Kim Yu

You only need to open your eyes to see that Sydney is in a love affair with bubble tea. New bubble tea shops are rolling out quickly and gaining devoted followers willing to queue for up to 40 minutes just to get a sweet refreshing beverage. In the 30+ years since a restaurateur in Taiwan poured tapioca balls into milk tea, the drink has gone global – and it’s all about the bubble. Starch powder and water is boiled into soft and chewy little balls, also called boba, pearls, or tapioca balls, and provide the essential textural element of this drink. Variations are endless. The tea base can be black, green or oolong, or even no tea, and topping options can include tapioca balls, puddings, popping boba, grass jelly, fruit jelly, fresh fruit, biscuit crumbs, brown sugar pearls, and cheese and milk foams. Customising your own perfect bubble tea is half the fun, dictating everything down to the ice and sugar levels, or serving temperature. Want to get involved? These are our top picks of where to get your fix, curated by Time Out Sydney's critics. RECOMMENDED: In the mood for a chilled treat? Check out our guide to Sydney's best ice cream and gelato. On the hunt for something delicious, affordable and filling? Have a look at our guide to Sydney's best cheap eats here.