Hong Kong Milk Tea (Silk Stocking Milk Tea)
Local name: 港式奶茶
In short: Strong black tea blended with evaporated milk and pulled between pots until silky smooth, the classic Hong Kong cafe drink, served hot or iced. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 3 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 3
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 145 kcal
Hong Kong milk tea is a strong, smooth, slightly bitter tea made with evaporated milk, which gives it a rounded, creamy flavor. Cafes brew a blend of black teas and strain it through a fine cloth bag, nicknamed a silk stocking because the cloth turns brown with use. This home version uses a fine sieve and the traditional pulling technique, pouring the tea between two pots to smooth it. Serve it hot or over ice.
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the tea leaves, lower the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes, until the tea is dark and strong.
- Stir in the evaporated milk and heat for 1 minute without letting it boil.
- Strain the tea through a fine sieve or a cloth filter into a second pot or jug.
- Pour the tea back and forth between the two pots 4 or 5 times, from a height of about 20 cm (8 in), to cool slightly and make the texture silky.
- Stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Serve hot in cups, or chill and pour over ice.
Tips
- Use strong black tea and do not skimp on the leaves, as the evaporated milk mellows the flavor. Blend two kinds, one for aroma and one for body, if you can.
- For iced milk tea, brew it extra strong, chill, and pour over a full glass of ice. Mixed half and half with coffee, it becomes yuenyeung.
Questions and answers
Why is evaporated milk used in Hong Kong milk tea?
It adds richness without watering down the tea and gives a distinctive cooked-milk flavor. Fresh milk makes a lighter and less creamy drink.
Can I make milk tea ahead of time?
Yes. Brew it, chill it and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Serve it cold over ice, or reheat gently.
What tea is best for Hong Kong milk tea?
Strong black tea, such as Ceylon, Assam or a blend of both. Plain loose-leaf or good quality tea bags will do, but avoid flavored teas.
How long does it take to make Hong Kong Milk Tea (Silk Stocking Milk Tea)?
About 15 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Hong Kong Milk Tea (Silk Stocking Milk Tea)?
About 145 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 145 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
