Hot bubble tea in Paris: winter version, warm pearls, infused milk

Why hot bubble tea is rare in Paris

Bubble tea was born in summer in Taiwan, and the iced version has become the worldwide norm. But in Taiwan, the hot version also exists, especially in winter. In Paris, where it is cold four to five months a year, hot bubble tea should be obvious. Yet most chains only offer the iced version. MAISON LE TÊ and Le Tê offer a real hot bubble tea menu, with recipes designed for winter.

The hot bubble tea menu

The menu changes every six to eight weeks. Winter classics: hojicha latte boba (Japanese roasted tea, hot milk, warm pearls, house caramel syrup), hot oolong latte boba (Dong Ding, hot milk, warm pearls), hot matcha latte boba (whisked Taiwanese matcha, hot milk, pearls). For rarer flavor lovers: roasted brown sugar boba (chai-infused brown sugar, hot milk, pearls), purple yam latte boba (Taiwanese purple yam puree, hot milk, pearls).

Why tea-infused milk changes everything

In industrial hot bubble tea, milk is simply added to tea. In the craft version, milk is INFUSED with tea: you steep the tea in hot milk for several minutes so it releases its aromas into the fat. The result is much deeper and rounder. The technique is very Taiwanese and works especially well with roasted teas like hojicha or Dong Ding.

When to order hot bubble tea

Winter obviously, from November on. But also on cool autumn or early spring days. A good option for those with sensitive stomachs who digest iced drinks poorly. And for hot chocolate lovers seeking a less sugary alternative.

See also

Craft bubble tea, matcha bubble tea, fruit bubble tea, Paris bubble tea selection. For a hot bubble tea in the 1st arrondissement, head to the Le Tê tea house for a bubble tea at Palais-Royal. More on tapioca and its history.

Booking and addresses

MAISON LE TÊ: 136 rue Saint-Maur, Paris 11. Le Tê: 41 bis rue de Montpensier, Paris 1. Hot bubble tea available at the same hours as the restaurants.