New bubble tea shop brings flavourful drinks to Okanagan neighbourhood
Bubble tea shops' popularity is rising across the Thompson Okanagan region and the owner of one says it’s because more people are travelling internationally and experiencing different foods.
Amily Tsai, co-owner of the Formosa Tea Cafe, is opening a second location in Kelowna today, Sept. 25, in Glenmore at 1970 Kane Rd. She opened her first shop in 2013 on Harvey Avenue and wants to franchise Formosa eventually. She hopes to branch out to other areas within the Okanagan.
She was the first bubble tea cafe in Kelowna and since then, more locations have opened in the Okanagan, including at Orchard Park Mall. Last month, the first bubble tea shop opened in the South Okanagan.
READ MORE: Bubble tea shop first of its kind in the South Okanagan
“Local people tend to be travelling around and bubble tea has been popular in many countries like America, everywhere it’s growing," she said, adding that more people are trying bubble tea when they travel. “So I think that’s why Kelowna keeps growing with bubble tea lovers.”
Opening a bubble tea shop was one of her university projects that got her interested in the industry. After she graduated, she started selling bubble tea at the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market before opening her shop.
The chewy tapioca flower pearls, a crucial part of bubble tea, are brewed fresh daily. Bubble tea was created in Tsai’s hometown of Taichung in Taiwan in the 1980s, so she grew up with it.
For those not familiar with bubble tea, she recommends starting with a creamy flavour, like taro or coconut. Tea fans can enjoy popular milk teas. They also serve regular tea and coffee drinks.
They had a soft opening today at noon but will have a grand opening next week.
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