciation for innovation, tradition, and the power of creative thinking. It’s amazing how an invention from Taichung can travel all over the world, jumping over oceans, to reach the hands of everyday consumers.
Whether you’re a casual boba dabbler or dedicated bubble tea enthusiast, visiting Chun Shui Tang will transform how you think about this beloved Taiwan classic. It’s proof that sometimes the best travel experiences come from following your taste buds. Here’s to incredible stories of human innovation and cultural connection! 🧋🧋
Have you visited Taiwan’s original bubble tea shops or other historic food destinations? Share your experiences! And follow for more foodie travel adventures that connect culture, history, and incredible flavors.
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