Filipinos usually are fond of refreshing drinks such as the all-time favorite buko juice and samalamig. But just recently, a new product entered the picture. In a sweep, milk tea captured every Filipino’s taste buds from the North to the South. Where ever you go, you would see stalls and café offering milk teas of varying flavors.
But what is it in that drink that makes us Filipinos spend our precious time in line to have one?
What is milk tea?
It has been a decade since milk tea was introduced in the country. In 2008, the first milk tea store opened in San Juan City, and since then, Filipinos were drawn towards this tasty drink. People started loving it more than ever, especially Filipino teens and young adults.
This milk tea craze started in Taiwan. As regular tea drinkers, Taiwanese realized that they have respective teas for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but none for their snack. To fill in the gap, they developed a drink that we can be considered a snack and beverage simultaneously, the milk tea. Milk tea is a refreshing flavored iced tea with tapioca balls at the bottom. Milk is mixed with a tea base, fruits, and flavored syrups, and later, the tapioca balls are added. With its delicious and different take on a supposedly typical drink, milk tea became a real hit.
Recently, famous fried chicken chain, Jollibee has acquired Bubble Tea (a popular Taiwanese milk tea chain) for a whopping $12.8 million. The famous tea chain has a bunch of milk tea drinks on their menu that are loved by the people of the Philippines.
The popularity of milk tea among youngsters can also be attributed to it being a convenient drink. Enjoying it in a café is just as satisfying as consuming it while on the go. It complements the fast-paced professional and personal life of Filipinos.
Why do Filipinos Love Milk Tea?
The popularity of Milk Tea in the Philippines is undeniable. We love milk tea, and that’s proven. An average teen and young adult consume milk tea 3 to 5 times a week. Behind this popularity, here are several reasons why milk tea is such a hit in the country:
A new take on regular tea.
Tea has been around for a long time, and milk tea gave it a tasty twist. We are all familiar with tea, but what sets milk tea apart is its unique flavors. Besides, no one thought that tea could be consumed cold!
Perfect fit for Philippines ’ hot weather.
The Philippines is a hot country, and it gets even more desirable in summers. Milk tea is an ideal refresher on such hot days. A hot summer afternoon with a cup of tasty and cold milk tea chills the mood down.
Great when hanging out:
Since everyone loves milk tea, it becomes an excellent drink for bonding and hanging out. And not only that. It is also perfect for a chill, casual date. Of course, milk tea is loved by almost everyone, making it an excellent beverage choice for family get outs.
Different than other beverages:
Though there is a variety of cooling beverages available in the market like fruit juices and bottled drinks, milk tea prevails in the market with its unique-flavored teas and tapioca pearls.
Best for milk-loving Filipinos:
We love milk, and it is a universal fact. Milk tea opens up a lot more possibilities for experimenting with milk and our taste buds.
Milk Tea outlets in town worth trying
Many milk tea stores are open throughout the country. Despite the pandemic, these local milk tea stores have strived and coped with the demands of many. We especially curated a list of the BEST local milk tea outlets in our town, Consolacion.
Forget about worrying about the taste and quality as our list is purely based on our personal preferences and experience. So, ready your tummy as you visit the following:
Pearls ‘n Teas
Couldn’t agree more, indeed they are the best in town. We have tried their Red Velvet Cheesecake, my daughter’s favorite, and it did not fail her. Their Matcha series is also something that everyone should try.
Facebook Page: Pearls ‘n Teas
FaceTea
They are pretty underrated, but they are something worth trying. Java Chip and Salted Caramel of their cheesecake series are a must-try. They took so long to respond to inquiries, though but still worth the wait.
Facebook Page: FaceTea
Nine Tea
Just like Pearls n Teas, this outlet has a good number of followers. My kids and I have tried them several times, and one thing to note is that they are not consistent, especially when it comes to the sweetness level. Still a must-try in town.
Facebook Page: Nine Tea
Ride N’ Teas
They are another underrated yet worth the try milk tea outlet in town. What we love about their offering is that they don’t fall short on flavors.
Facebook Page: Ride N’ Teas
The Brown Bubble
Another promising one. Every cup is packed with a good amount of tea goodness, which I think every good cup of milk tea must-have. There is a bit of inconsistency, but I guess it’s not something to be worried about.
Facebook Page: The Brown Bubble
Note: We have tried several outlets, but they are just not good enough.
Milk tea to a Filipino became like water to a fish. It has become a part of our lives that we cannot imagine a life without it. It can’t be missed when it’s on the menu, and with the variety of flavors available, it is no surprise that it becomes the most bought and loved drink by Filipinos.
So, what are you waiting for? Put on your shoes and satisfy your milk tea craving.