Michael Shanks - site 2006: The Revolution of Bubble Tea Straws

My, oh my! So many straws! Another one of the unique characteristics of bubble tea are those fat straws that come in so many different colors. As most bubble tea drinkers know, these fat straws allow the drinker to suck up the tapioca balls sitting at the bottom of the cup. Through this wonderful innovation, the drinker is able to chew and savor the rich texture of the tapioca pearls.

These straws are a must when you are drinking pearl milk tea and pearl milk tea cafes buy these fat straws in packages of 42-45 pieces ("History"). The straws are about 1/2" in diameter and 7" long and come in as many colors as boba can come in. These straws are the thicker type and will not crumple when in use.

Moreover, the remarkable fact about these straws is how the straws themselves can draw people to want to drink boba. Many people, including several here at Stanford University, claim that the big straw in boba drinks is the best part of getting bubble tea. One student, sophomore Edwin Navarro, stated: “Bubble tea wouldn’t be bubble tea if there wasn’t the big straw that came along with it. I mean, it’s the best part about drinking bubble tea…the action of sucking up the boba in the fat straw.”

At cafés, the exceptionally large straws used to drink bubble tea also a source of curiosity for customers (Shih). One shop owner was quoted saying, “I can't tell you the number of times people have swiped straws from the counter, thinking I'm not paying attention. But I don't really mind when cute little kids grab the huge straws to drink their tiny cups of water. Many new inquirers of bubble tea immediately head for the straws before they even order their drinks.”

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References

“History of Bubble Tea.” 05 Jun 2000. Bubble Tea Supply. 10 Mar 2006. <http://www.bubbleteasupply.com>.

Shih, Candice. “Tapioca tea sweeps Castro Street.” 10 May 2002. Mountain View Voice. 10 Mar 2006. <http://www.mv-voice.com/morgue/2002/2002_05_10.pearl.html>.

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