Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea 港式奶茶

港式奶茶 (Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea)

港式奶茶 (Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea) is a rich and creamy black tea beverage that originated in Hong Kong and has become an essential part of the city’s tea culture. Known for its smooth texture and bold tea flavor, it is traditionally made with a blend of strong black tea and evaporated or condensed milk. The unique silkiness comes from the traditional "silk stocking" brewing method, which enhances the tea’s texture and taste.

Origin & Characteristics

• Origin: Hong Kong, influenced by British colonial tea-drinking culture.

• Tea Base: A blend of strong black teas such as Ceylon, Assam, or Pu-erh.

• Texture: Smooth and creamy with a deep, well-balanced flavor.

• Sweetness: Can be adjusted with condensed milk or sugar.

Brewing Instructions

Traditional Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea (Silk Stocking Method)

Ingredients:

• 10g black tea leaves (a mix of Ceylon, Assam, and Pu-erh is common)

• 500ml water

• 100ml evaporated milk (or substitute with condensed milk for a sweeter version)

• Sugar (to taste, optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil Water & Brew Tea – Bring 500ml of water to a boil and add the black tea leaves. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes to extract a strong, full-bodied tea.

2. Strain the Tea – Traditionally, the tea is poured through a fine cloth filter (silk stocking filter) multiple times to create a smooth and rich texture. A fine sieve can also be used.

3. Add Milk – Pour in evaporated milk and stir well. For a sweeter version, use condensed milk instead.

4. Adjust Sweetness – Add sugar to taste if using evaporated milk.

5. Serve – Pour into a cup and enjoy hot, or let it cool and serve over ice for iced Hong Kong milk tea.

Variations

• Iced Hong Kong Milk Tea: Follow the same recipe, but chill the tea and serve over ice.

• Yuenyeung (鴛鴦): A mix of Hong Kong-style milk tea and coffee for a bolder taste.

• Less Creamy Version: Use regular whole milk instead of evaporated milk.

港式奶茶 is a perfect balance of strong tea and creamy milk, making it a beloved drink for any time of the day.