Bushra Griffith
Cheese tea is a beverage that combines tea with cheese. It originated in Taiwan and has become popular in many parts of Asia, including China, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. In recent years, it has also gained attention in the United States and other Western countries. Cheese tea is typically made with black or green tea and topped with a foamy layer of cream cheese, milk, and sometimes whipping cream, creating a unique combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The drink can be served cold or hot, and various recipes and customisations exist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Year of Origin | 2010 |
| Invented by | Chinese entrepreneur Nie Yunchen |
| Tea Base | Black tea, green tea, matcha tea, oolong tea, earl grey tea |
| Cheese | Cream cheese, mascarpone, soft cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Milk, whipping cream, salt, icing sugar |
| Temperature | Cold |
| Texture | Foam-like, mousse-like, thick, creamy |
| Taste | Sweet, salty, tangy, savoury |
| Tea Type | Iced tea |
| Consumption Method | Sipped from the top of the cup at a 40- to 45-degree angle |
| Availability | Specialty drink shops, tea franchises, independent shops |
| Popularity | Widely popular in Asia, especially Taiwan, China, Malaysia, and Japan |
| Brand Names | Happy Lemon, Gong Cha, HeyTea, Little Fluffy Head, Steap, Motto |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheese tea's origins
Cheese tea, also known as naigai cha, milk cap tea, or cheese mousse tea, is believed to have been created by Chinese entrepreneur Nie Yunchen. It first appeared in Taiwan in 2010 at night markets, where vendors combined powdered cheese, whipping cream, salt, and milk to form a fluffy foam topping on a cup of cold tea. The tea is usually green or black, with or without milk, and the cheese foam can be either sweet or salty.
The trend soon spread to China's Guangdong province in 2012, where it was popularized by the founders of the tea drink chain Hey Tea, who replaced the powdered ingredients with real cream cheese and fresh milk, creating a more premium version of the beverage. From there, cheese tea's popularity expanded to other parts of Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, and it has since gained a following in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
In Chinese, Malaysian, and Taiwanese tea shops, tea masters recommend drinking cheese tea straight from the edge of the cup without blending the layers. This technique allows you to taste the creamy, thick texture of the cream cheese foam before it mixes with the tea in your mouth. It is also suggested to tilt the cup to a 40- to 45-degree angle before sipping to get the perfect combination of tea and foam.
While the concept of tea with cheese may initially sound unappetizing to some, cheese tea has proven to be a delicious and unique beverage that combines the full, earthy flavors of tea with the sweet and creamy texture of the cheese foam. Its growing popularity across the globe, especially in Asia, has solidified its place as a fast-growing trend, much like its predecessor, bubble tea.
Unveiling Salad Cheese: A Taste Adventure
You may want to see also
How to drink it
Cheese tea is a unique beverage with a robust tea base and a sweet or savoury cheese milk foam topping. It is typically served cold and can be made with various tea bases, including black tea, green tea, matcha tea, oolong tea, and earl grey tea. Here are some tips on how to drink this indulgent treat:
Firstly, it is important to note that cheese tea is best enjoyed without a straw. Using a straw will prevent you from getting enough of the delicious foam, which is an integral part of the cheese tea experience. Instead, tilt the cup to a 40- to 45-degree angle and sip from the foam, allowing the tea to gently flow into your mouth a second later. This technique ensures you get the perfect ratio of tea to foam with every sip.
Some people also like to blend their cheese tea after it is served. This can be done by adding ice and blending the tea with the foam, creating a more homogeneous beverage. While this method may alter the flavour profile, it can be a fun way to customize your drink.
When drinking cheese tea, it is essential to take into account the different layers of the beverage. The foam topping may be thicker or more liquid-like, depending on the recipe and preparation method. The tea itself can range from strong and earthy to light and fruity, depending on the type of tea used. Experiment with different tea bases and preparation methods to find your preferred flavour and texture combination.
Lastly, cheese tea is meant to be enjoyed slowly, savouring the unique combination of flavours and textures. Take your time to appreciate the sweet, salty, and creamy elements of the drink, and don't be afraid to try different variations, such as adding additional toppings or using different types of cheese.
Quark Cheese: A Unique Taste Experience
You may want to see also
Where to buy it
Cheese tea is widely available in Asia, especially in China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan. In China, popular franchises such as HeyTea (formerly RoyalTea), Happy Lemon, Gong Cha, and Chizu Drink are known for their cheese tea offerings. These shops can be found in major cities like Shanghai and Guangdong province. In Taiwan, the drink can be found at night markets and specialty shops like Little Fluffy Head Cafe. In Malaysia and Singapore, franchises like Happy Lemon and Gong Cha also serve cheese tea. Japanese beverage company Kirin has also expressed interest in creating a bottled version of the drink.
In the United States, cheese tea can be found in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Pasadena. Shops like HeyTea, Debutea, Little Fluffy Head, and Steap are known for their cheese tea offerings. Gong Cha, a popular bubble tea franchise, also offers cheese tea at its locations across the country. While cheese tea has not achieved the same level of popularity in the US as in Asia, it is gaining traction and can be found at independent shops like Motto in Pasadena and Tapio in Charleston.
Swiss Cheese: A Visual Guide to its Unique Appearance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese tea's popularity
Cheese tea is a popular drink in many parts of Asia, including Malaysia, Taiwan, China, and Japan. It is believed to have originated in Taiwan around 2010, in the night markets of Taiwan, where vendors combined powdered cheese and salt with whipping cream and milk to create a foamy, tangy layer on top of a cup of cold tea. The trend then spread to China's Guangdong province in 2012, where upscale tea salon HeyTea (formerly RoyalTea) began using real cream cheese instead of powders, creating a more premium version of the drink.
In major cities in China, some tea franchises sell an average of 1,000 cups of cheese tea per day. The drink is so popular in Japan that Japanese beverage company Kirin plans to create a bottled version. In Asia, cheese tea has been around for several years, and it has only recently become an international sensation, with independent cheese tea shops starting to succeed in the United States by making direct appeals to the American palate. For example, in 2018, The New York Times noted that cheese tea was "already a hit in San Francisco", and it has also gained prominence in New York, where HeyTea opened its first location in December 2023.
Cheese tea has also gained a following in other parts of the world, including Australia and the United Kingdom. It is often described as a unique and delicious trend, with a sweet and creamy taste that combines the full, earthy flavours of strong black or green tea with a rich and creamy foam that has a slight hint of savoury flavour. However, some Americans have struggled with the name and concept of cheese tea, and it has not yet achieved the same level of popularity as bubble tea in the United States.
Overall, cheese tea's popularity continues to grow, with more people becoming curious about this unique and indulgent treat. Its sweet and savoury combination has captured the interest of tea enthusiasts and food adventurers alike, making it a trend that is here to stay.
Unraveling the Mystery of Fake Cheese: Visual Guide
You may want to see also
How to make it
Cheese tea is a unique drink that combines tea with a layer of cheese and milk foam. It is believed to have originated in Taiwan and has since spread across Asia and the rest of the world. While it may sound unusual, cheese tea is said to have a surprisingly delicious sweet and savoury taste.
Ingredients:
- Tea: Traditionally, black or green tea is used, but you can also experiment with other varieties such as matcha, oolong, or earl grey.
- Milk: Regular milk is commonly used, but you can also try using condensed milk for a sweeter flavour.
- Cream Cheese: This is the key ingredient that gives cheese tea its distinctive flavour and texture.
- Whipping Cream: Whipping cream is used to create a foamy, frothy layer on top of the tea.
- Salt: A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavours and gives it a savoury edge.
- (Optional) Icing Sugar: Adding a small amount of icing sugar can make the foam sweeter and more dessert-like.
Instructions:
- Prepare the tea: Brew your chosen tea according to your preference. Cheese tea is typically served cold, so allow the tea to cool to room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator.
- Make the cheese foam: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, milk, and whipping cream until well combined. You can adjust the proportions to achieve your desired consistency and taste. For a sweeter foam, add a small amount of icing sugar. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and gently mix it through.
- Assemble the drink: Fill a glass or cup with ice (optional). Pour in the chilled tea, leaving enough space at the top for the foam. Carefully spoon the cheese foam on top of the tea.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle a small amount of salt on top of the foam as a garnish. To drink, tilt the cup to a 40- to 45-degree angle and sip from the foam, allowing the tea to gently flow into your mouth along with the foam.
Feel free to experiment with different types of tea and adjust the proportions of the foam ingredients to create your perfect cheese tea! You can also try swirling the foam into the tea for a more integrated flavour experience. Enjoy your homemade cheese tea!
Cheese and Odor: The Smell of Aged Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cheese tea is a sweet and savoury drink, with a creamy foam that sits on top of an ice-cold tea. The tea itself is typically black or green tea, and the cheese is more like a sweet cheese or ice cream-flavoured foam.
The texture of cheese tea is described as thick and mousse-like. It is sipped from the top of the cup at a 40- to 45-degree angle to enjoy the correct ratio of tea to foam.
Cheese tea is a growing trend, especially in Asia, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In major cities in China, some tea franchises sell an average of 1,000 cups of cheese tea per day.
