They’re talking about bubble foam tea. Sure that was a thing but at least in any part of America I’ve been in, boba tea and bubble tea from the start was the tapioca pearl drink.
Some people get this purist notion that things can only ever be one thing and screech if someone uses a term differently.
Early on when it was coming into the US shops made the distinction, but Americans just sort of conflated the two. Makes it confusing if you want bubble tea with jelly and not pearls.
This has bugged me for twenty years.
“Bubble tea” refers to tea that is mixed in a shaker, creating a small layer of bubbles when it is served.
“Bubble tea with pearls” is the one with tapioca pearls in the bottom. Milk tea is tea made with milk.
You’re referring to “bubble foam tea”, which refers to the foam.
“Bubble tea” is something different and refers to the tapioca pearls.
At least, that’s the distinction Wikipedia gives, which seems to match the given origins of bubble tea
TIL. I’ve literally never seen the first drink you’re describing. (I’m in the USA)
They’re talking about bubble foam tea. Sure that was a thing but at least in any part of America I’ve been in, boba tea and bubble tea from the start was the tapioca pearl drink.
Some people get this purist notion that things can only ever be one thing and screech if someone uses a term differently.
Early on when it was coming into the US shops made the distinction, but Americans just sort of conflated the two. Makes it confusing if you want bubble tea with jelly and not pearls.
@Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works the above comment answers your question.