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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.
Source: Rosalind Chang, Unsplash
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.
How was it invented?
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.
Popular boba toppings to try
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.
Here are some of the most common bubble tea toppings:
Aloe Vera
Extracted from aloe vera plants, this topping is refreshing and neutral in taste, making it a perfect addition to any fruity boba, especially during the summer.
Aiyu Jelly
Also known as ice flower jelly, it mainly consists of water and is best for its cooling properties. When paired with citrus or honey, this translucent jelly offers a refreshing experience.
Herb Jelly
Made by infusing herbs into a gel-like base and sweetened for a delightful taste, herb jelly provides a pleasant balance between dessert and bubble tea.
Pearl
Traditional boba pearls add chewiness and fun to the drink, enhancing the flavor profile.
Mini pearl
Similar to classic boba pearls but in miniature form, these tiny pearls offer the same chewy texture and fun experience in every sip.
Lychee Jelly
Capturing the sweet, floral, and tropical essence of lychee fruit, this chewy jelly adds both texture and visual appeal to the drink.
Pudding
This creamy, smooth, and custard-like topping adds a sweet and caramelized flavor, offering a nice textural contrast to the liquid tea.
Red Bean
For a nutty and earthy option, red beans are slightly sweet with a tender texture, pairing well with flavors like classic milk tea and matcha.
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.
Homer Bubble Tea
Open in 11:00Closed in 18:00
Homer was founded by Cloris, who grew up in Canton, China and later moved to Europe. For Cloris, bubble tea holds significant nostalgia as one of the fondest memories from her childhood and adolescence. Upon arriving in Europe, she felt compelled to share this delightful taste with everyone she knew, thus committing herself to spreading the charm of bubble tea, leading to the birth of Homer.
MON — SAT
11:00 – 18:00
SUN
Closed
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.
Bubble House
Open in 11:00Closed in 18:00
Located just steps away from Place du Theatre, Bubble House boasts a prime location in Luxembourg, nestled in a small gallery not far from the bank on the main street. While it may be a bit tricky to find, a little effort will lead you to this hidden treasure.
MON — SAT
11:00 – 18:00
SUN
Closed
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!
Lux Boba
Open in 11:30Closed in 19:00
If you think bubble tea is only found in the capital, think again—Lux Boba is located in Esch-sur-Alzette on the ground floor of Belval Plaza, the largest shopping center in the southern part of the country.
MON — SAT
11:30 – 19:00
SUN
Closed
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.
T. ZONE BOBA
Open in 12:00Closed in 19:00
Located in the heart of the capital, just steps away from Place du Theatre, T. ZONE BOBA occupies a prime location in Luxembourg. Despite opening during the onset of the pandemic, T. ZONE BOBA has not only survived but thrived through challenging times.
MON — SAT
12:00 – 19:00
SUN
14:00 – 18:30
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.
Hi-Tea
Open in 11:30Closed in 23:00
Despite its name, Hi-Tea isn't solely a bubble tea shop, it's a restaurant specializing in ramen. However, it earns a spot on our list due to its good selection of bubble teas. While the menu may not be as extensive as other dedicated bubble tea establishments, the quality of their teas makes Hi-Tea worth a visit.
WED — MON
11:30 – 23:00
TUE
Closed
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 Club
Open in 12:00Closed in 19:00
Guo Cha Club is a fresh face in Luxembourg's bubble tea market, having opened its doors earlier this year. Officially inaugurated on January 27th, the establishment boasts a bright space with wooden benches and a green, yellow, and white decor that creates a cheerful atmosphere.
TUE — SAT
12:00 – 19:00
SUN
14:00 – 19:00
MON
Closed
"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?
Yes, you can get hot bubble tea in Luxembourg. Many bubble tea shops, such as Bubble House and Lux Boba, offer both hot and cold options to cater to different preferences and seasons. Whether you enjoy a warm, comforting milk tea or a refreshing iced fruit tea, there are plenty of choices available.
Are there any bubble tea shops that also serve food in Luxembourg?
Yes, there are bubble tea shops in Luxembourg that also serve food. For example, Bubble House offers sandwiches that you can pair with your bubble tea, often as part of a combo deal. Hi Tea, primarily a ramen restaurant, features a selection of bubble teas that complement their main menu. These establishments provide a more comprehensive dining experience, allowing you to enjoy both delicious drinks and satisfying meals.
Are there any loyalty programs at bubble tea shops in Luxembourg?
Yes, several bubble tea shops in Luxembourg offer loyalty programs to reward their regular customers. T.ZONE BOBA, for instance, has a loyalty card program that gives you a free bubble tea after a certain number of purchases. These programs are a great way to get more value out of your frequent visits and enjoy additional perks.
Which bubble tea shops in Luxembourg use eco-friendly practices?
T.ZONE BOBA stands out for its eco-friendly practices. They use recyclable or biodegradable cups, containers, and straws, making them the only bubble tea shop in Luxembourg committed to such sustainable efforts. Their green and lush interior design also reflects their dedication to environmental consciousness. This focus on eco-friendly practices not only enhances their appeal but also supports a more sustainable lifestyle for their customers.
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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
Authors: Luz
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