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In pictures: the enduring appeal of Hong Kong’s herbal tea shops
Chinese herbal teas may be bitter, but they are said to have health benefits – even Chris Patten drank them
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With its signature bitterness, leung cha (“cooling tea”) may not be everyone’s beverage of choice, but it has long been valued for restoring balance to the body according to traditional Chinese medicine principles.
The first herbal tea shop is thought to have been established in Guangzhou in 1828, and people in southern China often quaff the drink to counteract the hot and humid climate. By dispelling excess “internal heat”, the infusion is believed to alleviate various ailments and improve health.
Herbal tea shops are more than just places to buy a drink in Hong Kong, often serving as neighbourhood gathering spots, where residents can rest, chat and socialise.
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