<p>Scientifically, is there an apt time for the consumption of tea and coffee? Yes, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) there is actually something as the best time to consume these caffeinated beverages. Keep reading to learn the best time to enjoy tea and coffee.</p>

<h2><strong>Why shouldn't you drink tea whenever you want?</strong></h2>

<p>As per ICMR's recently released 'Dietary Guidelines for Indians,' both these drinks contain caffeine, and these beverages over time can "induce physiological dependence".</p>

<p>"Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and induces physiological dependence," says the medical body.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/66-year-old-indian-origin-grandmother-stabbed-to-death-in-broad-daylight-in-london-721561">66-year-old Indian-origin grandmother stabbed to death in broad daylight in London</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, tea and coffee contain Tannin, which, as per the report, is known to cause issues with the body's ability to absorb iron.</p>

<h2><strong>How much caffeine can a cup of tea or coffee contain?</strong></h2>

<p>According to ICMR's report, a 150 ml cup of brewed coffee contains 80–120&nbsp;mg of caffeine, instant coffee contains 50–65&nbsp;mg and tea contains 30–65&nbsp;mg of caffeine.</p>

<p>"Moderation in tea and coffee consumption is advised so that caffeine intake does not exceed the tolerable limits (300&nbsp;mg/day)."</p>

<p>"Excessive consumption of coffee is known to increase blood pressure and cause abnormalities in heartbeat. In addition, an association between coffee consumption and elevated levels of total and LDL cholesterol ('bad' cholesterol), triglycerides and heart disease has been demonstrated."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>So what is the best time to drink coffee or tea?</strong></h2>

<p>ICMR, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research, recommends that tea or coffee should not be consumed right before meals and says there should&nbsp;at least be a gap of&nbsp;one hour.</p>

<p>"Tea and coffee should be avoided at least for one hour before and after meals."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-a-vegetarian%E2%80%99s-delight---food-guide-across-georgia-718527">A vegetarian’s delight - Food guide across Georgia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>What else did ICMR say about tea?</strong></h2>

<p>While milk tea is widely consumed in Indian households, ICMR recommends that both tea and coffee are best had without milk.</p>

<p>"Besides caffeine, tea (green or black) contains theobromine and theophylline, which are known to relax arteries and thereby promote blood circulation. They also contain flavonoids and other antioxidant polyphenols, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stomach cancer. These benefits can be best obtained if milk is not added to tea and if it is taken in moderation," said ICMR.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientifically, is there an apt time for the consumption of tea and coffee? Yes, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) there is actually something as the best time to consume these caffeinated beverages.

Scientifically, is there an apt time for the consumption of tea and coffee? Yes, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) there is actually something as the best time to consume these caffeinated beverages. Keep reading to learn the best time to enjoy tea and coffee. Why shouldn't you drink tea whenever you want? As per ICMR's recently released 'Dietary Guidelines for Indians,' both these drinks contain caffeine, and these beverages over time can "induce physiological dependence". "Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and induces physiological dependence," says the medical body. Also read | 66-year-old Indian-origin grandmother stabbed to death in broad daylight in London Furthermore, tea and coffee contain Tannin, which, as per the report, is known to cause issues with the body's ability to absorb iron. How much caffeine can a cup of tea or coffee contain? According to ICMR's report, a 150 ml cup of brewed coffee contains 80–120 mg of caffeine, instant coffee contains 50–65 mg and tea contains 30–65 mg of caffeine. "Moderation in tea and coffee consumption is advised so that caffeine intake does not exceed the tolerable limits (300 mg/day)." "Excessive consumption of coffee is known to increase blood pressure and cause abnormalities in heartbeat. In addition, an association between coffee consumption and elevated levels of total and LDL cholesterol ('bad' cholesterol), triglycerides and heart disease has been demonstrated." So what is the best time to drink coffee or tea? ICMR, the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research, recommends that tea or coffee should not be consumed right before meals and says there should at least be a gap of one hour. "Tea and coffee should be avoided at least for one hour before and after meals." Also read | A vegetarian’s delight - Food guide across Georgia What else did ICMR say about tea? While milk tea is widely consumed in Indian households, ICMR recommends that both tea and coffee are best had without milk. "Besides caffeine, tea (green or black) contains theobromine and theophylline, which are known to relax arteries and thereby promote blood circulation. They also contain flavonoids and other antioxidant polyphenols, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stomach cancer. These benefits can be best obtained if milk is not added to tea and if it is taken in moderation," said ICMR. (With inputs from agencies)

Love tea? THIS is the best time to consume coffee and tea, as per ICMR

A new study has now revealed direct and rather concerning connections between the consumption of milk tea and mental health. Now a research paper has been released by the Central University of Finance and Economics in China this is what the conclusions have to say.

Study: Milk tea consumption triggers anxiety, suicidal thoughts

<p>Milk teas, which include&nbsp;bubble tea and the much-loved&nbsp;Indian <em>masala</em> (spiced) tea, have taken the beverage scene in China and other Asian regions by storm in recent years. However, a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032723010820">recent study</a> has shed light on a concerning connection between milk tea consumption and mental health issues.&nbsp;The&nbsp;findings were startling: milk tea consumption appeared to give rise to addiction and was significantly linked to depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide.</p>

<p>Conducted by scholars from Tsinghua University and the Central University of Finance and Economics in China, this study delved into the lives of 5,281 college students in Beijing. The researchers aimed to uncover whether symptoms of milk tea addiction were real and if they correlated with conditions like depression and anxiety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers acknowledged the unprecedented surge in milk tea popularity among Chinese youth, setting the stage for their research.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>What's the connection?</b></h2>

<p>By using an established addiction scale that assesses criteria like persistent cravings and excessive consumption, the research laid out&nbsp;that some young individuals displayed clear signs of milk tea addiction.</p>

<p>Nearly half of the participants admitted to consuming at least one cup of milk tea weekly.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-tea-coffee-from-paper-cups-can-increase-chances-of-cancer-indian-research-344278">Drinking tea, coffee from paper cups can increase chances of cancer: Indian research</a></p>

<h2><strong>The loneliness and depression connection</strong></h2>

<p>Beyond the extra sugar content, milk teas often contain caffeine, prompting concerns about their potential to contribute to low moods and social isolation among adolescents.</p>

<p>This study gave rise to a concerning connection between milk tea consumption and loneliness and depression. While causes are not&nbsp;determined, it certainly warrants further exploration, especially given the growing popularity of these beverages.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Study: Styles of coffee can predict your personality</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-study-styles-of-coffee-can-predict-your-personality-635033/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Milk tea as a coping mechanism</strong></h2>

<p>The researchers speculate that young people in China and elsewhere might be turning to milk tea as a means of coping with emotions and regulating their mental states.</p>

<p>In this context, these beverages could be&nbsp;addictive and detrimental.</p>

<p>The study's results suggest that milk tea consumption can manifest addiction symptoms, encompassing frequency, dependence, intention to quit, inability to quit, and guilt. Consequently, the research team calls for measures to be implemented to mitigate both physical and mental health risks associated with milk tea, from obesity and dental decay to addiction and depression.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Milk teas, which include bubble tea and the much-loved Indian masala (spiced) tea, have taken the beverage scene in China and other Asian regions by storm in recent years.

Milk teas, which include bubble tea and the much-loved Indian masala (spiced) tea, have taken the beverage scene in China and other Asian regions by storm in recent years. However, a recent study has shed light on a concerning connection between milk tea consumption and mental health issues. The findings were startling: milk tea consumption appeared to give rise to addiction and was significantly linked to depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Conducted by scholars from Tsinghua University and the Central University of Finance and Economics in China, this study delved into the lives of 5,281 college students in Beijing. The researchers aimed to uncover whether symptoms of milk tea addiction were real and if they correlated with conditions like depression and anxiety. The researchers acknowledged the unprecedented surge in milk tea popularity among Chinese youth, setting the stage for their research. What's the connection? By using an established addiction scale that assesses criteria like persistent cravings and excessive consumption, the research laid out that some young individuals displayed clear signs of milk tea addiction. Nearly half of the participants admitted to consuming at least one cup of milk tea weekly. Also read | Drinking tea, coffee from paper cups can increase chances of cancer: Indian research The loneliness and depression connection Beyond the extra sugar content, milk teas often contain caffeine, prompting concerns about their potential to contribute to low moods and social isolation among adolescents. This study gave rise to a concerning connection between milk tea consumption and loneliness and depression. While causes are not determined, it certainly warrants further exploration, especially given the growing popularity of these beverages. Also watch | Gravitas | Study: Styles of coffee can predict your personality Milk tea as a coping mechanism The researchers speculate that young people in China and elsewhere might be turning to milk tea as a means of coping with emotions and regulating their mental states. In this context, these beverages could be addictive and detrimental. The study's results suggest that milk tea consumption can manifest addiction symptoms, encompassing frequency, dependence, intention to quit, inability to quit, and guilt. Consequently, the research team calls for measures to be implemented to mitigate both physical and mental health risks associated with milk tea, from obesity and dental decay to addiction and depression. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sippin' blues: Study suggests your go-to milk tea could be the cause of your depression

Chinese researchers say that consumption of milk tea can lead to addiction, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The study says that they still don't know the cause. Can Chinese studies be trusted?

Gravitas: Chinese study: Milk tea causes depression and anxiety | Is China against mixing milk with tea?

<p>As protests continue in Thailand, activists in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-in-thailand-investigate-media-coverage-over-protests-336354">Thailand</a>, Hong Kong and Taiwan critical of President Xi's authoritarian government in China have formed an online movement dubbed the "Milk Tea Alliance".</p>

<p>The alliance has been named due to their shared love for sugary drink. Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong had recently tweeted in support of Thai protesters amid anti-government protests in Thailand over the newly formed online alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When the authorities banned the website in Thailand, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilkTeaAliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilkTeaAliance</a> will help to spread the petition! I have sign on it already. Let us say no to political censorship. <a href="https://t.co/GOqs5FGkG2">https://t.co/GOqs5FGkG2</a></p>
— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuawongcf/status/1317873470038896640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Their determination for #Thailanddemocracy cannot be deterred," he said.</p>

<p>Several online memes of the three-fingered salute have spread online ensuring worldwide coverage for the movement with the #MilkTeaAlliance hashtag trending on social media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really? And do you know?😊<br />
<br />
HONGKONG IS A COUNTRY<br />
TAIWAN IS A COUNTRY <a href="https://t.co/uCmUGCr3id">https://t.co/uCmUGCr3id</a></p>
— Kadeart 🍄 lll (@kadeart) <a href="https://twitter.com/kadeart/status/1317435204831571968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>In fact, the three-fingered salute from "The Hunger Games" movies has become the symbol of protesters in Thailand as demonstrators comprising of a large number of students have been demanding political reforms and curbs on monarchy's power.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Francis, a student activist who is also a member of the milk tea alliance accused of violence against the Queen from royal motorcade incident. He is facing life imprisonment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/16%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B9%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#16ตุลาไปราชประสงค์</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilkTeaAliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilkTeaAliance</a> <a href="https://t.co/11Mog5qUuT">https://t.co/11Mog5qUuT</a></p>
— Jiraporn Kuhakan (@KuhakanJiraporn) <a href="https://twitter.com/KuhakanJiraporn/status/1317007776313274370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The salute in Thailand had first emerged in 2014 as a signal of defiance against the military regime which had seized power in a coup.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HongKongStandsWithThailand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HongKongStandsWithThailand</a> delivering all the strength to the Thai protestors virtually!! สู้ๆนะค่ะ!! 🙏💖 <a href="https://t.co/i5d6N4Zw3i">https://t.co/i5d6N4Zw3i</a></p>
— nessa ❤︎ (@neverloseurstar) <a href="https://twitter.com/neverloseurstar/status/1318048868194349056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Protesters have been demanding coup leader, former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down amid growing corruption and lack of reforms in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protesters have borrowed openly from Hong Kong demonstrators where thousands of anti-China protesters mainly students had taken to the streets earlier this year to protest against the national security law imposed by China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protests in Hong Kong had started last year as demonstrators called for greater democracy and transparency in government even as Hong Kong officials crackdown on the protesters.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


As protests continue in Thailand, activists in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan critical of President Xi's authoritarian government in China have formed an online movement dubbed the "Milk Tea Alliance".

As protests continue in Thailand, activists in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan critical of President Xi's authoritarian government in China have formed an online movement dubbed the "Milk Tea Alliance". The alliance has been named due to their shared love for sugary drink. Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong had recently tweeted in support of Thai protesters amid anti-government protests in Thailand over the newly formed online alliance. When the authorities banned the website in Thailand, #MilkTeaAliance will help to spread the petition! I have sign on it already. Let us say no to political censorship. https://t.co/GOqs5FGkG2 — Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) October 18, 2020 × "Their determination for #Thailanddemocracy cannot be deterred," he said. Several online memes of the three-fingered salute have spread online ensuring worldwide coverage for the movement with the #MilkTeaAlliance hashtag trending on social media. Really? And do you know?😊 HONGKONG IS A COUNTRY TAIWAN IS A COUNTRY https://t.co/uCmUGCr3id — Kadeart 🍄 lll (@kadeart) October 17, 2020 × In fact, the three-fingered salute from "The Hunger Games" movies has become the symbol of protesters in Thailand as demonstrators comprising of a large number of students have been demanding political reforms and curbs on monarchy's power. Francis, a student activist who is also a member of the milk tea alliance accused of violence against the Queen from royal motorcade incident. He is facing life imprisonment. #16ตุลาไปราชประสงค์ #MilkTeaAliance https://t.co/11Mog5qUuT — Jiraporn Kuhakan (@KuhakanJiraporn) October 16, 2020 × The salute in Thailand had first emerged in 2014 as a signal of defiance against the military regime which had seized power in a coup. #HongKongStandsWithThailand delivering all the strength to the Thai protestors virtually!! สู้ๆนะค่ะ!! 🙏💖 https://t.co/i5d6N4Zw3i — nessa ❤︎ (@neverloseurstar) October 19, 2020 × Protesters have been demanding coup leader, former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down amid growing corruption and lack of reforms in the country. The protesters have borrowed openly from Hong Kong demonstrators where thousands of anti-China protesters mainly students had taken to the streets earlier this year to protest against the national security law imposed by China. The protests in Hong Kong had started last year as demonstrators called for greater democracy and transparency in government even as Hong Kong officials crackdown on the protesters.

#MilkTeaAlliance makes anti-China wave in Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan

Some cities are fuelled by coffee. In Hong Kong, it&#39;s milk tea that keeps things running, a potent nostalgia-infused caffeine hit, with fierce competition to brew the best in town.<br />
<br />
There are thousands of restaurants offering the full gamut of international cuisines, but the city&#39;s no-frills diner-style cafes, some of them decades old, remain perennial favourites with locals&nbsp;and still do a roaring trade.<br />
<br />
Known in Cantonese as &quot;cha chaan tengs&quot; or &quot;tea restaurants&quot; they serve up cheap local favourites, from fried egg sandwiches and buttery French toast to noodle soups and macaroni.<br />
<br />
The standard accompaniment is a milk tea, or &quot;lai cha&quot;, a tangy, deep-tan brew made from blends of black tea strained repeatedly for strength, then mixed with condensed or evaporated milk.<br />
<br />
The city gulps down around 2.5 million cups a day.<br />
<br />
At family-run tea shop Lan Fong Yuen, on a hilly market street in Hong Kong&#39;s Central district, business shows no sign of slowing after 60 years.<br />
<br />
Owner Lam Chun-chung says the no-fuss nature of Hong Kong&#39;s tea restaurants plays a big role in their popularity in a fast-paced city.<br />
<br />
&quot;People are always in a rush. Having a quick bite with milk tea is fast and convenient,&quot; says Lam, who adds that his cafe has much more character than the growing number of sterile coffee shops.<br />
<br />
&quot;We represent the grassroots. When you are here you feel a sense of community,&quot; he says.<br />
<br />
Customers sit around shared wooden tables, many stopping for just 10 minutes to grab a quick breakfast or mid-morning boost.<br />
<br />
A tea master juggles steaming pots on an electric stove, straining the hot brews through long cloth sieves, a key utensil for any serious Hong Kong &quot;lai cha&quot; joint.<br />
<br />
The sock-like strainer has lent Hong Kong milk tea one of its nicknames: &quot;stocking milk tea&quot;.<br />
<br />
At this cafe, tea is strained seven times to intensify the flavour.<br />
<br />
Lam taught the current tea master his skills and still drinks a cup or two of milk tea each day. It is an addiction, he says, but also a way to monitor standards.<br />
<br />
Milk tea is a local institution and has even made it onto an official list of the city&#39;s &quot;intangible cultural heritage&quot;. Hong Kong&#39;s Association of Coffee and Tea says it is also building a global fanbase.<br />
<br />
The association has been running Hong Kong milk tea contests worldwide for the past seven years, and they are growing.<br />
<br />
Earlier this month, competitors from Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada and Australia all competed for the &quot;KamCha&quot; or &quot;Golden Cup&quot; award in the association&#39;s largest tea competition, on home turf.<br />
<br />
Local contestant Chen Chi-ping, 44, emerged victorious,&nbsp; he has been making milk tea in Hong Kong &quot;cha chaan tengs&quot; for 22 years.<br />
<br />
&quot;Every detail has to be strictly precise, the heat of the stove, the water temperature,&quot; he says.<br />
<br />
The fragrance and potency, as well as the thick consistency, make Hong Kong-style milk tea unique, Chen adds.<br />
<br />
It has flowed through the city&#39;s arteries for more than half a century, according to association chairman Simon Wong, who tells how it was first served on Hong Kong&#39;s docks to sailors and labourers, an earthy adaptation of the weaker version made with fresh milk by the colonial British who governed at that time.<br />
<br />
&quot;Hong Kong people wanted something with more punch. So we invented this type of brewing,&quot; Wong says. The strength of the tea and the canned milk made it value for money, few ordinary Hong Kongers at that time could afford fresh milk.<br />
<br />
Wong&#39;s father, a tea trader, was a proponent of the new concoction, setting up one of the first &quot;cha chaan tengs&quot; in Hong Kong, which still exists today.<br />
<br />
Mainland China has now also developed a taste for Hong Kong-style milk tea, and immigrant communities across the world are introducing it to new countries, says Wong.<br />
<br />
The winning formula? Both tea champion Chen and cafe owner Lam agree, it is the passion to make a great cuppa.<br />
<br />
&quot;The most important thing is to put your heart into it,&quot; says Chen.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

When it comes to milk tea, the city's decades-old cafes remain perennial favourites with locals?and still do a roaring trade

Some cities are fuelled by coffee. In Hong Kong, it's milk tea that keeps things running, a potent nostalgia-infused caffeine hit, with fierce competition to brew the best in town. There are thousands of restaurants offering the full gamut of international cuisines, but the city's no-frills diner-style cafes, some of them decades old, remain perennial favourites with locals and still do a roaring trade. Known in Cantonese as "cha chaan tengs" or "tea restaurants" they serve up cheap local favourites, from fried egg sandwiches and buttery French toast to noodle soups and macaroni. The standard accompaniment is a milk tea, or "lai cha", a tangy, deep-tan brew made from blends of black tea strained repeatedly for strength, then mixed with condensed or evaporated milk. The city gulps down around 2.5 million cups a day. At family-run tea shop Lan Fong Yuen, on a hilly market street in Hong Kong's Central district, business shows no sign of slowing after 60 years. Owner Lam Chun-chung says the no-fuss nature of Hong Kong's tea restaurants plays a big role in their popularity in a fast-paced city. "People are always in a rush. Having a quick bite with milk tea is fast and convenient," says Lam, who adds that his cafe has much more character than the growing number of sterile coffee shops. "We represent the grassroots. When you are here you feel a sense of community," he says. Customers sit around shared wooden tables, many stopping for just 10 minutes to grab a quick breakfast or mid-morning boost. A tea master juggles steaming pots on an electric stove, straining the hot brews through long cloth sieves, a key utensil for any serious Hong Kong "lai cha" joint. The sock-like strainer has lent Hong Kong milk tea one of its nicknames: "stocking milk tea". At this cafe, tea is strained seven times to intensify the flavour. Lam taught the current tea master his skills and still drinks a cup or two of milk tea each day. It is an addiction, he says, but also a way to monitor standards. Milk tea is a local institution and has even made it onto an official list of the city's "intangible cultural heritage". Hong Kong's Association of Coffee and Tea says it is also building a global fanbase. The association has been running Hong Kong milk tea contests worldwide for the past seven years, and they are growing. Earlier this month, competitors from Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada and Australia all competed for the "KamCha" or "Golden Cup" award in the association's largest tea competition, on home turf. Local contestant Chen Chi-ping, 44, emerged victorious, he has been making milk tea in Hong Kong "cha chaan tengs" for 22 years. "Every detail has to be strictly precise, the heat of the stove, the water temperature," he says. The fragrance and potency, as well as the thick consistency, make Hong Kong-style milk tea unique, Chen adds. It has flowed through the city's arteries for more than half a century, according to association chairman Simon Wong, who tells how it was first served on Hong Kong's docks to sailors and labourers, an earthy adaptation of the weaker version made with fresh milk by the colonial British who governed at that time. "Hong Kong people wanted something with more punch. So we invented this type of brewing," Wong says. The strength of the tea and the canned milk made it value for money, few ordinary Hong Kongers at that time could afford fresh milk. Wong's father, a tea trader, was a proponent of the new concoction, setting up one of the first "cha chaan tengs" in Hong Kong, which still exists today. Mainland China has now also developed a taste for Hong Kong-style milk tea, and immigrant communities across the world are introducing it to new countries, says Wong. The winning formula? Both tea champion Chen and cafe owner Lam agree, it is the passion to make a great cuppa. "The most important thing is to put your heart into it," says Chen. (AFP)

Milk tea: The fuel for Hong Kong's engine

milk-tea

Milk Tea, News on Milk Tea, stories on Milk Tea, articles on Milk Tea, Milk Tea stories at Wion, Milk Tea news, Milk Tea latest news