Have you ever heard people talk about going to get “Boba,” but you have no idea what it is? Well, boba is a type of bubble tea that originated from Taiwan in the 1980s. The tea has large tapioca pearls that are placed at the bottom of the cup which slide up an especially large straw at the same time the tea does. Many people do not expect it, so it catches you by surprise on your first try.

Part of what makes trying boba so special is the whole presentation. There are many different ways in which this drink is presented to you, but one in particular is especially unique. At first you are presented with a regular plastic cup, but what’s strangely intriguing about it is the perfect fitted plastic lid that is wrapped around the top.

I recommend people who have an open palette to try it; not only is it delicious, but you’re also given the rare opportunity to try a beverage from another country. If you’re a person who doesn’t enjoy the tapioca pearls, it can also be served without it. Boba is offered in many different fruit flavors: strawberry, watermelon, cantaloupe, banana, and coconut. Personally, I favor a popular non-fruit flavored flavor called Taro, but there are others that are equally delicious. Along with the variety of teas, you might want to grab a couple of specialty snacks like popcorn chicken, fried calamari, mozzarella sticks, and fried tofu that really adds to the experience.

Boba is sold at many places in the San Bernardino area and it just takes a quick Google search to find the one closest to you. The Boba Tea House, located in Loma Linda, offers all different kinds of choices on their menu, so it’s definitely one of my favorite places to go to.  But if you aren’t willing to go to that far, you can also go to your local donut store and ask if they offer taro there. If you’re willing to give it a try, either with or without the typical tapioca pearls, I can say that you will not regret it.