Little Foodies: Boba and Bubble Tea in Indy

July 29, 2024

Boba (aka bubble tea) has grown in popularity in Indy, and for good reason. This unique chunky beverage is not only refreshing and tasty, but it’s also fun to drink, too. These brightly colored beverages with gummy balls on the bottom of the cup are fun for kids, and let’s face it, fun for adults, too.

What is Boba and Bubble Tea?

The word “boba” is used to describe small, chewy pearls made from tapioca, a naturally gluten-free starch that comes from cassava root. To get the tapioca pearls to a soft, slurpable consistency, the boba balls are boiled until they’re tender. These gummy pearls are added to your choice of beverage (usually a tea-based drink) and gather at the bottom of your cup. They look like little bubbles — hence the term “bubble tea.”

As you drink your beverage, the boba pearls are slurped through a straw, and you can drink and chew your beverage at the same time! It’s a unique flavor and texture experience. Kids especially get a thrill from boba and bubble tea, because drinking bubble tea is like playing a guessing game: You never know when a boba pearl will pop into your mouth!