bubble tea, or boba as it’s also called, has many charms. Brew tea in a wide-mouthed kettle and cool completely. Make the syrup by bringing black sugar and water to a boil over high heat.

In fact, it’s been the subject of great debate for decades. Invented in the 1980s, bubble tea (also called “black pearl tea” or “boba tea”) is a beloved Taiwan classic. Though there are ...