Creamy, aromatic brewed tea with evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk — Hong Kong's national beverage.
Hong Kong milk tea (港式奶茶) is more than a drink; it's a cultural institution. The tea base is a blend of strong black teas (typically pu-erh and black Ceylon), brewed dark and bold, then strained through a cloth filter (called 'pulling') to remove bitterness and create a smooth texture. Evaporated and condensed milk are added, creating a beverage that's both rich and balanced, with a distinctive caramel color and silky mouthfeel. It's served iced in summer (iced milk tea) or hot in winter, and it's absolutely essential to Hong Kong's food culture.
Serves 2
Pour hot water over tea and steep for 5-7 minutes, aiming for a very dark, strong brew. The tea should be intense, not delicate.
Pour tea through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, catching it in a pitcher. This 'pulling' removes bitterness and creates smoothness.
Pour hot tea into cups, filling 2/3 full. Add 30 ml evaporated milk and 1 tbsp condensed milk per cup, stirring well.
For hot milk tea, serve immediately. For iced, pour over ice in a tall glass and add the same milk ratio.
The 'pulling' step through cloth is essential — it's what distinguishes Hong Kong milk tea from other milk teas.
Use quality black tea blend; ordinary bags won't produce the same depth.
Evaporated milk and condensed milk are both essential for the authentic creamy sweetness.
Substitute sugar for condensed milk for less sweetness
Add a shot of espresso for 'yellow cow' (黃牛)
Make iced version for summer refreshment
Best consumed fresh. Can be reheated gently, but flavor diminishes.
Hong Kong milk tea developed in the post-war 1950s when American condensed milk became widely available. The 'pulling' technique was adapted from Indian tea traditions, creating a uniquely Hong Kong beverage.
You can try, but traditional Hong Kong blends (pu-erh and Ceylon) create a specific flavor profile that's hard to replicate.
The cloth filter removes fine tea particles and bitterness, creating a silky, smooth texture essential to the drink.
Per serving · 2 servings total
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