In an attempt to change up my blog, I'm adding a new themed weekly post, hereafter known as "Foodie Friday." I'll be rotating through various foods inspired by the cultures I'm most familiar with: Chinese, Malaysian, Taiwanese, and yes, Americanized Chinese. There will be a photo and a brief paragraph about each featured food. I'll cycle through appetizers, main dishes, and desserts to keep things mixed up. Here's appetizer #1...

Boba: usually refers to milk tea; the only food that you can eat and drink at the same time

Milk tea (various recipes here) combines the earthy tang of tea with the rich sweetness of condensed milk. Extra flavors can be added for a more exotic taste (e.g. taro, mango). For a lighter fare with less bitterness, try using green tea (my fave) as a base.

The boba, or tapioca balls, form the essential foundation of the beverage. The perfect starch consistency is an equal combination of chewy and tender, al dente if you will. Here's a method of cooking boba to their ideal texture.

Enjoy the following music video by the Fung Brothers, which basically summarizes boba in a song: