@Rodvus
I'm not quite sure why Brazil has some sort of monopoly on "Tapioca" but the drink they are referring to is a Taiwanese export.
Alt Names: Boba Milk Tea, Bubble Tea (East Coast), Pearl Milk Tea (Yayy areaaa what up what uuuup)
The origin has (sorry to say) nothing to do with Brazil. Tapioca balls (flour of the cassava root, brown sugar, water) have been a common dessert item in Taiwan for a long time but the creation of the drink in Taipei, Taiwan happened around the 80's.
Boba is a big part of Asian American culture, part of it having to do with identity and cultural influence.
As for Brazil and tapioca flour, pan de queso is mighty delicious but that's the only association I have of Brazil and tapioca.