The Ultimate DIY Boba Bubble Tea Kit: A Journey Through the World of Tea

As an Angeleno and self-proclaimed tea enthusiast, I've had the privilege of sipping on some of the world's most exquisite brews in my hometown and beyond. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene tea farms of Yunnan Province, China, my love for tea has taken me on a wild ride of discovery.

In recent years, major investors have attempted to capitalize on the American appetite for tea, but none have quite captured the essence of this beloved beverage like American Tea Room (Beverly Hills & Downtown LA), Bird Pick (a Wing Hop Fung concept that had stores in Culver City & Pasadena), Teavana (the Starbucks attempt to gentrify tea), and Lupicia (Century City). Each of these ventures, however, ultimately failed to satiate the Angeleno's desire for a genuine tea experience.

As someone who has spent countless hours exploring the world of tea, I've come to realize that the story of tea in Los Angeles is also the story of all the tea experiments that have tried and failed to sterilize, sanitize, and/or corporatize this ancient beverage. Perhaps it's my love for this very city, where my family has called home for four generations, or maybe it's simply my passion for exploring the world through its many flavors, but I'm convinced that there's a way to make tea more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

As a host of my fútbol and culture podcast, 'Té para Todos,' I've had the pleasure of serving my guests the best teas our city has to offer. With significant experience shepherding fellow Angelenos into the world of tea, having spent the final segment of my 100+ episode L.A.-based podcast exploring this very topic, I'm excited to share my knowledge with you.

From my trusty Podstakannik, purchased on a long train ride from Yekaterinburg to Moscow, to my tea strainer located in desperate months spent in the coffee holy land of Medellín, every tea-related item has a story behind it. Whether it's the Turkish çay I drank in Istanbul or the Chai at Samovar in the Bay Area, each cup has taught me something new about this complex and beautiful beverage.

As someone who has lived in Chongqing, China, for two years, has in-laws in Japan, and even manned the front desk at Tea Master in Little Tokyo most Friday nights from 2017-2019, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in various tea cultures. From Yame to Sichuan, Yunnan to West Lake, and Darjeeling to Tokyo, I've visited tea farms around the world and have come to appreciate the unique characteristics each region brings to the table.

So, if you're ready to embark on a journey through the world of tea with me, I'm here for it. As we explore the art of brewing, the history behind our favorite flavors, and the culture that surrounds this beloved beverage, I hope you'll join me for this wild ride. Who knows what wonders await us in the world of tea? Let's find out together!

Ultimate diy bobabubble tea kit