The Best Asian Tea Recipes

Last Updated on June 5, 2021 by Ed Joven

The most popular and the Best Asian Teas

For most people, tea is synonymous with Asia. Of course, as you well know, not all Asian countries indulge in the drink. For instance, it is not a common beverage in a Filipino household. Nevertheless, there are many Asian countries that do enjoy the drink – both the caffeinated and non-caffeinated version – on a regular basis.

Of course, each region has also put its own spin on it too. Even when the recipes seem similar, there is always a slight variation that makes the drink unique to a particular country.

So, on this note, here are some of the top Asian tea recipes that you can enjoy:

Salabat : Philippines

Every child in the Philippines grew up drinking Salabat when they were sick. And, if you are now a parent, you probably prescribe the same remedy to your own kids! Of course, Salabat doesn’t contain any true tea. Instead, it is made of fresh ginger.

Regardless, this is a refreshing – and healthy – brew. Traditionally, the ginger is brewed in water and some honey is added for both taste and further health purposes. If you are looking to give your Salabat a boost, though, you may want to add a squeeze of lemon juice as well!

Trà Đá : Vietnam

If you have ever been to Vietnam, then you will have undoubtedly come across trà đá. It is practically the national drink as it is a cheap drink that is served in virtually every restaurant or stand that offers food. So, what is this beverage? Well, it is a kind of iced tea – brewed from jasmine green tea.

However, trà đá is often diluted quite a bit. In fact, you will often only be able to taste just a hint of the jasmine green tea. The drink may be further watered down with the addition of ice. One thing is for sure, though, it is certainly a refreshing drink!

Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

As you can see here, there is a clear distinction between the Hong Kong milk tea and all kinds. So, what exactly is the difference? Well, it can be difficult to put your finger on it. This is largely because it can be a rather guarded secret among Hong Kong vendors. So, if you want to make this cup of tea at home, there is a fair amount of guesswork involved.

However, fundamentally, this tea is made from a strong black tea like Ceylon or Assam. Some people will even brew the tea multiple times or for longer just to get a more robust drink. Then, you add evaporated tea to the milk along with sugar as a sweetener. It can be drunk either hot or cold and is the perfect mid-day drink.

Royal Milk Tea : Japan

In Japan, this drink is a fan favorite. It can be made at home, but is commonly found in vending machines as well. Wondering how to make royal milk tea in your own kitchen? Well, it involves a rather unique process. The base of this tea is black leaves tea. It can either be Ceylon, Assam, or a blend of both.

The tea leaves, water, and milk are all boiled together. This simultaneously produces a drink that is equal parts strong and creamy. The drink can be sweetened with either sugar or honey. There are some who prefer to drink the iced version – it tastes just as good!

Thai Iced Tea : Thailand

Thai iced tea has become a global phenomenon, but its addition to Thai cuisine is relatively new. In fact, this tea isn’t actually prepared in households all that often. Instead, locals head out to street vendors or restaurants to enjoy this creamy, sweet, and refreshing drink.

There are a few different elements that set Thai iced tea apart from the rest. For one thing, the tea is infused with spices, such as star anise and orange blossom water. Rather than regular milk, condensed milk is added to the brew, making it creamy and sweet all at once. The formula of the drink can vary quite a bit from one vendor to another.

So, there you have it – the top Asian tea recipes around. These teas are all tasty, refreshing, and are the perfect accompaniments to many meals. Of course, they are just as delicious when enjoyed by themselves.