There’s many things synonymous with Hong Kong, and one of the most prominent is tea. Originating in China, tea made its way to Britain before the practice was carried over, back to Hong Kong. It's unsurprising as such that, just like the UK, tea is an integral part of Hong Kong culture; be it the morning cup of tea with breakfast at cha chaan tengs or a yum cha session. If you were wondering about the origins of Hong Kong-style milk tea, well, it’s a take on British-style tea, sweetened with sugar and milk to mellow out the bitterness. You may not be a tea person, but hey, as they say — while in Rome (or in this case, Hong Kong), do as the Romans do. From contemporary, modern tea bars to time-tested teahouses, take it easy and appreciate Hong Kong’s tea culture at these places.
teakha
When one mentions teahouse, the name of teakha is bound to pop up. Founded by tea enthusiast Nana Chan, teakha is one of the pioneers of the modern teahouse experience in Hong Kong. Basically, teakha has made drinking tea cool again. Don’t expect the standard tea blends here — choose from the likes of Keemun Milk Tea with Red Date Honey, Sea Salt Yin Yang and Keemun Rose Milk Tea. Their cosy shop on Tai Ping Shan Street is also a café, so you can select from a range of delectable patisseries to pair with your teas — the scones here are especially delightful!
Address: 18B號 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm, Saturday–Sunday, 8.30am–7pm, Closed on Tuesday
Contact: +852 2858 9185
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Plantation by teakha
Plantation by teakha is a craft tea company sourcing rare and exquisite teas from around the world. Escape the bustle of Hong Kong and relax with a cup of tea in their beautiful teawares crafter by Chinese and Japanese artisans. If you’re new to the tea drinking world, that’s not a problem. Find the right blend for you with the help of their in-house tea masters, or join in a tea tasting and pairing workshop which will get you more than acquainted with tea. Try best-sellers like Rice Scent Aged Puerh, Apple Blossom Verbana and Yunnan Moonlight White.
Address: 18 Po Tuck Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Thursday–Sunday, 12pm–7pm, Closed Monday–Wednesday
Contact: +852 3482 2660
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MingCha Tea House
Founded by a couple with absolutely no tea background whatsoever, MingCha Tea House aims to be the intermediary to help you discover the beauty of tea. With a bevy of tea tasting and pairing workshops, this is a spot that even well-seasoned tea drinkers will want to come to. If you’re coming in a family, then all the better — they offer a tea pairing experience that even the little ones will enjoy! Their teas are sourced from throughout China, and their specialty is Jasmine Blossoms — a blooming flower tea that is a treat for all the senses!
Address: 9/F, Cheung Tat Centre, Room 901-902, 18 Cheung Lee Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 10am–7pm, Closed on Sunday
Contact: +852 2520 2116
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yú teahouse
In terms of a classic teahouse experience, yú teahouse hits the spot, and then some. Translating to ‘fine jade’, the teahouse strives to provide a luxurious tea drinking experience in a minimalist, modern setting. Other than this, you’ll be able to go for tea appreciation workshops. Not sure what to get? The tea is kept in small jars, allowing you to get a whiff before deciding on your blend of choice. Try the refreshingly mellow Aged Mandarin Puerh or the light and fragrant Taiping Monkey.
Address: Shop L230, 2/F, The Eslite Spectrum, Star House, 3 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 10am–8pm
Contact: +852 3419 1089
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Lin Heung Tea House
A legendary dim sum institution, Lin Heung Tea House is the place to go to for the authentic Hong Kong yum cha experience. Despite having close to 100 years of experience to their name, Lin Heung Tea House was due to shutter in 2019 due to lease woes. However, they managed to renew their lease for another 3 years, so you’ll still be able to pop by. Amidst the mad frenzy, don’t expect service with a smile here — it’s every man for himself. Best to brush up on your Cantonese before dropping bye, though.
Address: 162號 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 6am–11pm
Contact: +852 2498 6330
BASAO
BASAO started out as an online retailer offering a wide selection of high-quality, single origin teas from China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Their overwhelming popularity has since led them to set up two brick-and-mortar outlets in Hong Kong, offering patrons the full tea drinking experience. Besides the usual Chinese-style tea blends, they also have Japanese matcha on offer. Pair it with a tea-flavoured swiss roll, and you’ve got your afternoon sorted. They work closely with partners to ensure that all their teas are sustainable, so that’s another reason to visit!
Address: 17號 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm, Saturday–Sunday,10am–7pm
Contact: +852 2952 3313
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Ying Kee Tea House
With more than 130 years’ history to its name, Ying Kee Tea House is no stranger to teahouse culture. Focusing on high-quality Chinese teas such as puerh, oolong, jasmine and more, you can’t get closer to tradition than this. As one of the most established tea houses in Hong Kong, this place is a must-visit for all tea enthusiasts, new and seasoned alike!
Address: 11 outlets, including one at19-21號M1號舖, Hanyee Building, Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9.30am–7pm
Contact: +852 2721 7300
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If you're an avid coffee drinker, don't knock it till you've tried it! There's no better way to experience Hong Kong culture than through appreciating tea, and there's no reason why you can't grow to like both. With these teahouse experiences, it's honestly not going to be hard.
