The Google Doodle for January 29 features an interactive bubble tea design that allows the user to make their cup of digital bubble tea. During the pandemic, bubble tea became widely popular. The beverage’s emoji was released on January 29, 2020.
On 29 January today Google Celebrates bubble tea, a well-known Taiwanese beverage, to commemorate the occasion of its first appearance as a new emoji. It began as a Taiwanese specialty but is now popular all over the world and is also popularly known as boba tea and pearl milk tea. According to Google’s explanation of the drink’s history, it was first consumed in the 17th century. Due to its new flavors, additions, and mixtures with endless combinations, it is one of the most sought-after drinks today.
The Formosan Mountain Dog, a native of Taiwan, is featured in the interactive doodle created by Celine You and Sophie Diao of Google which allows users to make their own “digital bubble tea” by pressing and holding various ingredients such as milk and boba balls to put together their ideal cup through interactive gameplay. It also features a cast of well-known doodle characters.
According to the Google blog page, bubble tea, which has its origins in Taiwan, has grown in popularity across the world over the years and was formally announced as a new emoji in 2020. Previously only a local specialty, this beverage has recently gained international notoriety. No matter the flavor—honeydew, matcha, raspberry, mocha—chewy bubbles made from fruit jelly or tapioca are an absolute necessity.
Over the past few decades, the popularity of this Taiwanese beverage has exploded from its humble beginnings as a local treat. The history of bubble tea can be traced back to the 17th century in traditional Taiwanese tea culture. It wasn’t until the 1980s that contemporary bubble tea with its distinctive chewy bubbles was developed.
“Traditional Taiwanese tea culture, which dates back to the 17th century, is where bubble tea got its start. However, bubble tea as we know it today didn’t exist until the 1980s. Over the past few decades, waves of Taiwanese immigrants have exported this beverage overseas, but the original bubble tea is still being improved upon”, Google posted an explanation of the origins of bubble tea on its doodle page. The chewy, gelatinous candies that float on top of the boba tea are made of fruit jelly or tapioca balls.
It continued, “Innovation on the original bubble tea continues as waves of Taiwanese immigrants over the past few decades brought this drink overseas. In shops all over the world, new combinations, additions, and flavours are still being tested. Traditional tea rooms across Asia have also joined in on the boba craze, and the trend has reached countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and more!”
Google Doodles, the momentary modifications to the company’s logo that appear on its homepages, honor notable people, historical events, festivals, and major holidays.
