Traditional Hong Kong Beverages
Hong Kong is a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, and its traditional beverages are no exception. From refreshing summer drinks to warming winter concoctions, the locals have a variety of traditional beverages to choose from. Whether you're a coffee lover, tea enthusiast, or someone looking for a taste of Hong Kong's traditional beverages, these drinks are sure to provide a unique and authentic experience.
1. Yuenyeung
Yuenyeung is a popular and unique beverage in Hong Kong that combines two of the city's favorite drinks—coffee and tea. This delightful concoction is made by mixing equal parts of silky smooth coffee and velvety tea with condensed milk. It can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile choice for any season. Yuenyeung is often enjoyed with a crispy pineapple bun at local cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants).
2. Milk Tea
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without trying the iconic Hong Kong-style milk tea. This rich, velvety beverage is made by brewing black tea leaves in a cloth sack filter, which gives it a distinct smoothness. The tea is then mixed with evaporated milk or condensed milk to create a perfect balance of flavors. Milk tea in Hong Kong is often brewed strong and is the perfect pick-me-up for locals and tourists alike.
3. Herbal Tea
In Hong Kong, herbal tea (or "leung cha") is a popular choice for its cooling properties, especially during hot and humid summers. Made by brewing a combination of herbs, flowers, and roots, herbal teas are believed to have various health benefits. Gui Ling Gao, a herbal jelly-like beverage made from Chinese herbs, is worth trying for its unique taste and potential medicinal properties.
4. Sweet Soup
Sweet soup, also known as "tong sui," is a traditional Hong Kong-style dessert soup. It comes in various flavors, from red bean to black sesame, and is typically served hot. Sweet soup is a popular comfort food, especially during the cooler months, and can be found at dessert shops and some traditional Chinese restaurants.
5. Fermented Rice Wine
Fermented rice wine, also known as "cheung chow," is a traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. Made by fermenting glutinous rice with yeast and water, this sweet and aromatic wine has a low alcohol content. It is often served warm and pairs well with traditional Cantonese dishes.
6. Soy Milk
For a healthier beverage option, soy milk is a popular choice in Hong Kong. Made by soaking and grinding soybeans, soy milk is an excellent source of protein and is often enjoyed for breakfast. It can be consumed hot or cold and is commonly paired with traditional Chinese pastries like deep-fried dough sticks (yau ja gwai) or rice rolls (cheung fun).
7. Ginger Milk Curd
Ginger milk curd, or "ginger milk pudding," is a unique and popular dessert beverage in Hong Kong. Made with fresh ginger juice, milk, and a touch of sugar, this silky smooth custard-like dessert is loved for its delicate balance of flavors. Ginger milk curd is often served hot and is believed to have health benefits, particularly for digestion.
