Bubble tea’s popularity has staying power in Northwest Austin as new cafes and restaurants serving the sweet drink continue to pop up, including Taiwan-based bubble tea shops Gong Cha and Sharetea. A typical bubble tea begins with a base of iced oolong, black or green tea sweetened with milk or cream and lined with balls of tapioca known as “boba” or pearls along the bottom. Some shops offer toppings, such as fruit jellies, pudding or fruit. Bubble tea can also begin with a base of iced coffee, flavored milk or a smoothie.