Origin and Cultural Significance

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea or 奶茶 (nǎichá), was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. Its origins are tied to local tea culture, where creative tea innovations became trendy. The combination of chewy tapioca pearls and sweet milk tea quickly gained popularity, becoming a signature Taiwanese drink.

1. Sweetness Levels in Chinese

Bubble tea, known as “奶茶” (nǎichá), is incredibly popular among young people in China. Many have made it a habit to grab a cup of bubble tea after lunch. Its popularity stems from the wide variety of flavors available, ranging from chocolate to tropical fruit.

.At the same time, with an increasing focus on healthy living, many Chinese consumers have become mindful of their sugar intake. As a result, they often request customized sweetness levels in their bubble tea. These preferences are typically categorized as follows:

全糖 100% regular sugar

少糖 75% less sugar

半糖 50% half sugar

微糖 25% little sugar

無糖  0% sugar free

2.Ice Levels in Chinese

In bubble tea shops, customers can often customize the ice level to suit their preferences. The common ice levels are:

正常冰 100% regular ice

少冰  75% less ice

半冰 50% half ice

微冰 25% little ice

去冰  0% sugar free

Pro Tip:

If you order no ice, some shops may offer extra tea or milk to fill the cup — be sure to ask if this is available!