Hong Kong Cafe Recipe
Hong Kong Milk Tea
Hong Kong milk tea is a strong black tea drink with evaporated milk and sugar, central to cha chaan teng culture.
Why this dish works
The drink teaches that beverage culture can define a menu format. In a Hong Kong cafe, milk tea is not incidental; it is part of the institution.
Recipe at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Makes | 2 drinks |
| Time | 15 minutes |
| Core technique | Strong tea extraction |
| Heat level | None |
| Best with | Pineapple bun, baked rice, or macaroni soup |
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons strong black tea leaves or 4 black tea bags
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk, or to taste
- Sugar to taste
- Optional: condensed milk instead of some sugar
Method
- Bring water to a boil and add tea.
- Simmer or steep strongly for 5–8 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Add evaporated milk and sugar to taste.
- Serve hot, or chill and pour over ice.
- Adjust strength; the tea should stand up to the milk.
Variations and substitutions
- Use condensed milk for a sweeter drink.
- Make yuenyeung by mixing strong milk tea with coffee.
- Use decaf black tea if needed.
- Serve over ice for an iced cafe-style version.