Drunky

Here in Sydney bubble tea has really taken off, whereas last year there were only a few outlets there are dozens now. I've tried bubble teas of various levels of quality, with hard bubbles being the most common drawback (this happens if the bubbles are overchilled or left in a cup with ice for too long). I've found that EasyWay is always the best (http://www.easyways.com.tw/). If you haven't tried their salted plum green tea you're really missing out! They're also good because I don't like mine too sweet and you can specify how much syrup you want as well as what kind of bubbles (or 'pearls' as they call them). There a few different kinds of "bubbles" (or 'tapioca starch balls' - bubbles sounds better!). I found this info on how they are made: "They are made from cassava after the root is peeled and grated, and the juice extracted. This is a complex process that yields a tapioca flour later compressed into brown or white cakes. When round, they are known as tapioca pearls, and once boiled, can be found lurking in sweet drinks." I've also often seen pearls made of aloe vera and cocnut jelly.

My favorite is Calpis from Japan : http://www.calpis.co.jp/english/corporate/about.html It's a fermented milk drink that tastes like a milder version of Yakult. Really refreshing and kind of milky and lemony at the same time. Here's a page with some unusual Asian sodas reviewed: http://www.noapologiespress.com/presents/a...rink/index.html ** And Limca and ThumsUp are the best! You can find them in most Indian stores. They are much less sweeter than western colas and still come in glass bottles. They were bought by Coke in the 90's but haven't changed in flavor as far as I can tell. http://www2.coca-cola.com/brands/brands_limca.html http://www2.coca-cola.com/brands/brands_thumsup.html