Why is bubble tea so popular?

[sheikalana]

Does it actually have any health benefits or people just drink it because it’s funny?

[dantetheexplorer]

Bubble tea was first invented in Taiwan, during the 80s.
It's popularity spread from Taiwan, through to the rest of East Asia, then through to Southeast Asia, and from there, through to the rest of the world, to countries like Australia, the UK, North America, etc.

Personally, although I grew up with bubble tea, I don't drink it very often, and even if I do, I ask them to withhold the sugar, because I don't like sugary drinks and foods.
I just much prefer my tea hot and from a teapot, without milk or sugar.

But many young folks in East Asia / Southeast Asia enjoy bubble tea, exactly because it's sweet - and it comes in a smorgasbord of flavors and types.

I'm not sure about the States or other Anglo countries, but in Asia - specifically East Asian and Southeast Asia - there are many types of bubble tea.

For example, the teashop franchise called 喜茶 (Hey Tea) has Oreo Bubble Tea.
Yups. It's bubble tea with Oreos in it.

A closeup:

Close-Up Shot of what is popularly referred to as 神仙奶茶. I’m not sure how to translate that into English. Transcendent Being Milk Tea? Celestial Being Milk Tea? [Google Translate informs me that it’s “Fairy Milk Tea”. Huh.]
So, here it is:

You probably can't find these in the States or other Anglo countries, but in East/Southeast Asia, we have cheese tea (芝士茶), proclaimed by many to be bubble tea's successor.

I'm thinking the reason why you can't find it in the States and other Anglo countries is because non-Asians cannot fathom the idea of "cheese" and "tea" belonging in the same beverage.

And yes, it has sugar in it as well. Among other things.
Here’s a picture of 芝士奶盖 (Cheese Milk Cover):

More varieties of cheese tea, including one featuring matcha (powdered green tea):

[ChocoBrownieMonster]

Dont know, i dont like it myself. It feels like I've just eaten eggs

[kaoriix]

because it tastes good

[asshole_]

i don't really drink tea. i probably should though

[korey182]

i don't know lol i saw that on We Bare Bears🐻

[Joker_]

Because bubble tea is fucking delicious

[mrgspoter]

Duno it.