Most Popular Asian Beverages

Whether you’re planning a trip across Asia or simply looking to try new flavours at home, check out this list of beverages from across the continent to quench your thirst!

Masala Chai मसाला चाय – India

A milky, sweet, and spiced-filled black tea that originated in India. With warm flavours of cinnamon, cardamom, and crushed ginger, no visit to India is complete without a steaming hot cup of chai to wake you up in the morning.

Oolong乌龙茶 - China

Oolong is a traditional Chinese tea that is popular at any time of day and with any meal. Made from the same leaves used to produce green and black tea, oolong is also said to have many health benefits including stress reduction (for all us teachers out there!).

Sake 日本酒- Japan

Our first alcoholic mention of the list, sake is a Japanese rice wine served in small cups and best enjoyed as an aperitif during the appetizer portion of a meal. Not a wine, beer, or spirit, sake is a beverage category unto its own. As rice has been a staple for Japanese people for centuries, it’s no wonder why sake a) tastes so good, and b) is so popular.

Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng) – Vietnam

Yep, you read that correctly, EGG coffee! This special brew is made with whipped egg yolk, sugar, robusta beans, and condensed milk. The thick consistency and unique taste have made this iconic drink popular around the world. A quick history lesson: egg was first used in Vietnamese coffee during the war because necessities, such as milk, were running low!

Hong Kong Milk Tea (絲襪奶茶)– Hong Kong

What gives Hong Kong’s milk tea it’s smooth, creamy flavour that distinguishes it from regular milk tea? Sweetened condensed milk! Made from Ceylon black tea, this delicious drink is sometimes referred to by its hilarious nickname, ‘pantyhose tea’ due to its unique preparation method of straining through a net that resembles a pair of stockings!

Bubble Tea(珍珠奶茶) – Taiwan

An iconic symbol of Taiwan, bubble tea has become synonymous with Taiwanese culture, and is now enjoyed across the globe. You can’t walk down any high street without passing a bubble tea shop! Consisting of black tea, milk tea, and chewy tapioca pearls, don’t forget your wide straw to suck up those yummy boba balls at the bottom!

Nom Yen (Thai Pink Milk) นมเย็น – Thailand

Similar to a strawberry milkshake, this sweet drink is perfect for a hot day in Thailand. Made with Sala syrup and served over crushed ice, there’s no doubt in our minds that this drink will be the ultimate, refreshing, thirst quencher.

Soju 소주 – South Korea

The second of our alcoholic beverages, soju is a clear spirit distilled from grains and is sometimes referred to as the “Korean Vodka” – perhaps due to its high alcohol percentage of around 20%. Feel free to sip or shot, with the wise knowledge that this is actually Korea’s national drink. Cheers!

Are there any drinks you’ve tried on your travels that deserve a place on this list?