Boba Republic, keeping everyday bubbling |30 December 2021

Freshly-prepared boba, or bubble tea, a tea-based drink with either tapioca pearls or popping boba made from juice, is now available locally at the newly opened Boba Republic situated in the Food Court of the Bois De Rose shopping complex.

The country’s first dedicated bubble tea store owned by businessman Yuva Pillay was officially opened yesterday by his grandmother Mrs Deenu in the presence of family members and friends.

Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea, bubble milk tea, tapioca milk tea, or boba tea or boba, is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s.

It most commonly consists of tea accompanied by chewy tapioca balls (‘boba’ or ‘pearls’), but it can be made with other toppings as well.

Bubble tea has many varieties and flavours, but the two most popular varieties are black pearl milk tea and green pearl milk tea (‘pearl’ signifies the tapioca balls at the bottom).

Unfortunately, boba itself provides very few health benefits, though its calories and carbohydrates can provide you with a boost in energy.

In most cases, boba tea contains high levels of sugar, which is linked to long-term health conditions like diabetes and obesity.

According to Mr Pillay, the inspiration to set up such a business dated back while studying in the United Kingdom.

Being an admirer of the product himself, he decided that it would be ideal to bring to the local shore through a dedicated store.

He explained that the staff of the Boba Republic has vast experience from working overseas in the industry, therefore the products being offered will be up to high standards.

The drinks vary between R60 for an Ice Tea and R90 based on customers’ requests for additional bubbles and poppings.

The shop also offers a variety of food selection, including a range of burgers and seafood, along with a desert choice including waffles.

For a new experience, the Boba Republic is open from 9am to 6pm.

The accompanying photos were taken by our photographer Thomas Meriton during yesterday’s opening ceremony.

Roland Duval