Chun Shui Tang

First restaurant of Chunshuitang

Bubble tea of Chunshuitang

Chun Shui Tang (Chinese: 春水堂) is a Taiwanese tea house chain credited with the invention of bubble tea, a popular tea-based drink with tapioca pearls. Founded in the early 1980s in Taichung, Taiwan, by Liu Han-Chieh, Chun Shui Tang started as a small tea house. The establishment's innovative approach to traditional Chinese tea culture has played a significant role in popularizing tea consumption in a modern format, both in Taiwan and internationally.

History

The story of Chun Shui Tang begins in the 1980s when founder Liu Han-Chieh was inspired by Japanese tea-serving methods during a visit to Japan. Upon returning to Taiwan, he started experimenting with serving Chinese tea cold, which was a departure from the traditional hot tea serving method prevalent in Taiwan at the time. This innovation led to the creation of a variety of iced tea drinks, which quickly became popular among the Taiwanese population.

In 1987, Lin Hsiu Hui, the product development manager at Chun Shui Tang, added tapioca pearls to her iced tea during a staff meeting as a half-joke. The drink was well-received by her colleagues, leading to its addition to the menu. This new concoction, initially called "pearl tea," would later evolve into what is now known globally as bubble tea.

Menu and Offerings

Chun Shui Tang's menu has expanded significantly since its inception. While it is best known for its bubble tea, the tea house also offers a wide range of traditional and modern Chinese tea drinks, including oolong tea, green tea, and black tea. In addition to tea, Chun Shui Tang serves a variety of Taiwanese dishes and snacks, making it a popular spot for both drinks and meals.

Cultural Impact

The invention of bubble tea by Chun Shui Tang has had a considerable impact on global tea culture. Bubble tea has become a global phenomenon, with tea shops specializing in the drink popping up in cities around the world. Chun Shui Tang remains a significant cultural landmark in Taiwan, representing the innovative spirit of Taiwanese cuisine and its influence on global food trends.

Locations

Chun Shui Tang has expanded beyond its original location in Taichung, with branches across Taiwan and in some international locations. Each store aims to provide an authentic Taiwanese tea experience, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional tea-making techniques.

Controversies

The origin of bubble tea is a subject of dispute between Chun Shui Tang and another Taiwanese tea house, Hanlin Tea Room. Both establishments claim to have invented the drink in the 1980s. Despite the controversy, Chun Shui Tang is widely recognized for its role in popularizing bubble tea, both in Taiwan and internationally.

See Also

• Bubble tea
• Tea culture
• Taiwanese cuisine