IKE buses, you wait for one bubble tea franchise and two arrive. Both Bubbleology (Cross Street) and Gong Cha Bubble Tea (are competing for fans of this Taiwanese speciality, the latter swiftly opening a second outlet in Market Street, not far away from the original in Mosley Street. It reminds of us of when Korean Gangnam-style irresistibly crept up on us.
Gong Cha (it translates as 'tribute tea for the emperor’) is a global leader with 1,500 outlets. Since 2006 this Taiwan company has been combining the freshest tea and 'pearls' (or bubbles) which are made freshly every four hours. These days they have a menu of 40 plus drinks to pick from categorised as green tea, milk tea and slush with a choice of ice and sugar level. Specialities include the creamy, brown sugar enriched 'dirtea' and a special creamy, slightly salty foam-topped tea.
Alongside some fiendishly left field tea concoctions bubble waffles are a priority at Bubbleology. Crack the crunchy topping and overdose on ice cream. The tea is equally over the top with whipped cream, crumbled biscuits, nuts and syrup.
So what is Bubble Tea?
It consists of different textures and layers which can be enjoyed with and without milk. There are a range of toppings to choose from, including ‘pearls’ (otherwise known as ‘Boba’) or fruit jellies which give the drink a tasty added texture. Gong cha’s signature ‘Milk Foam’ can also be added to give the tea a sweet topping.
Diehard fans go for Gong Cha’s ‘Dirtea’, an almost dessert-like drink that combines signature milk foam, fresh milk, the famous pearls enriched with brown sugar and topped off with Oreo crumbs.
Other favourites include ‘Strawberry Milk Green Tea’, ‘Mango Matcha’ And ‘Lemon Juice with Ai-Yu Jelly & White Pearl’.
Bubbleology, 44 Cross Street, Manchester, M2 7AR; Gong Cha, Unit B2, City Tower, Mosley St, Manchester M1 4AH and 78 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1PD.
