How bubble tea got its bubbles ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of 6 Minute English, hosts Neil and Beth discuss the popularity of tea versus coffee in Britain, highlighting the rise of new tea trends like iced tea and matcha. They introduce bubble tea, a drink invented in Taiwan in 1987 by Liu Han-Chieh, featuring tea mixed with milk, ice, and chewy tapioca balls. The episode explores the drink's history, its spread to international markets, and its potential to revolutionize tea culture in Britain.

Takeaways

• ☕ People in Britain have various preferences for tea and coffee, with a traditional love for tea.
• 🍵 Beth drinks English breakfast tea, matcha tea, and herbal tea daily, showing her love for tea.
• 🌟 A significant part of the program discusses bubble tea, an innovative drink originating from Taiwan.
• 🥤 Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea, includes tea mixed with milk, crushed ice, and chewy tapioca balls.
• 🌍 Bubble tea's popularity has spread internationally, especially after being promoted by celebrities like Michael Jordan and Jackie Chan.
• 🇹🇼 The drink was invented in 1987 by Taiwanese teashop owner Liu Han-Chieh, who was inspired by iced milk tea in Japan.
• 🍮 Tapioca balls are the signature ingredient of bubble tea, making it unique and chewy.
• 🔥 The phrase 'spread like wildfire' is used to describe the rapid popularity growth of bubble tea.
• 🔮 The success of bubble tea is considered a 'miracle' by its inventor due to its unexpected and widespread popularity.
• 📊 Despite the rising popularity of coffee, around 59% of Brits still regularly drink tea.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the 6 Minute English episode described in the transcript?

The main topic of the episode is bubble tea, an exciting drink that combines tea with milk, crushed ice, and chewy tapioca balls.

What is the significance of the term 'cuppa' in British English?

In British English, 'cuppa' is an informal term for a cup of tea.

Which beverages does Beth mention she drinks during different times of the day?

Beth mentions drinking English breakfast tea in the morning, matcha tea at lunch, and a calming herbal tea before bed.

What is the estimated proportion of Brits who still regularly drink tea according to the consumer surveys?

According to the consumer surveys, around 59% of Brits still regularly drink tea.

What is the origin of bubble tea, and who is credited with its invention?

Bubble tea was invented in 1987 by Lin Hsiu Hui in Taiwan.