Hong Kong Milk Tea: The Silky Drink Locals Take VERY Seriously
- MASX
- 27 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Hong Kong is known for its neon lights, fast energy, dim sum…But ask any local and they’ll tell you:
Hong Kong-style milk tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a cultural icon.
Strong, smooth, and perfectly balanced, milk tea is found in every cha chaan teng, from tiny street cafés to iconic old diners.
And yes — Hong Kongers are very passionate about it.
Here’s why this humble drink has become part of the city’s identity.
What Exactly Is Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea?
Hong Kong milk tea is also known as:
“Silk Stocking Milk Tea” (絲襪奶茶 siu2 laai1 naai5 caa4)
“HK-style milk tea”
“Pantyhose milk tea”
Why the strange nickname?
Because the tea is traditionally filtered through a fine, nylon “sock-like” cloth that produces an ultra-smooth, silky texture.
What makes it special:
✔ A secret blend of multiple black teas
✔ A slow, precise brewing method
✔ Silky texture
✔ Strong aroma
✔ Evaporated or condensed milk (NOT fresh milk)
Many shops guard their tea blend like a family treasure.
The Brewing Process Is an Art Form
Making perfect HK milk tea takes practice — sometimes years of it!
Here’s how it’s typically done:
1. The Tea Blend
Most shops blend different black teas (Ceylon is common) to create a deep, fragrant profile.
2. The Boil
Tea leaves are boiled for several minutes to release strong flavor.
3. The “Pulling”
The tea is strained repeatedly through a fine cloth to make it smooth.
4. The Milk
Evaporated milk gives HK milk tea its creamy taste.Some shops use a specific brand exclusively.
5. The Balance
Strength, smoothness, and aroma must be perfect — not too bitter, not too light.
This balance is exactly why Hong Kong takes milk tea so seriously.
Yes — There’s a Real Hong Kong Milk Tea Competition!
Every year, Hong Kong hosts the “Hong Kong Milk Tea Championship” (also called the “International KamCha Competition”).And it is intense.
What happens:
Top cha chaan teng masters compete
Judges evaluate aroma, color, smoothness, balance, aftertaste
Brewers make tea live on stage
Some use decades-old techniques
Winners become local celebrities
Winning shops often have lines out the door!
There are even categories like:
Hot milk tea
Iced milk tea
“New style” milk tea creations
For many Hongkongers, the Milk Tea Championship is as serious as a cooking competition.
Famous Places to Try Hong Kong Milk Tea
Here are a few local favorites (no sponsorships — just Hong Kong classics):
Lan Fong Yuen (Central) — one of the original creators
Sun Kee (Tsim Sha Tsui)
Kam Wah Café (Mong Kok)
Tsui Wah (multiple branches)
Mido Café (Temple Street, retro vibes)
Most cha chaan tengs have great milk tea — if locals are inside, it’s probably good.
Hot vs. Iced Milk Tea — Which Should You Try?
Hot milk tea
smoother
more aromatic
classic version preferred by purists
Iced milk tea (Cold / 凍奶茶)
stronger flavor
poured over ice
perfect for hot Hong Kong summers
Pro tip:Order “Half sugar” (少甜) or “No sugar” (走甜) to taste the pure tea flavor.
Why Tourists Are Surprised by Hong Kong Milk Tea Culture
Most travelers think milk tea = bubble tea.But Hong Kong milk tea is a completely different universe.
Tourists are often surprised by:
how strong the tea is
how creamy it tastes
how locals debate which shop has the best blend
how seriously the city treats the annual competition
how many cups Hongkongers drink every day
Comments