hi, flo,

wonder if you'd tried this tea in one of the Taiwanese restaurants in your area... you made me laugh when reading your post... ^_^ you should be able to fidn the tapioca pearls in most asian shops. many asian countries have this in their diet. about that fat straw, i think you must ask your local supermarkets or the place you had the tea... i now reside in Malaysia so i can't help you on that one! here is the repost for this recipe. (i wonder whether if you had found it on tkl earlier and just need to know where to buy the topioca pearls & fat straws?) glad you are interested in our cuisine!

(repost)
Taiwanese Icy Tapioca Milk Tea (Pearl Milk Tea)

Introduction
A popular summer beverage in Taiwan. Generally sold by street vendors. No one really makes it at home. There are different sizes of Tapioca, however, jumbo Tapioca are the most preferred. (We call this "the frog's eyes".) Special straws are made for Jumbo Tapioca Milk Tea.

1 pack of Tapioca Ball/pearls
Red Tea bag(Chinese red tea or Lipton tea bag)
Cream(Half and Half/powder cream/or you may use condensed milk and do not use sugar. **I often use the last method.)
Sugar to taste

Boil water, add in tapioca balls until done or balls become clear. (Do nto over cook as the pearls will become "glue".) Drain water. Chill in room temperature. Store the "pearls" in refrigerator.

Make tea like how you always make them. Add cream and sugar. Chill with ice cubes or in refrigerator. Some also use ice tea powder instead of tea bags. Street vender usually use ice tea powder, crushed ice and ice water; then, shake the mixture in a cocktail shaker. Finally, mix in Tapioca and ready to serve. When chilled, pour tea in a glass. Mix in 1 or 2 tablespoons of Tapioca.

Ready to serve. Looks good and taste great!