Yug had always been drawn to the world of bubble tea. Growing up in Hong Kong, the vibrant streets were filled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the satisfying chew of tapioca pearls. Bubble tea wasn’t just a drink—it was a part of his culture, something he cherished with every sip. But life had taken him far from those familiar streets. His journey to India was not only about new beginnings but also about bringing a piece of home with him.
It all started on a family trip to India. Yug, now an adult, found himself craving the bubble tea he had grown up with. The frustration of not being able to find an authentic cup of boba in Delhi was overwhelming. It wasn’t just a drink he missed—it was the connection to his roots, the taste of home. That craving became an idea: Why not bring the authentic bubble tea experience to India?
Learning the Craft
Returning to Hong Kong, Yug dove headfirst into the art of bubble tea. He knew that creating the perfect boba wasn’t just about following a recipe; it was about understanding the intricate details—the brewing methods, the textures, the precise flavors that made each cup special. He sought out experts, old masters of the craft who had spent years perfecting their techniques.
Yug spent countless hours watching, tasting, and experimenting. He learned how to select the finest tea leaves, understanding the subtle differences between black, green, and oolong teas. He experimented with brewing times, discovering how steeping at the right temperature could transform a tea’s flavor from ordinary to extraordinary. It wasn’t just about the tea—it was about creating an experience that was authentic, full of character, and distinctly Silly Duck.
But the journey didn’t stop there. The tapioca pearls were just as important. Yug experimented with different cooking methods, adjusting the boil times, and refining the sweet syrup that coated each pearl. He wanted that perfect chew, that perfect balance of sweetness, without overpowering the delicate flavors of the tea. Each batch, each trial, brought Yug closer to his vision of the perfect bubble tea.
The Birth of Silly Duck Boba
In 2023, Yug opened the first Silly Duck store in Kamla Nagar, Delhi. His mission was clear: to bring the authentic bubble tea experience to India. The name "Silly Duck" wasn’t just a playful choice—it reflected the spirit of joy and whimsy that Yug wanted every customer to feel when they took a sip.
At Silly Duck, Yug’s recipe wasn’t just about tea—it was about blending tradition with innovation. The menu offered a mix of classic flavors like Milk Tea and Matcha, but Yug’s true pride came from his signature creations: Lemon Popsicle with its zesty notes, and Miyazaki Mango bursting with tropical sweetness. Each drink told a story, crafted with care and precision, the result of years of dedication.
Yug had turned his passion into a mission—to introduce a taste of Hong Kong to India and create a community where people could connect over their shared love for bubble tea. For Yug, Silly Duck wasn’t just a business—it was a way to preserve the authenticity and cultural richness of a beloved beverage.
A Journey of Connection
Today, Silly Duck is more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s a celebration of flavors, cultures, and connections. Yug’s story reminds us that great things can come from a simple craving—a craving that sparked a journey, leading to something truly extraordinary.
So, whether you visit a Silly Duck store in Kamla Nagar or recreate Yug’s magic at home, you’re tasting more than just a cup of bubble tea. You’re tasting the story of Yug’s journey, his passion, and his dream to bring a piece of Hong Kong to India. Cheers to that!