Of course. I had my first milk tea about five years ago on my granddaughter's recommendation. Back then, I found milk tea very mysterious with so many different flavors and toppings. The first one I tried was the original milk tea with pearls, and it felt quite interesting but also a bit too sweet. Every time I walk into a milk tea shop, I feel overwhelmed seeing so many types of drinks. I don't know which flavor or toppings go best together. I often ask the staff, but sometimes they explain things too quickly, and I still don't quite understand. I enjoy trying different flavors, but I choose red bean milk tea most often. The red beans' sweetness mixed with the milk tea's aroma makes me feel very comfortable. Plus, red beans remind me of the red bean paste I used to eat as a child, giving me a nostalgic feeling. Once, a young staff member patiently introduced several flavors to me and recommended a low-sugar milk tea suitable for older adults. I found that experience very pleasant, feeling valued and understood.I think milk tea shops could provide simpler, clearer menus, especially for us older folks. It would be easier to understand if the menu had pictures or detailed descriptions. Additionally, if the staff could spend more time helping us, it would make us feel more welcome. I like the comfort and modern feel of milk tea shops, especially those with sofas and small tables that are great for chatting with friends. However, the music is too loud in some shops, and I think a quieter environment would be better for us older adults. I've tried pearls, red beans, coconut jelly, taro balls, and more. My favorite is red beans because I find their texture and taste comforting. Mostly from my granddaughter. She loves milk tea and always takes me to different milk tea shops. Through her introductions, I slowly started learning about the various types and culture of milk tea.I don't think milk tea is trendy among older people. Mainly because many older adults aren't used to these trendy drinks and find them too sweet or too complicated. However, I think if they had the chance to try it, many would come to enjoy milk tea. I suggest older folks could go to milk tea shops with young people and listen to their recommendations. Don't be afraid to try new things; milk tea is actually quite fun. You can start with simple flavors, like the original milk tea, and gradually try different toppings and flavors. The most important thing is to enjoy the process.
Through this conversation with Trisha, we not only learn about her unique experiences as an older adult in milk tea shops but also see her openness and curiosity toward new things. This positive attitude shows us how to better serve and include customers of all ages.
- Trisha, 65
Bay Area, USA
Interviewee: Lucy Yang
Translator: Alex
Editor: Alex
Comments