Looking for a way to beat the heat in Hong Kong? There are tons of new shops and old cha can tengs that serve up local beverages that you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for a way to keep hydrated, check out these deliciously sweet and even healthy drinks, from Lan Fong Yuen’s milk tea, to famed Red Bean Steamed Milk at Yee Shun Dairy Company.
Kung Lee Sugar Cane Juice
Kung Lee Sugar Cane Juice has been pumping out the sweetest juices in the city for years now. Head over to the local parlour in Central and you’ll be amazed to take in the sights and smells of this place, as they push sugar canes through heavy machines to make fresh sugar cane juice just for you. Ideal for a sweltering Hong Kong summer day, you can’t go wrong with sugar cane juice at Kung Lee.
Kung Lee Sugar Cane Juice
60 Hollywood Rd, Central
Closed on Mondays , Tues-Sunday 11AM-10PM
Wai Yuen Tong Nata de Coco Herbal Jelly
For the modern-day health-conscious consumer, Herbal Jelly is the go-to drink when in Hong Kong. But have you ever seen this unique rendition by renowned local apothecary Wai Yuen Tong? Portable and convenient, Wai Yuen Tong’s Herbal Jelly Beverage is made with Nata de Coco and rare Chinese herbs, like Japanese Honeysuckle Flower and Liquorice Root. Not only sweet and refreshing, it also has health benefits too, reducing inflammation and toxins from the body. You can also try their supreme Herbal Jelly juice box, for a more classic option.
Wai Yuen Tong
Causeway Bay (Percival Street Store)
Shop A-B, G/F, Po Wing Building, 108-120 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
Phone: (852) 2561 3620
Time:10:00am – 9:00pm
天天鮮豆漿 (soymilk)
For a truly local experience, head to North Point, where you will find a hole in the wall, 天天鮮豆漿 (Everyday fresh soymilk, in English). Just a minutes walk from the North Point MTR station, this joint serves fresh soymilk with different flavours and add-ons. Best paired with fried dough sticks or traditional congee, soymilk is the epitome of Hong Kong comfort food. In addition, they also serve up some of the best bean curd and sweet tofu desserts in the city- it’s a must-try.
天天鮮豆漿
27B Shu Kuk St, North Point
Open daily 8:00 – 20:00
Lan Fong Yuen – Milk Tea
Of course, you can’t forget milk tea, an homage to Hong Kong’s colonial heritage. Strained through pantyhose and paired with white sugar, milk tea is the epitome of Hong Kong food culture and can be served iced or hot. You’ll find locals sipping on milk tea whilst snacking on pineapple buns, Hong Kong style French toast and other midday eats. Head to cha can teng, Lan Fong Yuen for an authentic milk tea experience.
Lan Fong Yuen
2 Gage Street, Sheung Wan,
+852 2544 3895.
Open Monday-Saturday 7:00-18:00.
Yee Shun Dairy Company – Red Bean Steamed Milk
At Yee Shun Dairy Company, indulge in their signature warm red bean steamed milk. A Hong Kong classic, red bean drinks are commonplace, usually added with milk, sugar and occasionally coffee and cream. Yee Shun Dairy Company offers affordable and delectable midday pick me ups, with unique flavours too, from a chocolate flavoured red bean milk to a ginger rendition.
Yee Shun Dairy Company
506 Lockhart Rd, Causeway Bay
12:00- Midnight Daily
Vita Lemon Tea
If you’re truly on the go however, you might opt for a modern Hong Kong classic- Vita’s lemon tea. Found literally everywhere, from vending machines to your local 7-11 and street side vendours, lemon teas are distinct in their sweet, cold and refreshing taste. For most Hong Kongers, sipping on a cold pack of Vita Lemon Tea in the middle of summer is the taste of home.
To experience even more local Hong Kong treats, check out our Street Food Guide or read up on Where to Eat in Sham Shui Po and Eating Like a Local in Sheung Wan
Hong Kong-raised student Karl Lam is a journalist and public speaker, with work featured in South China Morning Post, Time Out, RTHK and Localiiz. Passionate about serving the localcommunity, Karl empowers entrepreneurs and young people in his free time, hosting events and workshops in coworking spaces. The former TEDx speaker also uses his voice to spark positive change, spreading awareness on mental healthcare and community inclusion. Contact Karl through his website o
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