With a unique flavor and a novel preparation method using a newly crafted clay pot, grilled milk tea has become a sought-after delight for Hanoi’s food enthusiasts. The distinctive combination of traditional milk tea and the characteristic aroma of grilling has not only received positive reactions but has also truly captivated the discerning palates of many food explorers in the capital city. Despite being a recent introduction, this eccentric beverage has quickly gained popularity, with many cafes promptly adding grilled milk tea to their menus to cater to the eager young crowd.
Introduction to Grilled Milk Tea from Yunnan
Grilled milk tea from Yunnan, also known as grilled clay pot milk tea, is a renowned beverage originating from the Yunnan region in China. Currently, this unique drink has made its appearance in Hanoi, drawing the excitement of many young people eager to try and receiving positive feedback on its flavor.
The preparation of grilled milk tea involves cooking it upon ordering, requiring a certain waiting time. This direct cooking method enhances the flavor and keeps the drink warm. In addition to tea, other ingredients contributing to grilled milk tea include various dried flowers, herbs, red apples, and jujubes, all known for their health benefits, especially for the fairer sex. Interestingly, small clay pots are used to roast the tea until fragrant before adding milk. As the tea boils, brown sugar, dried flowers, and dried fruits are incorporated.
The milk tea is strained together with brown sugar and cooked with fresh milk, resulting in a rich flavor combining various ingredients. The sweetness is balanced, creating a creamy and warm milk scent. Moreover, the use of small clay pots for direct preparation adds an element of curiosity and fascination for the younger generation. Furthermore, as grilled milk tea is made using clay pots, it retains heat for a longer time, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
Let’s take a tour around Hanoi and explore these newly trending spots for grilled milk tea!
Place to sell hot Yunnan grilled milk tea in Hanoi
25 Hang Vai, Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Considered one of the first grilled milk tea establishments in Hanoi, Milk Tea And Coffee has quickly become a go-to place for enjoying the fresh and flavorful grilled milk tea for young people. The small and charming space features a counter for preparation inside and tables and chairs along the Hang Vai street. With grilled milk tea, an additional outdoor grill is set up. Due to the limited space, customers may experience a considerable wait time, ranging from 40 minutes to 1 hour. The tea here is described as fragrant and creamy, although the abundance of milk may slightly obscure the tea flavor. The teas are sold by the pot, with prices ranging from $1.44 to $1.65, including five tea flavors. The set menu includes a pot of tea of your choice along with various pastries such as egg cakes, cinnamon cakes, and dried plum candy. Sitting at the café, enjoying the street view, and sipping on a hot cup of grilled milk tea is a delightful experience, especially during the cold winter.
32 Hang Muoi, Ly Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Being a street-style grilled milk tea establishment, this café only offers outdoor seating, making it limited in capacity. However, customers don’t have to wait long, as it takes only about 5-10 minutes to receive a cup of aromatic and creamy grilled milk tea. The Yunnan-style grilled milk tea here is praised for its balanced and mildly sweet taste, with harmonious blending of tea and milk. However, due to the lack of tea straining and flower filtration, there may be a slight residue sensation when drinking. The favorite choice among customers is the Osmanthus Oolong tea with jasmine, where the tea is heated on the stove and poured into a paper cup instead of being served in a pot. The grilled milk teas are all priced at $1.44, making it a perfect choice for those craving a warm cup during chilly weather.
75 Hang Chieu, Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Located at 75 Hang Chieu, the small and charming tea shop named 4Seasons, operating on a take-away model, has attracted many customers seeking to enjoy their drinks. Similar to other grilled milk tea shops, they roast and cook various teas with toppings such as red apples, jujubes, and some herbal flowers. Besides the basic flavors like black tea and oolong, the shop also offers the popular matcha flavor. Customers highly praise the taste of the grilled milk tea here, describing it as rich, with a balanced combination of tea and mildly creamy milk. The herbal and fruity elements are delicately incorporated, ensuring they don’t overpower the original tea flavor.
31 Ngo Tram, Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Situated in a small alley on Tram Street, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Tea Taste is a tiny tea shop with two spaces: indoor and a spacious outdoor area. The tea shop offers only three tea flavors instead of the usual four, making it a bit more budget-friendly, with a set for two people, including a pot of clay pot milk tea with pearl toppings, priced at $3.3 USD. In terms of taste, being a tea-focused shop, the quality of tea here is considered slightly superior, with a strong and flavorful taste. The milk is not overly sweet, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer less sweetness in their tea. If someone cannot handle a strong tea flavor, they can ask the shop to reduce the amount of tea or add more milk. Due to the popularity of the grilled milk tea and the unique brewing method, Tea Taste attracts many customers, resulting in a waiting time of about 35-40 minutes.
These are just a few of the places in Hanoi where you can savor the newly trending and delicious grilled milk tea from Yunnan.
