Where to find the best bubble tea in Luxembourg
Are you a bubble tea enthusiast? This is your place. Just discovering this fantastic drink? This is also your place. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what bubble tea is, its history and origins, and where to find the best bubble tea in Luxembourg.
Bubble tea, also known as pearl milk tea, bubble milk tea, tapioca milk tea, boba tea, or simply boba, is a flavored sweet tea beverage invented in Taiwan. The bubble tea market is booming, valued at an estimated $2.4 billion in 2019 and projected to reach $4.3 billion by 2027.
What is bubble tea and how is it made?
Although recipes can vary, most bubble tea drinks are a mix of cold or hot tea and milk, flavored with various syrups, and topped with black tapioca pearls or fruit pearls. Tapioca pearls are slightly sweet with a mild flavor, allowing the essence of the tea to shine through. Their texture is similar to gummy candies, soft yet chewy, and they are about the size of a marble. Bubble tea is typically served in transparent cups with extra-wide straws, so the pearls can be sipped and chewed while enjoying the delicious tea.
Bubble tea originated in Taiwan and is especially popular in Asian countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. It has also gained great popularity in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, especially in cities with large Asian populations. Its global expansion has made it an appreciated beverage in diverse cultures around the world.
There are several stories about the origins of bubble tea. The most widely accepted version credits Chun Shui Tang tea house in Taichung, Taiwan, as the birthplace of pearl milk tea in 1983. The founder, Liu Han-Chieh, began serving Chinese tea cold after being inspired by Japanese iced coffee during a visit to Japan. The cold tea was a huge success, leading Liu to establish a chain of tea houses.
Another popular version attributes the creation to Lin Hsiu Hui, the company's product development manager, who in 1988 added tapioca pearls to tea during a staff meeting. The employees enjoyed the new drink so much that it was added to the menu, quickly becoming a best-seller.
A third version comes from Hanlin Tea House in Tainan, Taiwan. Owner Tu Tsong He claims to have invented bubble tea by using traditional white fenyuan, which resembled pearls. He later switched to the black tapioca pearls that are commonly used today.
Bubble tea can come in various flavors, but the toppings play a significant role in the overall experience, altering both the texture and taste of the drink.
Top places for bubble tea in Luxembourg
Bubble tea in Luxembourg has surged in popularity, becoming a trendy beverage enjoyed by many. As the demand grows, more and more establishments are popping up across the country, each offering unique and flavorful options. In the following sections, we will explore some of the best establishments in the Grand Duchy so that you won't waste time searching and can quickly and easily find a place to quench your thirst.
Food and restaurants in Luxembourg
For a more complete overview of the Grand Duchy's culinary scene, we recommend our articles on the subject of food and restaurants in Luxembourg.
2 min walk from the main train station
Since its inception, Homer has enjoyed tremendous success, prompting the establishment of another location. They now boast two establishments, one near the main train station and another in the Cloche d’Or shopping center.
Beyond bubble teas, Homer also offers excellent ice creams, waffles, refreshing yogurts, and hot coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can rest assured as all their beverages and toppings are vegetarian-friendly, and approximately 95% of their menu items can be made vegan or are already vegan-friendly.
2 min walk from Place du Theatre
They pride themselves on being the first Taiwanese bubble tea lounge in Luxembourg, offering a wide array of options. You can choose from small, medium, or large sizes, served hot or cold. Their menu features bubble teas with milk or fruit bases, with a multitude of flavors and an extensive selection of toppings such as tapioca, pineapple, coconut, strawberry, passion fruit, kiwi, lychee, mango, and melon.
If bubble tea alone doesn’t satisfy your hunger, Bubble House also serves sandwiches, and you can even opt for a combo deal of sandwich and tea at a reduced price. As an added bonus, after purchasing ten bubble teas, you'll receive one free!
Inside Belval Plaza Shopping Center
Lux Boba is a newcomer to Luxembourg's bubble tea scene, having opened its doors in May 2024. The establishment was born from its founders' passion for boba, coffee, and connecting with new people.
Similar to other mentioned establishments, Lux Boba offers a wide variety of bubble teas served hot or cold, with options in milk or fruit bases, and a diverse range of toppings. In addition to bubble teas, Lux Boba serves various Vietnamese coffees under the Café Saigon brand, exclusive to Lux Boba.
To enhance the customer experience, Lux Boba has crafted a unique atmosphere that reflects a Luxembourgish flair. Collaborating with designers from Luxembourg and Saigon, they've created a simple and minimalist store design, incorporating Luxembourg's national colors. Lux Boba not only delivers excellent bubble teas and coffees but also ensures an unparalleled ambiance that resonates with Luxembourg's cultural identity.
2 min walk from Place du Theatre
Founded by individuals who grew up in Asia and developed a deep affection for bubble tea from a young age, T. ZONE BOBA is a testament to their lifelong passion. From weekly visits to local boba shops during their school years to daily indulgences post-graduation, bubble tea has become a part of their identity.
Driven by a desire to share their love for bubble tea and its diverse flavors, T. ZONE BOBA offers a signature Assam black tea with tapioca pearls, alongside options like Oolong milk tea, jasmine tea, taro, Thai tea, coconut, or matcha latte. Fruit tea enthusiasts can explore options such as strawberry black tea, lychee, peach, mango, passion fruit, kumquat lime, lemongrass lime, melon, and rose green tea. Toppings range from traditional tapioca pearls to brown sugar tapioca, coffee jelly, lychee, mango, pineapple, strawberry, and assorted fruit jelly, with the option to add a cream cheese topping.
T. ZONE BOBA also prioritizes environmental sustainability, employing eco-friendly practices from the outset. They proudly claim to be Luxembourg's only bubble tea shop using recyclable or biodegradable cups, containers, and straws. Their natural ethos extends to the interior decor, featuring lush greenery, wooden tables, and stools at the front, with cozy seating towards the rear.
With a loyalty card offering a free bubble tea after a certain number of purchases, T. ZONE BOBA not only delights with its flavorful offerings but also encourages patrons to return for more of their environmentally conscious and delicious bubble teas.
1 min walk from the Town Hall
Their offerings include classic milk tea, strawberry milk tea, taro milk tea, brown sugar milk tea, Thai tea, jasmine milk tea, and mango milk tea. For fruit tea lovers, options include mango, peach, blueberry, passion fruit, strawberry, kiwi, and lychee fruit teas. And of course, if you visit Hi-Tea for the bubble tea, don’t miss out on their ramen, made with homemade noodles.
"Guo Cha" translates from Mandarin to "fruit tea," reflecting the core of their offerings. Owners Oleksandr Petrykov and Brandy Chen aim to elevate the classic bubble tea experience by using only high-quality, fresh fruits such as mango, pineapple, apple, lemon, lime, and more. This focus on fresh ingredients ensures naturally tasty and nutrient-rich beverages.
Brandy Chen, originally from Taiwan, the birthplace of bubble tea, brings an authentic touch to their menu. She emphasizes that their teas adhere closely to original Asian standards, offering a more traditional taste compared to those adapted to European preferences.
Despite having competitors across the street, the owners of Guo Cha Club believe their unique recipes, rooted in authentic Taiwanese flavors and made with top-quality ingredients, set them apart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get hot bubble tea in Luxembourg?
Are there any bubble tea shops that also serve food in Luxembourg?
Are there any loyalty programs at bubble tea shops in Luxembourg?
Which bubble tea shops in Luxembourg use eco-friendly practices?
Source: es.wikipedia.org, fr.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, puntodete.com, www.1992sharetea.com, www.luxtimes.lu, homer.lu, www.bubblehouse.lu, luxboba.com, tzoneboba.com, hi-tea-shop.lu, www.guocha.club, delano.lu
We took photos from these sources: rawkkim on Unsplash, Unsplash, clochedor-shopping.lu, Homer Bubble Tea Facebook Page, top-rated.online, Tripadvisor, Bubble House Facebook page, Lux Boba, Lux Boba Instagram Page, T.ZONE BOBA Instagram Page, Hi-Tea on Google Maps, Guo Cha Club, Guo Cha Club on Google Maps
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