In China, you’ll find a fantastic variety of delicious drinks that both locals and visitors love. Whether you’re exploring the streets of China, stepping into a local market, or simply wandering through the aisles of a Chinese supermarket, you’re sure to encounter a variety of delightful beverages.
Let’s talk about the top 8 must-try Chinese drinks, each offering a unique taste and letting you dive deeper into Chinese culture.
1. Tea (茶 – chá)
Tea is the first drink that comes to mind when discussing Chinese beverages. Originating in the southwestern part of the country, tea is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of China. Though tea bags have become a popular choice for the sake of convenience, true tea aficionados still adhere to the traditional method of brewing tea leaves in a teapot.
Chinese tea boasts a rich diversity, with black tea (红茶 – hóng chá), green tea (绿茶 – lǜ chá), oolong tea (乌龙茶 – wū lóng chá), and many more. The intricate process of crafting the perfect cup of tea involves several meticulous steps, including picking, frying, rolling, and drying the tea leaves. Each type of tea has its own unique tea smell and taste.
Oolong tea – Tieguanyin （铁观音 – Tiě guān yīn)
It’s worth mentioning that one of the most popular oolong teas in Chinese – Tieguanyin. Known as the “Iron Goddess of Mercy,” Tieguanyin is a distinguished oolong tea that gracefully balances the flavors of green and black tea while presenting a delicate yellowish hue.
With a captivating fresh floral aroma and a delightful fruity, berry-like sweetness, this premium oolong tea leaves a lingering honey aftertaste. Widely available in local teahouses across China, Tieguanyin is most notably produced in Anxi, Fujian province.
2. Milk Tea (奶茶 – nǎi chá)
Milk tea is incredibly popular among young people in China. It can be infused with different flavors and served with ingredients like tapioca pearls, red bean pudding, or grass jelly. This creamy and slightly sweet beverage is often found in clear cups with a plastic seal, allowing you to pop the top open and savor the unique combination of flavors.
In China, there are all kinds of milk tea shops all over the country, covering urban and rural areas. According to statistics, the number of tea shops (most of which are milk tea shops) nationwide is almost four times that of coffee shops.
Why do Chinese people prefer milk tea over coffee?
Some studies state that this may be because China is still a low-caffeine culture. Most Chinese people are still accustomed to low-caffeine products and do not love or tolerate high-caffeine products.
3. Cooling Tea (清涼茶 – qīng liáng chá)
Also known as herbal tea 凉茶 (liáng chá), cooling tea is a beverage made by blending cooling herbs and traditional Chinese medicines. Herbs like mint, honeysuckle, and chrysanthemum are used to provide a soothing and cooling effect.
Cooling teas have a diverse range of varieties; among them are “廿四味” (Niàn sì wèi), “五花茶” (Wǔ Huā Chá), “雪梨茶” (Xuě Lí Chá), and “感冒茶” (Gǎn Mào Chá). Each variety boasts unique flavors and medicinal benefits, contributing to the rich tapestry of Chinese herbal tea culture. These drinks are perfect for relieving the heat and humidity in the summer, especially when consumed with spicy foods.
4. Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶 – dōng guā chá)
Winter melon tea is made from the vegetable known as winter melon, used in various Chinese dishes. Winter melon has the effects of whitening and detoxifying. The winter melon slices are cooked in boiling water with brown sugar for hours, resulting in a refreshing brownish tea.
Winter melon tea has a delightful taste and boasts high nutritional value, making it a popular choice. Its preparation is incredibly simple and suitable for various occasions.
5. Sour Plum Drink (酸梅汤 – suān méi tāng)
The sour plum drink is a traditional Chinese summer drink made with ingredients like dried plums, hawthorn, tangerine peel, osmanthus flowers, licorice, and sugar. It’s great for people working in the heat, feeling tired or thirsty during the summer.
The sour plum drink tastes a bit sour and sweet. It has acids like citric acid and malic acid that make your mouth and stomach produce more fluids, helping with thirst and digestion and relieving symptoms like dry throat. It’s a good choice when you eat heavy or hard-to-digest foods, making you feel less greasy and helping your stomach digest the food better.
6. Soy Milk (豆浆 – dòu jiāng)
Soy milk is a liquid nutritional product suitable for people of all ages. It is a traditional breakfast drink in most Chinese households. It can be served hot or cold and is often accompanied by 油条 youtiao (fried dough sticks). Rich in protein, soy milk is made by grinding and boiling yellow whole soybeans, providing a nutritious and protein-rich start to the day.
7. Walnut Milk (核桃奶 – hé táo nǎi)
If you enjoy the taste of nuts, you should try nut milk like walnut milk, peanut milk, or almond milk in China. These nut milk are made by soaking nuts in water, then going through the process of grinding, boiling, and filtering, resulting in a milky beverage with a delightful nutty aroma.
8. Coconut Milk (椰奶 – yē nǎi)
Coconut milk is a rich, refreshing and famous Chinese beverage crafted from coconut juice and finely processed mature coconut meat. This drink has a cooling effect to beat the heat and provides a delightful sensory experience. Whether in the scorching days of summer or when seeking a refreshing taste, a cup of chilled coconut milk brings about a pleasurable sensation.
Summary
In conclusion, Chinese beverages offer a wide range of flavors and textures that cater to different preferences. So, whether you’re exploring the streets of China or browsing the aisles of a Chinese supermarket, make sure to try these top 8 drinks. Cheers!
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