Walking up to a bubble tea counter for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. Tea base? Sweetness level? Ice? Boba or no boba? There are more decisions to make than you might expect. But here is the thing — that customisability is exactly what makes bubble tea so special. Every cup can be tailored to your exact preferences.
Whether you are a first-timer or a regular looking to refine your order, this guide will help you navigate the menu like a seasoned bubble tea pro.
Step 1: Choose Your Tea Base
Your tea base is the foundation of your drink, and it is the most important decision you will make. Here are the main categories:
Milk Tea — The classic. Assam brewed with milk (or a milk alternative) for a creamy, comforting drink. Classic Taiwan milk tea is the most traditional and popular choice, with a rich, malty flavour that pairs perfectly with boba. If you are new to bubble tea, this is where to start.
Tea Latte — Similar to milk tea but with a higher dairy-to-tea ratio, resulting in a creamier, smoother drink. Think of it as the cappuccino of the bubble tea world.
Pure Tea (No Dairy) — For those who want to taste the tea itself. These are brewed fresh and served with just ice and optional sweetener. Oolong and green tea shine in this format, offering complex, refreshing flavours without any dairy.
Fruit Tea — Tea blended with real fruit crushes for a lighter, more refreshing option. Perfect for hot Chennai afternoons when you want something bright and energising.
Step 2: Pick Your Sweetness Level
This is where you take control. Most bubble tea shops, including Taiwan Maami, let you choose your sweetness level:
100% (Full Sweet) — The classic Taiwanese sweetness. Bold, indulgent, and satisfying. Great if you have a sweet tooth or are pairing with an unsweetened tea base.
75% (Less Sweet) — Our most popular choice. You still get noticeable sweetness, but the tea flavour comes through more clearly. This is the sweet spot for most people.
50% (Half Sweet) — A balanced option where tea and sweetness share the stage equally. Recommended for oolong and green tea bases where you want the tea character to shine.
25% (Lightly Sweet) — Just a whisper of sweetness. This lets the tea do all the talking. Ideal for tea purists and those who prefer less sugar in their diet.
Pro tip: If you are unsure, start with 50%. You can always go sweeter or less sweet next time. And remember — less sugar lets the tea shine. If you are drinking quality tea, you do not need much sweetness to enjoy it.
Step 3: Choose Your Ice Level
Ice affects more than just temperature — it also affects the concentration of your drink:
Full Ice — Maximum refreshment. The drink stays cold longer, but it will dilute slightly as the ice melts. Best for hot days and fruit teas.
Less Ice — Our recommended option. You get a cold drink with stronger tea flavour since there is less dilution. This is the most popular choice among regular bubble tea drinkers.
No Ice — The drink is still chilled (we brew and cool our tea before serving), but without ice, you get the purest, most concentrated flavour. Great for milk teas where you want maximum creaminess.
Step 4: Add Your Boba
Tapioca Pearls (Classic Boba) — The original and still the favourite. Chewy, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. Our tapioca pearls are cooked fresh throughout the day for that perfect, bouncy texture. If you are having bubble tea, you really should try it with boba at least once.
Without Boba — Perfectly fine! Some people prefer their tea without toppings, and that is a completely valid choice. The tea stands on its own.
Pro Tips from Our Team
First-time order: Go with a Classic Taiwan Milk Tea, 50% sweet, less ice, with boba. It is the quintessential bubble tea experience and a great starting point for understanding what you like.
For tea lovers: Try our Oolong Tea at 50% sweet with less ice. The floral complexity of Oolong is something special, and lower sweetness lets it shine.
For hot days: A Fruity Green Tea at 50% sweet with full ice is incredibly refreshing. Light, bright, and perfect for Chennai weather.
For dessert cravings:Classic Taro Latte at 100% sweet with boba is rich, creamy, and indulgent — like drinking a dessert.
Crowd Favourites at Taiwan Maami
Not sure where to start? Here are the drinks our customers order most:
- Classic Taiwan Milk Tea — The classic, and our bestseller for good reason
- Classic Oolong Latte — Floral, smooth, and uniquely Taiwanese
- Classic Taro Latte — Creamy, purple, and utterly addictive
- Classic Matcha Latte — Earthy, rich, and beautifully green
Next time you visit Taiwan Maami, order like a pro. And if you are still unsure, just ask our team — we love helping people find their perfect cup.
Browse our full menu and start building your perfect bubble tea.