Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the taro and cook until the taro is very soft. It should have very little resistance if you try to pierce it with a fork, so this can take 30-40 minutes.

Drain the taro and let cool. Mash the taro with a fork.

Warm the milk, then add the green tea and let steep for 30 minutes. Remove the tea leaves, squeezing out any excess, and discard the tea leaves. Stir in ½ tablespoon brown sugar, a pinch of salt and food coloring (if using) until combined, then let the milk tea cool completely.

Bring another pot of water to a boil, and add the boba. Cook until the boba is translucent throughout, and isn’t chalky or opaque in the middle. You can taste one if you’re not sure. The time for this ranges depending on what kind of boba you buy, so check your package’s instructions.

Drain the boba, and mix with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and a pinch of salt.

In an empty glass, spoon in the boba and the mashed taro. Add a few handfuls of ice, then pour in the milk tea. Mix to combine, then serve.