Can I make the milk tea ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can brew the tea and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently before adding evaporated milk and sugar.
BREAKFAST
Hong Kong Style Milk Tea with Toasted Bread and Butter
Experience a classic Hong Kong breakfast with this simple yet satisfying combination. Strong, creamy milk tea pairs perfectly with crispy, buttered toast for a comforting start to your day.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat.
02
Add 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves to the boiling water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes to brew a strong tea.
03
Strain the tea leaves, discarding them, and return the brewed tea to the saucepan. Stir in 1/4 cup of evaporated milk and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until dissolved. Keep warm over very low heat.
04
While the tea is warming, toast 2 slices of white bread in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown and crispy. If using a broiler, toast for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
05
Generously spread 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter over the warm toasted bread.
06
Pour the hot milk tea into a mug. Serve immediately with the buttered toast on the side.
About This Recipe
Experience a classic Hong Kong breakfast with this simple yet satisfying combination. Strong, creamy milk tea pairs perfectly with crispy, buttered toast for a comforting start to your day.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For an extra rich milk tea, you can 'pull' the tea by pouring it back and forth between two mugs from a height several times. This aerates the tea and creates a frothy texture. Adjust sugar to your preference.
Easy Substitutions
You can use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk and sugar for a sweeter, richer tea. Whole wheat bread can be used for the toast, though white bread is traditional. For a dairy-free option, use a rich plant-based milk like oat milk, though the flavor will differ from traditional Hong Kong milk tea.
Storage & Reheating
Milk tea is best enjoyed fresh. Leftover tea can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but it may lose some of its freshness. Toast should be eaten immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this breakfast with a side of scrambled eggs for a more substantial meal. A small bowl of congee would also complement the flavors. For a sweet treat, add a drizzle of condensed milk to the toast.
Common Mistakes
1. Using weak tea: Hong Kong milk tea requires a very strong black tea base. Use good quality Ceylon or English Breakfast tea and brew it for the full 3 minutes. 2. Not using evaporated milk: Regular milk will not give the same creamy texture and distinct flavor. 3. Over-toasting the bread: The bread should be golden and crispy, not burnt. Watch it carefully, especially under a broiler. 4. Adding sugar too early: Add sugar after brewing and straining the tea to ensure it dissolves properly and you can adjust to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread is best for the toast?
Thick-cut white bread is traditional, as it gets wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Evaporated milk is key to the authentic flavor and creaminess. Other milks will change the profile significantly.
Why is Hong Kong milk tea so strong?
The strong brew is designed to stand up to the richness of the evaporated milk, creating a balanced and robust flavor.
MORE TO KNOW
The secret to authentic Hong Kong style milk tea lies in the strong brew and the use of evaporated milk, which gives it a distinct creaminess and flavor. The tea is often brewed with a 'tea sock' (a cloth filter) to ensure a smooth, sediment-free drink. The toast, often called 'butter toast' or 'sai do si' (Western toast), is a simple yet essential accompaniment, providing a comforting contrast to the robust tea.
WHAT PEOPLE THINK
Reviews
☆
No reviews yet
Be the first person to review this recipe.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Made this recipe?
Tell us how it turned out.