Milk bubble tea, also known as boba tea, has surged in popularity across the UK in recent years. Originating from Taiwan, this drink typically consists of tea, milk and chewy tapioca pearls. There are now hundreds of bubble-tea outlets.
 
The taste trends are diverse, ranging from traditional milk tea to matcha and taro. I recently stopped at Mine Bubble Tea in London's Shepherd's Bush.
 
The tables were empty, but there was a steady stream of delivery drivers collecting drinks, demonstrating the growing demand for convenience.

How to serve

Homemade bubble tea is fun and customisable: brew your favourite tea, add cooked tapioca and mix in milk and flavourings to taste.

Where to buy

Bubbleology's Milk Bubble Tea Mixology Kit contains four do-it-yourself drinks for £8.50 (www. bubbleology.co.uk). If you are in town, simply have it delivered.

Jonathon Jones tastes tea and exports English-grown tea worldwide.