What is Boba Tea? Boba or “Bubble Tea” refers to a chunky tea, traditionally with sweet chewy black tapioca pearls. The drink originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s and is now sweeping coffee houses and ice cream shops around the country. The Boba pearls can also be fruit flavored and are immersed in brewed teas with or without milk. The beverage can be served either hot or cold and along with a variety of toppings. Either way, an extra-wide straw is needed to slurp up the bobas. With summer temperatures in Englewood, Florida reaching the high 90s our customers prefer the refreshing cold Boba tea. Come into Swirls and Curls today to see what Bubble Tea is all about.