The Pearl Bounce
A weak bubble tea is ruined by mushy or rock hard pearls. A good version serves them QQ, which is the local shorthand for that perfect, bouncy chewiness. They should be steeped in just enough syrup to have a hint of sweetness without making the whole drink cloying. If the pearls are stuck together in a clump, walk away.
The Sweetness Scale
The beauty of the modern bubble tea kiosk is the customisation. Most people start at 100 percent sugar and slowly work their way down to 25 percent or even 0 percent as they grow up. The tea should still taste like actual tea: look for a strong floral or roasted base that can cut through the creaminess of the milk.
Quick answers
- Is bubble tea usually halal?
- Many popular chains in Singapore are halal certified. You should always check for the official certificate displayed at the shop front.
- Can I get it without pearls?
- Yes, you can swap pearls for grass jelly, aloe vera, or white pearls, or just enjoy the tea plain.