Latest news with #Boba
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Oriental bakery opens in Cardiff with an extraordinary machine in the window
Oriental bakery opens in Cardiff with an extraordinary machine in the window The new store, Taiyaki by Fang's, can be found in The Hayes and opened its doors on Saturday, July 5 Kevin Weng the owner of Taiyaki by Fang's, which opened in The Hayes in Cardiff in July (Image: WalesOnline ) A new bakery which focuses on creating unique sweet treats made from an extraordinary machine near the window, has opened in Cardiff's city centre. The new store, Taiyaki by Fang's, can be found on The Hayes and is named after a Japanese fish-shaped cake - 'taiyaki', often sold as street food. If you wandered through the central shopping street the intricate machine in the shop window, found near to TK Maxx, will catch your eye and you'd definitely be tempted to try the fluffy, sweet treat. According to Kevin Weng, the owner of Taiyaki by Fang, the fish-shaped treats are made from pancake or waffle batter, with its centre oozing with custard. A few days after its opening, we went over to the bakery to find out more about what was on offer and the story behind the business. Kevin Weng is from Fujian in southeast China. He moved to the UK in 2004 as a student in London, before he met his wife and the couple decided to settle in Cardiff. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . "When we moved from London to Cardiff, we were missing the traditional bakeries we had back home," Kevin explained. "We always popped to Manchester or London to find an Oriental bakery - you'll often find them in Chinatown." In 2017, the dad-of-two decided to launch his very own Oriental bakery in the Welsh capital. Fang's Oriental Bakery is located on Woodville Road in the Cathays area and is known for crafting unique cakes, as well as serving Boba tea and oriental treats including Hong Kong bread, which is a type of sweet bread." Article continues below Taiyaki by Fang's unique machine, which creates the fish-shaped treats, is placed near the shop window for all customers to see (Image: WalesOnline ) He continued: "We wanted to introduce people to different Oriental treats," Kevin said. "We found that people really liked it, at first they would come over, taste and try our samples and freebies, and then they would come over to buy our food. The bakery is named after a Japanese fish-shaped cake, often sold as street food (Image: WalesOnline ) "It's just a small shop, but we get a lot of friendly and warm customers. It feels like we have a small village of customers - a community, where we know around 80% of our customers' names. That's been really nice." After nearly a decade, Kevin and his team decided to grow the business and open a second branch named Taiyaki by Fang's in The Hayes, located right next door to Waterstones. The new bakery opened on Saturday, July 5 - the same day Manchester band Oasis performed their second gig of their reunion tour, with Kevin and his team making the most of the busy footfall in the city centre. The oriental bakery sells all kinds of pastry goods popular in Japan, China and Taiwan (Image: WalesOnline ) Taiyaki by Fang's serves all kinds of delicious bakes - both sweet and savoury, from salted egg yolk and red bean pastry to pineapple cake, roasted pork pastry, taro pastry - a Taiwanese shortbread snack, sesame sausage bun, coconut bread and much more. For drinks, customers can order the usual lattes or flat whites and cappuccinos, as well as bubble teas, milk teas and fruit teas. But it's the taiyaki that makes people stop and stare. Near the shop's front, customers will find the fish-shaped cake being made by a bulky machine. As Kevin explained, the batter and custard centre are poured into a fish-shaped mold on a griddle, with each mold creating one bite-sized taiyaki. The mold door is shut before it opens to reveal a golden brown little cake inside. The impressive machine that creates the fish-shaped sweet treats is located at the shop front (Image: WalesOnline ) A little skewer pierces into the fish and places it on a stack of freshly cooked taiyakis. Each taiyaki is the size of a plum and it is recommended that you eat the cute, little treats while they are still warm. All Kevin needs to do is press a button, with the cakes then created meticulously by the impressive machine. For now, the bakery only creates one flavour, which is the Mini Custard Taiyaki, and they are made fresh everyday. "These are considered street food," Kevin explained. "So they are eaten day-to-day. They are popular in Japan, but also in China and Taiwan, and even in places like London over here." The sweet treats are made out of batter and filled with custard (Image: WalesOnline ) And it seems to becoming a hit with Cardiff customers too. As we talk in the bakery, two customers tell me this is their second visit of the day as they buy another batch of taiyaki. Article continues below "Our goal was always to introduce people to Asian flavours," Kevin said. "And I feel like we have done a good job. We always get people on TikTok or Facebook coming over to try out our food. "We ask for feedback and adjust in the research. In that way, people can get to know who we are and what we do, but then have the opportunity to try something, and if they like it, then they come here regularly and enjoy what we offer."
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stable Ronaldo announces engagement to long-time partner Boba during live stream with FaZe Clan members
(Image via @stableronaldoupdates/X & bobagrrl/Instagram) Twitch sensation and FaZe Clan member Rani 'Stable Ronaldo' just dropped a surprise bombshell, and no, it's not about a new stream or a Twitch ban. It's way more personal. He's officially engaged to his longtime girlfriend and Instagram influencer Boba! The announcement caught fans off guard during a casual stream, and the internet hasn't stopped buzzing since. From showing off the sparkly ring to shutting down the idea of a prenup, Ronaldo's all-in on love, and it shows. The Big Reveal Happened On-Stream While casually chatting with FaZe teammate Nick 'Lacy' during a live stream, Stable Ronaldo casually flexed a diamond ring. When Lacy asked about it, Ronaldo didn't hold back: 'I'm engaged, bro. You see the diamond?' The news instantly lit up the stream chat with excitement and congratulations from fans. What started off as a chill broadcast turned into a life update nobody saw coming. 'No Prenup. I Trust Her With My Life.' But what truly shook the internet was Ronaldo's stance on not signing a prenup. In his own words: 'I trust her with my life. What's mine is yours, baby!' It's a bold move in the creator world, where influencer relationships often end in headlines and drama. But Ronaldo's message was loud and clear — this isn't just for clout. From Twitch Chat to Real Life Goals If you've followed Stable Ronaldo even a little, you know his relationship with Boba has always been part of his online personality. She's shown up in his streams, his tweets, and apparently even his offline chat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo But here's where it gets wholesome: Ronaldo revealed he popped the question on the beach during their one-year anniversary. In his words, 'She started putting more Ws in my offline chat, and that's how I knew she was the one.' Who Is Boba? If you don't already know her, Boba (aka bobagrrl ) is more than just an 'Instagram model.' She's got a following of her own, serves major looks, and has been part of Ronaldo's world long before this engagement buzz. Fans adore the way she hypes him up in streams and how down-to-earth she seems. Together? They're a whole vibe. Fans React: From Hype to Shock From celebratory tweets to spicy Reddit threads, the fan reactions have been wild. Some are cheering the 'W couple' era, while others are side-eyeing the no-prenup decision. But one thing's clear — everyone's watching. From Twitch streamer to fiancé, Stable Ronaldo just gave the internet a love story with gamer-core energy and zero legal safety nets. Whether you're here for the romance or just sipping the tea, one thing's for sure — this is one W he's owning IRL. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Irish Examiner
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Thirst-quenchers: Cool down with the best of the summer's new drinks
The anatomy of a summer drink is fickle. It must be refreshing, yes. Beyond that, there is a wild world of ways to help people cool down as the summer, relentless beast that it is, rages on around them. While some parts of Europe are married to their summer traditions, we're less resolute in our summer drinking. Some summers have a uniquely insistent thirst, like the year Britney Spears made us all want Iced Frappuccinos or when we all went collectively mad for Aperol Spritz. Then there was a revolving door of drinks trying to recapture that spark. The Paloma and the Spicy Margarita. Iced Oat Lattes have been the harbinger of many a glorious summer evening. There was the summer it felt like Whispering Angel was all anyone could talk about or Instagram. Last year, was peak hard seltzer and the pét-nat craze is not to be forgotten. But what will capture our taste this year? Shamim de Brún with her Iced matcha at One Kind Folk, Ranelagh, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney Yellow is shaping up to be the colour of the summer. Butter yellow has been taking up space on mood boards for weeks now. It has infiltrated clothing, Instagram flat lays, and columns the world over. Typically, if a colour or aesthetic starts to dominate online it infiltrates food culture. And vice versa. So I think we'll see a lot of lemon cropping up on drinks menus nationally. During summers, lemons are inexpensive, easy to find, consistent in quality and hard to use incorrectly. Lemon in summer drinks is hardly groundbreaking. The first records of lemon-sweetened drinks date back to ancient Egypt, over 2,000 years ago. It has long been listed among 'foods to reduce body heat naturally' which may still come in handy. Here's your guide to some of this summer's freshest quenchers. Boba Lady Boba Bubble Tea Drink Original As temperatures climb and the Irish humidity amps itself up, the chewy delight of boba tea comes into its own. Sometimes Boba shops can be intimidating for beginners who experience a bit of choice paralysis, but a safe bet is always the classic, or the vanilla. If you want to have a boba in the comfort of your own garden, Ladyboba has brought canned versions of this Asian export to supermarkets across the country. As with all Boba this is a playful drink with tapioca pearls suspended in chilled milk tea making it refreshing and texturally captivating. I'd recommend the Taro version, here the Taro with its vibrant purple hue, embodies summer charm. Made from earthy-sweet taro root, its creamy sweetness and velvety feel are ideal for long, sunny afternoons. TRY: LADYBOBA's Taro Bubble Tea Drink Iced Matcha Latte Ceremonial Grade Matcha, 100g pouch, €45, from Mafia Matcha Matcha is the perfect drink to cut through summer's lethargy. It tastes like Zen in liquid form. Matcha lattes provide an earthy balance of sweetness and that distinctive, satisfyingly dry finish. Releasing caffeine much slower than coffee the faintly vegetal drink comes in a wealth of options and pairings. Newly ubiquitous, you can find this green drink all across the country from Circle K to an increasing number of specialist Matcha Bars. If you've never tried it before tis the season. If you ever see a lavender option, it really is worth a punt. The flavours face off well and create a sort of floral congruent pairing. Highly recommended if you have a thirst that needs quenching and to meet a deadline on a sunny day. While whispers of matcha-tinis hint at a future where matcha sheds its wellness shell. TRY: Dubliner Lizaveta Takvarava's company Mafia Matcha offers ceremonial-grade Matcha you can make at home. Kefir For those nostalgic for Yakult, Actimel, or even the era of the Yop, Kefir is the relatively new to Ireland option that is socially acceptable to consume in the office. This tangy fermented milk carries notable probiotic benefits. Lightly tart and slightly effervescent, kefir invigorates the palate, making it perfect for health-conscious dairy loving drinkers seeking refreshment with depth. TRY: Leitrim's Blakes Always Organic. Nitro Cold Brew Cold brew is the iced coffee for chemex/v60/moccamaster people. Nitro cold brew has surged into speciality coffee shops over recent years. Cherished for its creamy, Guinness-like texture thanks to nitrogen infusion, the drink is typically fruity with chocolaty notes that shine brightest after a slow extraction, which is why some coffee drinkers find cold brew sweeter compared to conventionally brewed coffee. It's the ideal summer thirst quencher for your 3pm slump. TRY: 3fe and many places it supplies locally and nationally serve this smooth, chocolatey beverage that's naturally sweeter than traditional iced coffee. Live Soda Living Things Peach and Blood Orange soda If you are looking for a delicious alternative to fizzy drinks, or as my nanny would say 'minerals,' without all the added sugar or artificial sweeteners, live soda is the summer thirst quencher for you. This is a new style of low sugar, all natural, belly-loving drinks. They're called 'Live Soda' because they contain live probiotic cultures, and often fibre, to support 'gut health'. (The buzzword du jour in wellness land.) Unlike Kombucha, the more well known fermented drink of the moment, Live Sodas are typically made with real fruit juice. So they have a more fruit forward flavour profile akin to the 'European fanta' summer fantasy feel. TRY: Living Things is an Irish company in this space offering a gentle fizzy drink with subtle sweetness. They come in a range of flavours – my favourite is the lemon. Espresso Tonic Espresso tonic elegantly bridges the gap between morning caffeine and evening leisure. Slowly gaining popularity beyond specialty coffee menus. This effervescent drink combines tonic water's sharp bubbly bitterness with the robust intensity of espresso, creating a sparkling cooler drink perfect for sultry afternoons in the sun. It has been slow to make its way to Ireland creeping onto the menus of serious coffee houses like Smithfield's Proper Order over the years. It has a distinctly moody aura. It's a drink for people who want coffee's nuance with summer's breezy indifference. It's the negroni to an iced lattes April Spritz. TRY: Smithfield's Proper Order or other serious coffee spots. Ginger Beer Ginger beer is on the up up and away. Whether enjoyed straight or spiked, it embodies vibrant summer afternoons. It came to me personally by way of Hallow and Fentimans circa 2017. Since then ginger beer has become a fast favourite among Irish people. These days there are multiple Irish made versions of this spicy, cooling, and delightfully effervescent drink. Ginger beers marry ginger with a kick of a rotating crop of extra bits like chilli, lavender or apple. TRY: Poachers for a non alcoholic version that isn't too fiery or Kinnegar's Jackrabbit if you want to up the ABV. Radler/Shandy If you demand liquid refreshment that sings of sunlight, ease, and icy relief then maybe a Shandy/Radler is more your scene. Both a shandy and a radler feature a blond lager (usually Pils or Helles) as a base. They have long been summer favourites, blending lemonade's tart sweetness with beer's refreshing depth. Generally they're ideal for extended summer evenings where you want to be relaxed. TRY: Whiplash's Body Radler, a sherbet-lemon brew that hits precisely this mark. Made the traditional German way of making lemonade then blending with body riddle to get to a sherbet lemon 2.8% pint. It's crisp, and utterly sessionable. Limoncello Spritz Could the limoncello spritz dethrone Aperol's iconic reign? Quite possibly. Limoncello itself has been enjoying a resurgence of late as Italian culture dominates social media aspirational content. Many brands and bartenders have returned to it for its versatility twists on the Spritz serve. As an alternative spritz it's zesty and brightly citric with delicate bubbles, and a lemony sweetness that positions it perfectly as the breakout drink of this summer. TRY: Funkin have a canned Lemoncello that I have seen in SuperValu and independent specialist shops. Hard Iced Tea This is a relatively new category to land on our little island. Generally hard iced tea is the perfect equilibrium of robust tea flavour, delicate sweetness, and just-right alcohol levels make it an ideal beach or garden companion. Hard teas fit into many of the same drinking occasions as hard seltzers. Despite their newness there's a comfortable familiarity to them accompanied by a lightly sugary kick. The category is coming into its own now though it goes back to the turn of the century, when, in 2001, Boston Beer Company introduced Twisted Tea. Anyone who took American history for their Leaving Cert might argue that tea has been made 'hard' as far back as the 1800s. TRY: Lay-Low Hard Iced Tea reimagines iced tea through an Irish lens making it a new summer essential, destined for coolers nationwide. Available in peach and lemon flavours.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orbitel International Group Launches O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0)
The World's First Ready-to-Eat, Non-Microwave BobaNo heat. No prep. Just chewy boba joy — anytime, anywhere. LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boba has travelled a long way from the vibrant tea houses of Taiwan to supermarket aisles across the globe… And now, O's Bubble, under the leadership of Orbitel International Group, is taking the beloved tapioca treat to the next level with the launch of O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) - the industry's first ready-to-eat, non-microwave boba. The inspiration behind this step forward comes from a vision rooted in cultural authenticity and a spirit of innovation. "From the very beginning, our vision was to reimagine how boba could live beyond the tea shop — without losing its soul," said Gary Tsai, President of Orbitel International Group and the pioneer behind the MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) movement. "O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) represents the culmination of years of R&D and cultural dedication. We're not just exporting a product; we're sharing a piece of Taiwan's identity in a form that fits modern lifestyles around the world." This foundational philosophy set the stage for Orbitel's breakthrough in food innovation. "With O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0), we've achieved a breakthrough in convenience and accessibility," said Fanny Chen, CEO of Orbitel International Group. "This new format isn't just a milestone for us — it's a leap forward for the boba category as a whole." From Night Market Favourite to Global Innovation Orbitel has been a trailblazing product innovator and category builder, transforming the way boba is delivered and experienced around the world — from frozen microwaveable boba (O's Bubble BOBA 1.0) to ambient microwaveable instant boba (O's Bubble BOBA 2.0), consistently pioneering solutions that preserve taste while simplifying preparation. Today, O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) takes product innovation further: No microwave. No heating. No waiting. Shelf-stable for more than one year— perfect for on-the-go lifestyles and global shipping. Authentic, chewy texture and premium ingredients — no shortcuts. "This isn't just a product shift - it's a category shift," said Charlotte Chen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Orbitel International Group. "O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) gives us the ability to serve a wide range of channels — from grab-and-go retail to restaurants, cafes and even airlines — with a format that's plug-and-play." A Game-Changer for Retailers and Foodservice Operators O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) is available in customisable formats to suit every business model: Single-serve cups for mainstream retail, convenience stores, and vending. Bulk packs for foodservice and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) partners. Private label and co-branded options for strategic B2B partnerships. "We've built the backend flexibility to scale globally," added Fanny, "Our partners can bring the boba experience to their consumers without adding operational complexity. It's truly a win-win." Experience It First-Hand: Experience O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0) first-hand at the BBC Good Food Show in the United Kingdom from June 12–15. The product will also be officially available on Amazon US and major food service channels starting this July. From Heritage to Innovation: Redefining the Boba Experience Boba first captured hearts in Taiwan in the 1980s — and hasn't slowed since. According to Fortune Business insights, the global bubble tea market size was valued at USD 2.63 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.83 billion in 2025 to USD 4.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.81% during the forecast period. *Source: Once a regional street-side treat, bubble tea - known for its crave-worthy texture and fun personality, it has evolved into a $4 billion global phenomenon. Orbitel International Group, as the first company to bring frozen and microwaveable boba into U.S. and European markets and the first innovator to introduce consumer ready boba through O's Bubble - continues to lead the movement with culturally respectful, globally ready innovations. "Boba is a taste of tradition — it carries the memories of a generation and the creativity of a culture," said Gary Tsai, President of Orbitel International Group. "With O's Bubble MOCHI BOBA (BOBA 3.0), we're honouring its roots while building a bridge to the future — making it easier than ever for people around the world to connect with something meaningful, one sip at a time." About Orbitel International Group Orbitel International Group is a global food innovation company committed to bringing authentic Asian lifestyle products and Boba tea culture to the world. Its flagship product line, O's Bubble, has redefined how consumers enjoy bubble tea — from frozen and microwaveable formats to its latest ready-to-eat innovation. Operating in over 30 countries, Orbitel International Group is a trusted partner to retailers, distributors, and foodservice leaders across the globe. For more information visit our websites at and For Media Inquiries & Partnership Opportunities: Ms Nina JenGlobal Marketingnina@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orbitel International Corp. Sign in to access your portfolio
CBC
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Best of bubble tea in Regina
Want to celebrate Asian Heritage Month with a sweet treat? Allan Pulga visited three popular Boba cafés in Regina to mark the occasion.
