Its been a long wait for me to try drinks with bubbles. I always wondered what these bubble tea craze was all about. Recently as I was passing through Indira Nagar, Adyar, came across this shop called Dr. Bubbles with catchy purple color themed decors. The roads are narrow here and its very hard to find a parking. Thanks to the drain work which has reduced the roads to half of its actual width. However, this time I was so tempted and finally decided to halt and try this out.
I enquired the person at the counter on the bubbles. He was happy to clarify the nature of the drinks served and what these bubbles were all about. They have two types of bubbles - one which is a tapioca based jelly balls (for tea/coffee) and another one with fruit flavors (for fruit based shakes) which burst in your mouth. While bubble tea is very famous, this shop has a variety of milk shakes too (including a Vegan one) which can be topped up (stays in the bottom though) with bubbles. The bubble tea supposedly originated in Taiwan and currently has evolved in to various varieties of flavors, textures and colors.
Basically the bubbles are just toppings added to the drink. So you may want to know what's so special about it. These are very similar to the Sabja seeds (Basil seeds used in faloodas) or Badam Pisin (used in Jigarthanda) but the size of bubbles are big enough for you to chew for sometime along with the drink. You got it ? It gives a feel that you are eating and drinking at the same time. Uhh! Nutritionally, these bubbles don't have any benefit other than too much of starch and I understand its high in sugar too. But nothing wrong in trying one for the sake of it.
After browsing the menu, opted for a caramel shake with tapioca bubbles. The rates are on the higher side. The cost of a milkshake here is as good as Keventers or Frozen Bottle. In that context, I expected it to be the best. However, I was disappointed with the quality of the shake. To add to it, the cost of bubbles as topping was extra. Not over yet, if you want a plastic bottle to take away, they charge for that as well (they do have a bulb shaped bottle which looked trendy). I ended up paying around Rs 225/-. The experience of chewing tapioca with the drink was odd in the beginning. However, you get used to it and develop a taste and method to have it.
Dr Bubbles is a franchise model outlet and have several branches now in Chennai. They have various options of drinks including tea and coffee varieties too. However, currently they are not serving hot drinks with bubbles, am told they will be starting soon. I would like to try out a authentic bubble tea sometime, but the cost is making me think twice.
Have your tried one ? Please comment your views.
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