Five Popular Chinese Drinks You Should Try
Chinese food is popular in many parts of the world, but Chinese drinks aren't as familiar to most people. If you happen to find yourself in a Chinese restaurant, don't fret because there are plenty of interesting yet delectable beverages with flavor, color and variety that are only present in Chinese foods. China has a rich beverage culture that will surely tickle your palate. This blog examines five of the most popular ones:
Pearl Milk Tea
One of China's most popular drinks worldwide, pearl milk tea, also known as 'bubble tea,' is also a favorite amongst the youth in mainland China. Originally from Taiwan, bubble tea contains edible, jelly-like beads sitting inside sweetened milk tea.
One major advantage of pearl milk tea is that it contains almost unlimited flavor combinations that can be served hot or cold. The bubbles inside the milk are made from tapioca and look like pearls, hence the name pearl milk tea.
The beverage is normally served with a straw that allows you to suck up the chewy bubbles, but that can, unfortunately, leave a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Hot Water
Ask for water in a Chinese restaurant, and they may serve you really hot boiled water. This simple boiled water, commonly known as 'kai shui,' is a traditional drink in China. Early Chinese generations preferred drinking hot water due to issues with contaminated pipe water, and it quickly became a tradition.
Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine leans towards hot water and discounts cold water as bad for health. Today you will still find dispensers in train and bus stations that give out boiled water for free in China.
Wang Lao Ji Tea
Commonly known as 'tea in the red cans' and a popular brand of cooling tea in China, Wang Lao Ji tea is a traditional herbal tea that dates to the Qing dynasty. The herbal tea contains a whiff of mint and honey that makes it a reprieve for anyone suffering from sore and dry throats.
Tsingtao Beer
Tsingtao beer is sold in many countries and has a strong malt flavor with traces of hops. Tsingtao is a German-style beer that can easily pass as a global beer; it is created with water from Laoshan springs, while the other ingredients are imported from Australia and Canada.
Soybean Milk
It's no coincidence that one of the most popular ingredients in East Asia's cuisine, soybean, is present in China's staple beverage: soybean milk. China's 'protein shake' is made by crushing soybeans and extracting nutrients before filtering out the impurities.
The yellow beans are sweet to the taste, and in spite of its confusing name, soybean milk usually contains no milk. However, supermarkets may add milk in some variants to improve the drink's texture and nutrition.
Obviously, there are a lot more wines, beers, beverages and liquors in China, but the above five should give you an idea of the creativity that exists in China's beverage culture. If you plan to visit China soon, make a point of sampling these local drinks; otherwise, they can also be enjoyed in a Chinese restaurant locally. Contact a Chinese restaurant in your area to learn more.
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