.jpg)
Well before coffee became the officially acceptable and cool addiction to have, tea was the hot beverage of choice in Hong Kong. The humble drink was said to have been discovered by accident thousands of years ago when the Chinese emperor Shen Nong had some leaves from a tree fall into his hot drinking water. Tea, with its myriad of flavors, can be calming, invigorating, soothing, and having tea (Yum Cha) can be a social affair or a heart-to-heart chat with a dear friend. When the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong get to you, wind down in these tea houses or buy a unique tea to take home.
Image Credit: Wikimedia
Teakha
How does Red Jade with Yuzu Honey tea sound to you? If you fancy sampling teas of the world, from Thailand to Japan to India, then Teakha will not disappoint. It’s not just the teas that are delightful. You can try some of their unique cakes like the Thai Tea Cheesecake or the Osmanthus Black Sugar Chiffon Cake. The café also has an alfresco area, and it’s laid-back and pleasing aesthetics will have you coming back for an antidote to Hong Kong’s frantic pace.
Address: 18 Tai Ping Shan St, Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong
MingCha
Image Credit: Tripadvisor
A tea tasting session has to be on top of your list if you’re a tea aficionado. Located in a factory building, MingCha offers tea tasting sessions that will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of tea and tea wares. After the workshop, spend some time choosing quality tea for your own home brewing sessions. The workshops are held in English, so ask as many questions as you want.
Address: 12/F, Flat D, Wah Ha Factory Building, 8 Shipyard Lane, Taikoo, Hong Kong
Lock Cha Tea House
Image Credit: Lockha
For a Cantonese style tea house immersion, head to Lock Cha Tea House, where the vegetarian dim sum is served with its wide array of pure, single-harvest, estate tea sourced directly from China. The extensive tea list may be confusing for novices, so don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation. In addition to dim sum and tea, Lock Cha also hosts tea and calligraphy classes, as well as a Chinese music tea concert every Sunday afternoon.
The teahouse is located in the middle of the park, which adds to its tranquil ambiance.
Address: Ground Floor, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Jrink
Image Credit: Yelp
A hipster take on tea is always welcomed. Jrink is a specialty tea house that offers a great variety of loose-leaf teas as well as infusions and accessories. What sets them apart is the use of a SteamPunk brewing system that supposedly brings out the complex flavors of tea. Unlike traditional tea houses, Jrink also offers herbal and fruit tea to cater to more preferences. And yes, you can have your tea cold, which is perfect for the summer heat. Drop by and have tea at their tea bar, or simply take home some quality tea.
Address: 21 Ormsby Street, Hong Kong
Yu Teahouse
Yu is classy, refined, and the perfect spot for a quiet retreat into the world of tea. The teahouse aims to bring the finest Chinese tea leaves and organizes tea appreciation classes for those who want to explore the nuances of tea. Yu also pairs traditional tea with snacks and cake. Stay tuned to their lovely Instagram page or check out their events page as they occasionally host exciting events and workshops, such as Yoga and Tea.
Address: Workshop B, 14/F, Century Industrial Centre, No. 33-35 Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan, Hong Kong
The Best Tea Shop
Established in 1988 by tea specialist Mr. Chan, The Best Tea Shop sells quality Chinese tea and tea ware. Here you can find a wide variety of tea, including the revered Pu Er tea cakes which come either new or aged for 30 years. If you’ve developed a fine appreciation of tea and want to head to a specialist shop that stocks an extensive range, then The Best Tea Shop is one of the best bets. For the full tea experience, check out the traditional tea ware too.
Address: Kowloon Island Store G/F, Great Wall Building, 11 Cheung Shun Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong