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Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea — traditional dish from Hong Kong, China
Drink Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥150kcal
💪3gProtein
🌾18gCarbs
🥑5gFat
🌿—Fibre
⚖️250 mlServing

* Per serving · 250 ml. May vary.

Allergens

🥛 Dairy

Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

How to order / say it
Say it 港式奶茶 — [gong sik neih cha]
Order I'd like a Hong Kong-style milk tea, please.
Locally 我想要港式奶茶，請。
Say locally

A creamy and rich black tea mixed with evaporated milk.

Why try it?

Milk tea in Hong Kong is not just a drink; it's a cultural institution reflecting the blend of British colonial influence with local tastes, found in every cha chaan teng, serving as both a nostalgic staple and a modern-day comfort.

How it tastes

The tea is robust and slightly bitter, balanced by the smooth creaminess of evaporated milk. It provides a satisfying warmth and is subtly sweet depending on personal preference for sugar.

Origin & History — first documented: 1920

This iconic tea emerged during British colonial rule in the early 20th century, when local adaptations used black tea blends popular in the UK, adding evaporated milk for a richer texture, becoming a beloved staple of local cafés.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 20 g black tea leaves
  • 🥛 50 ml evaporated milk
  • 🍯 10 g sugar
  • 250 ml water

Method

  1. 1 Boil water and steep black tea leaves until strong.
  2. 2 Strain tea into a cup and mix with evaporated milk.
  3. 3 Add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
  4. 4 Serve hot or let cool and serve over ice.

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All Asia recipes — China — Hong Kong — Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea
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