Los Angeles residents’ love for bubble tea can be seen by taking a stroll down the “Boba Trail” in the historic Old Town area of Pasadena. With 29 bubble tea shops in this charming American-style district, the trend of Taiwanese hand-shaken beverages has become an essential new attraction for visitors exploring Pasadena.
Recently, the soft opening of “Magu Tea House” in Pasadena has drawn large crowds with its reputation for freshly made seasonal fruit drinks. There are even Taiwanese consumers who travel from Chino Hills specifically to buy the “Mango Pomelo Sago” at this spot.
The Pasadena officials also recommend tourists to enjoy a drink while exploring the local historic Route 66, Old Town Pasadena, Playhouse Village, South Lake Avenue, and the sights along Colorado Boulevard.
A veteran food and beverage manager who has been living in Los Angeles for over twenty years, Wen Ganping, believes that the key to the success of Taiwanese hand-shaken drinks in the U.S. market lies in the careful craftsmanship – a feature that involves a complex and labor-intensive production process. For example, the signature drink “Mango Pomelo Sago” at “Magu Tea House” requires at least 100 boxes of fresh mangoes daily, which have to be hand-cut on the same day. This meticulous method, which prioritizes the use of fresh ingredients and manual preparation, may seem extraordinary to Americans who prefer using machines or simplifying work processes. However, it is precisely because of the insistence on using fresh ingredients and handcrafting that Taiwanese beverages can conquer the palates of Americans with their unique flavors and textures.
Operated in Alhambra, a Chinese restaurant owned by Wen Ganping has been recommended by the Michelin Guide, and he has also served as a distributor for several well-known Taiwanese hand-shaken drink shops. Wen Ganping hopes to introduce high-quality Taiwanese food and beverage brands or MIT (Made in Taiwan) products to the U.S., making Taiwan the “Taiwan of the World.” He emphasizes that although there will inevitably be many challenges in adapting to local tastes, it is important to retain the Taiwan essence while making appropriate adjustments to suit the local market. This is because the audience for these products is not only Taiwanese immigrants and Asian Americans but also all American consumers.
As a brand agent in the food and beverage industry, Wen Ganping likens choosing a brand to selecting a life partner, emphasizing mutual trust and respect. He values businesses that prioritize food quality and hopes that the brands can adapt to and understand the needs of the American market through effective communication.
Encouraging young people aspiring to enter the hand-shaken drink industry, Wen Ganping advises them to think creatively by integrating Western elements with Taiwanese culture. He suggests that after acquiring knowledge and experience, young individuals can develop their “brand” based on personal preferences, without necessarily needing to join or represent another brand.