Place the peeled and cubed taro root into 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 20 minutes until fork tender. Strain the taro and mash in a bowl until there are no lumps.
Alternatively, place the taro in a bowl with a splash of water and microwave in minute increments until tender. Mash until there are no clumps.
Brown sugar boba
Add tapioca pearls to a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and cook for 3 minutes. Next, turn the heat off, remove from burner, and let cook for another 2 - 3 minutes.
Add the brown sugar and 2 tbsp of water to pot. Bring to a simmer and whisk until sugar has dissolved, about 1 -2 minutes.
Add the brown sugar syrup and strained tapioca pearls to a glass or bowl and mix.
To make milk tea
In a blender, combine cooked taro paste, milk, sweetened condensed milk, tea and purple sweet potato powder if using. Blend until smooth.
Place a few spoonfuls of tapioca pearls and place at the bottom of a glass. Top with ice. Pour the taro milk tea over.