- Boba is transitioning from a passing trend to a widely accepted beverage, with shops emerging globally.
- This phenomenon originated in Taiwan during the 1980s with Chun Shui Tang being among its earliest proponents.
- Despite fierce competition from Chinese brands, Chun Shui Tang remains dedicated to quality and expansion.
What once started as a trendy drink has firmly secured its place in popular culture: bubble tea or boba is now everywhere.
This remarkable shift is emblematic of Chun Shui Tang’s journey—a teahouse located in Taiwan that claims to have invented this drink back in the 1980s.
The establishment began as a conventional teahouse selling a variety of teas—something commonplace throughout Taiwan. However, founder Liu Han-Chieh soon realized that retailing tea was more challenging than his passion for it might suggest.
Liu shared insights from his headquarters based in Taichung during an enlightening interaction with Business Insider on how these changes propelled his venture forward. “In Taiwan, serving loose leaf tea requires personal engagement; customers often sample before making purchases. Many would engage in lengthy conversations over the beverage without ever buying,” he explained at 72 years old.
The traditional intricacies of Chinese tea drinking involve various elaborate steps, which can drag out sales discussions. Once customers finally decide to make a purchase, they may not brew their leaves for weeks—a financial reality that proved counterproductive for business longevity.
Transforming Tea Traditions: The Birth of Boba Milk Tea
A pivotal moment occurred when Liu traveled to Japan and was inspired by iced coffee trends back then. He returned home with innovative plans for hand-shaken iced teas—a significant change for his teahouse since chilled beverages were typically served only by street vendors during that time period.
This fresh addition quickly drew attention when Lin Hsiu-hui, who was responsible for marketing chilled teas within the shop, found herself surpassing sales records set by hot beverages regularly offered prior.
“Iced tea appeals universally—from toddlers to seniors—whereas hot drinks primarily cater to an older clientele,” Liu remarked enthusiastically about discovering this new customer base habitually consuming ready-made iced products instead of perishable bags full of dried leaves monthly. He recognized he had unearthed something special here.”
Liu encouraged Lin—who currently holds the title of R&D director—to innovate further by experimenting with unique ingredients added into their teas.
Lin recalled one instance where she combined chewy tapioca balls—the cherished treat from her childhood—with milk-based beverages; thus giving them their signature name “pearls”, evoking images reminiscent of black pearls trailing behind deep sea divers.
The trajectory followed is comparable to Starbucks’ evolution from selling solely coffee beans upon launching itself back around 1971 toward becoming today’s vast empire encompassing food items and merchandise alike across several continents.
Angela Liu (Liu Han-Chieh’s daughter) who heads operations today states aspirations towards achieving similar global acclaim akin Starbucks’, acknowledging still much work lies ahead considering they currently operate roughly over two hundred locations while Starbucks boasts beyond 38 thousand establishments worldwide!
Liu has expressed no urgency regarding aggressive expansion efforts instead opting mindfully exclusively seeking organic growth through sustainable practices founding upon longstanding traditions spanning millennia as compared against transient market trends impacting consumer behavior swiftly today said him himself “Tea stands strong even after five thousand years—it surely represents lasting value.”
Controversies and Global Reach: The Boba Phenomenon
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Evolution of Boba Tea: From Traditional to Trendy
In the past, Liu relied on shipments for her tea leaves and pearls. However, recent statistics from the Taiwanese government indicate that exports of tapioca and its alternatives—particularly tapioca balls—have surged, more than doubling their tonnage sent to the United States over a five-year period leading up to 2023.
Boba has penetrated various beverage categories; Starbucks has even introduced its own take featuring raspberry pearls blended with summer berries. Notably, Starbucks’ offerings do not incorporate traditional tea.
The team at Chun Shui Tang remains unfazed by the eclectic interpretations of boba tea circulating today—even ones as unconventional as Heinz ketchup boba tea—because they embrace innovation in their own right.
Back in 2008, Chun Shui Tang launched a boba-infused hot pot, which combined a savory tea-like broth. They have also ventured into creating boba-flavored cheese tarts and recipes incorporating unique herbs.
While these creative concoctions generate buzz, Liu notes that customers often still lean towards options that maintain conventional sensibilities in taste.
The Personal Journey of a Teahouse Pioneer: A Father’s Disapproval Turned Support
Liu hails from a lineage of medical professionals; his father is a respected physician known for his stern demeanor—with one exception: when savoring tea. Liu recalls witnessing this joy early on: “I was only five when I noticed my father smiling solely when he enjoyed his cup of tea. That’s when I realized how uplifting it can be.”
An academic pursuit in medicine was not appealing to him; instead, after several years working in corporate settings, he founded his own tea enterprise at age 30. Initially supportive by gifting him a teapot as encouragement for his entrepreneurial venture—believing he would run it like any professional business—Liu’s father experienced shock upon discovering that this new venture included chilled teas and innovative toppings applied to traditional drinks.
“He thought my ideas were foolish,” shared Liu regarding those early days while building his brand without his father’s approval. The estrangement lasted three years until Liu arrived at his father’s door with solid sales numbers and even showcased improvements—a shiny new car among them—to finally gain reconciliation.
A sentimental reminder of this journey remains close; he keeps the cherished teapot gifted by his father within arm’s reach in the office.
Huileng Tan/Business Insider
The Original Chun Shui Tang: A Must-Visit Destination for Tourists In Taichung
Today, Chun Shui Tang’s original location situated in Taichung is featured prominently on many travel itineraries worldwide. During an end-of-June visit reported here, BI observed limited foot traffic surrounding an unpretentious street where shops contrasted sharply with other urban locales; however, customers continuously flocked to experience this establishment characterized by its distinctive blue tiled roof.
Diverging from current trends where most bubble tea outlets focus largely on takeaway options, Chun Shui Tang maintains traditional sit-down dining experiences allowing customers ample opportunity to enjoy their selections leisurely—and many choose just that way!
Furthermore, diners are presented with additional culinary experiences beyond just bubble beverages—including noodles and an array of side dishes along with classic breakfast items—all enriched through variant types such as authentic Chinese teas available too!
A visitor named Mark Anthony Villones from the Philippines expressed surprise upon discovering a casual dining setup within what could otherwise be assumed simply another bubble-tea bar during holiday explorations throughout Taiwan alongside peers seeking out “the authentic bubble beverage.”
Kayne Sy Photo Credit
<blockquote>“During my trip here specifically seeking out genuine bubble-teas proved exciting,” said Villones noting both enjoyment but lack thereof novelty that impressed others entirely!” echoed assessment rings true under competitive marketplace challenges faced today against varied trendy establishments entering industry space alike.”
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Intense Rivalry in the Global Boba Tea Market
Chun Shui Tang faces significant challenges as it navigates the intricate global boba tea landscape.
While Chun Shui Tang is a well-known establishment in Taiwan, it, along with its newer venture, TP Tea, has yet to achieve international recognition on par with competitors.
“An increasing number of bubble tea chains from China are looking to expand their presence globally,” noted Jason Yu, managing director of Kantar Worldpanel for Greater China, in an interview with BI.
Several Chinese brands—like Mixue from Central China—are financed by venture capital investments. This funding enhances competition, as their operational models are both replicable and scalable, according to Yu.
Aly Song/Reuters
“Taiwanese bubble tea shops thrive locally; however, they don’t appear to be growing as swiftly as their Chinese rivals,” Yu remarked.
Regarding the influence Taiwanese brands hold due to their origin of creation, Yu expressed skepticism about whether this legacy alone positions them as leaders on an international level. “It contributes to branding narratives but doesn’t solely define success,” he explained. “Origins can offer some advantage but do not encompass all aspects; brand strength and supply chain effectiveness play pivotal roles.”
Yu pointed out that even though coffee culture has Italian roots—a fact that resonates—companies like Starbucks have taken this concept worldwide successfully.
Liu, the founder of Chun Shui Tang, remains optimistic despite mounting competition. He believes that there’s ample space within the market for various players to coexist transparently without threat. Liu claims that increased competition only bolsters his business: “Our competitors educate customers about boba tea while also highlighting our pioneering Taiwanese brand,” he explained further.
“They act more like partners than adversaries,” Liu added confidently regarding fellow market entrants.
