Beijing Milk Tea: A Journey Through Time and Chinese Snacks
Walking through the hutongs of Beijing, you often see people holding a warm cup of milk tea. But this is not just any milk tea. Beijing milk tea is a traditional Chinese snack with over 800 years of history. Each sip blends the vastness of the Mongolian steppe with the elegance of the Forbidden City. This drink is more than refreshment—it is authentic Chinese cuisine that connects nomadic culture with city life.
1. History: From Mongolian Grasslands to Beijing Palaces
The story of Beijing milk tea dates back to the Yuan Dynasty, over 800 years ago. When Kublai Khan settled in Beijing, he rewarded two generals with herds of cattle. They opened the first milk tea shops, “Erheyi” in the east and “Erheshun” in the west.
These shops lasted from the Yuan Dynasty until the 1930s. During the Qing Dynasty, milk tea became a favorite in the royal court, enjoyed by emperors, nobles, and ordinary citizens alike. It became a true symbol of traditional Chinese food.
2. Cultural Meaning: A Bridge Between Court and Commoners
Beijing milk tea represents the blend of nomadic and farming traditions. Originating from Mongolian culture, it was embraced by the Manchu and eventually became a beloved Beijing snack.
Old Beijing sayings praised milk tea shops for their popularity. This drink broke class barriers, connecting emperors and commoners, grasslands and the capital. Today, it is still seen as part of authentic Chinese cuisine.
3. Ingredients: Balance of Tea and Milk
The unique flavor of Beijing-style milk tea comes from its balance of tea aroma and creamy milk.
- Black or green tea is commonly used.
- Milk can be cow’s milk or even sheep’s milk for a stronger taste.
- Traditional Beijing milk tea is slightly salty, unlike the sweet versions popular today.
A royal variation is almond milk tea, made with ground almonds, milk, rice flour, and osmanthus. It is considered both a snack and a drink, making it one of the most famous Chinese dishes in Beijing.
4. Preparation: Slow Cooking for Rich Flavor
The making of Beijing milk tea values patience. Tea leaves and milk are simmered slowly to extract depth of flavor.
At home, a simple recipe mixes ground almonds and milk with rice flour and rock sugar. The mixture is cooked gently, stirred until smooth, and topped with osmanthus. This homemade version is a traditional Chinese food loved by families.
5. Taste: Smooth, Fragrant, and Memorable
The charm of Beijing milk tea lies in its rich taste and layered aroma.
- Texture: creamy and smooth.
- Flavor: tea and milk blend in harmony.
- Aftertaste: long-lasting, sometimes slightly bitter from tea.
Almond milk tea adds nutty fragrance and silky texture, sweet but never overwhelming. This balance makes it one of the must-try Chinese foods for visitors.
6. How Beijingers Enjoy It
Milk tea is both a daily drink and a snack companion. In Beijing, people enjoy it:
- On its own, for breakfast or afternoon tea.
- With traditional Beijing snacks like “donkey rolls” or steamed buns.
- As part of formal banquets, served as a refreshing drink.
7. Where Tourists Can Try Beijing Milk Tea
Although old shops have faded, you can still find this authentic Chinese cuisine today:
- Huguosi Snacks: Famous for almond milk tea and other traditional drinks (¥30–50).
- Old Tea Houses: Some offer variations, though not always local.
- Modern Chains: Popular tea brands like HeyTea sometimes launch Beijing-style milk tea specials.
When ordering, just ask for “milk tea” or “almond milk tea.” For a cold drink, say “iced”; for warm, say “hot.”
8. Travel Tips for Visitors
- English Name: Beijing Style Milk Tea
- Price: ¥15–25 for almond milk tea, ¥20–35 in modern shops
- Taste Note: Less sweet than Western milk tea, sometimes slightly salty
- Best Time: Morning or afternoon
Final Sip of History
Beijing milk tea is more than a drink. It is a cultural treasure of traditional Chinese food that has traveled from Mongolian grasslands to imperial palaces and modern Beijing streets. Whether you are a foodie, a history lover, or a traveler in search of authentic Chinese cuisine, this is one of the must-try Chinese foods you should not miss.
