Customers lap up new Attleborough shop, Yumi, offering bubble tea

A pair of friends have brought a taste of Asian tea culture to Norfolk, with their own take on the flavour-popping sensation.

Aleks Ivanov, who runs a distribution company, and barber shop owner Kah Zheng Yap have opened Yumi, a bubble tea shop, in Attleborough.

The 24-year-olds decided to introduce the town to the craze as they are big fans of the drink, which first originated in Taiwan in the 1980s.

“We used to go to Norwich to get bubble tea, but, living in Attleborough, we thought it would be great to bring it closer to home,” said Mr Ivanov.

“We did not want to miss the opportunity and we also thought that children, who obviously cannot drive to Norwich, would really appreciate having a place to drink bubble tea a little more local.”

The shop uses black or dragon tea as a base, with customers then choosing a fruit tea of a desired sweetness and then the tapioca-bursting bubbles, called boba.

“This means your favourite flavour is very personalised to you, which makes this way of drinking very unique,” said Mr Ivanov.

“Also, with so many combinations, you can pick and choose other flavour elements next time to make your experience always different.”

The pair said that feedback on the shop since it opened on January 15 had been amazing.

“Our customers have been great and we are so grateful for the support we have had so far,” said Mr Ivanov.

“Everyone has said they love it and that it is great to have something different like this for Attleborough.”

Future plans for the business include expanding the menu further and even looking at giving lovers that bubbly feeling on a special day.

“We will continue to keep improving our drinks, adding more to our menu and we are now getting prepared for Valentine’s, with some unique flavours for that as well,” added Mr Ivanov

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