Have you ever tried bubble tea? This refreshing drink originated in Taiwan but is now a global phenomenon. It’s even become so popular in the U.S. that, after a tea company launched a fun marketing campaign a few years ago, April 30th was named National Bubble Tea Day. And what better way to celebrate than by hearing from a true Bubble Tea Queen, @TheRealKristin !
Kristin is a Local Guide Level 10, a Local Business Champion, and a bubble tea professional. She lives in the Isle of Man, UK, but grew up in Southern California, where bubble tea has become a part of the local culture, with many famous brands originating from there. “I think it was the uniqueness and deliciousness of the drinks that started my love for it. That and, similarly to Local Guides, the feeling of community,” she says.
Kristin discovers local bubble tea shops by searching on Google Maps for open places nearby with a high rating or by checking her “Saved” lists for new shops she’s seen online and then saved on Maps to visit later (like this list of shops in London!).
Once she’s been to a place — or went back for a second or third time to try new flavors — she leaves a contribution on Google Maps. “I generally like to give information such as: what is the overall vibe? Is there seating? How is the service? Is there a restroom there? Sometimes, I’ll mention things about accessibility and, of course, although my taste buds can be quite biased, about the drinks themselves.” Kristin’s photos show the inside and outside of the shop and the products on offer, helping both the business and the customer. Some of her pictures have garnered several million views, like the one of Bubble Boba below!
But why is it important to contribute to bubble tea shops once you’ve visited? Kristin shares: “Depending on your city, the bubble tea shop market can move really fast. People will automatically go to a shop based on a brand. We all know of big-name coffee shops that people go to, regardless of what the overall score is or what the reviews say. However, for a small business, people will take the reviews that are left on Google Maps very seriously when making a decision. So I think [that] if you had a great experience, those are the times that you want to go out of your way to give a five-star rating.”
Finally, we couldn’t help but ask Kristin about her favorite bubble tea flavor. “It depends on the season, where I’m in the world, and who I’m with. But I think right now, one of my favorite drinks would be something like a mango pomelo sago, which gives a nice richness of coconut with chunks of mango.”
And with so many styles and flavors available, Kristin’s advice is to try different things — and leave a review when you find something you like.
Have you been to a bubble tea shop? How do you support small businesses in your area? Let us know below.
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