Kung Yuen Tong

Chinese herbal teas and where to find them in Hong Kong

Stay healthy the Chinese way

Besides going to the gym or dining at healthy restaurants, Chinese herbal teas are a popular choice for Hong Kongers who want a quick pick-me-up. Traditional and modern tea shops can be found across the city, usually offering a range of drinks that are available for takeaway. Here are some of the most popular herbal teas and where you can get them.

Types of Chinese herbal teas

Good Spring Company

24 herbs (廿四味)

Named so for being a mixture of 10 to 24 ingredients, 24 herbs is the most commonly seen Chinese herbal tea. It is said to clear internal heat, improve digestion and reduce toxins in the body.

Five flower tea (五花茶)

Made of five types of flowers (chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, silk cotton, plumeria rubra and pueraria lobate), this tea is known to soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation.

Monk fruit tea (羅漢果茶)

If you feel the signs of a flu coming on, monk fruit tea may save you a trip to the doctor’s. It not only clears internal heat, but also lubricates the lungs and relieves coughs.

Common selfheal herb (夏枯草)

Usually consumed in summer, common selfheal herb is known for its ability to lower blood pressure and blood glucose levels. It has a faint sweet taste and is a favourite amongst children.

Canton abrus herb (雞骨草)

If you can’t sleep, grab a bottle of canton abrus herb – it’s said to improve liver function, clear dampness and reduces bloating.

Rorippa indica tea (野葛菜)

Rorippa indica tea is known for its detoxifying properties in the liver and bones, making it the perfect summer drink. It is also said to clear internal heat.

Where to buy Chinese herbal teas

Sam Bat Mai Kudzu (三不賣野葛菜水)

Sam Bat Mai Kudzu

Sam Bat Mai Kudzu is arguably the most well-known standalone herbal tea store in Hong Kong. Customers can order its famous rorippa indica tea to drink instore in a bowl or to take away in a bottle.

Sam Bat Mai Kudzu, multiple locations including 226 Johnston Road, Wan Chai

Yip Heung Lau (葉香留)

Yip Heung Lau

With two branches in Wan Chai, one just across the road from MTR Wan Chai Station, Yip Heung Lau is a popular go-to for customers to grab a drink while passing by. They serve rorippa indica tea and monk fruit tea.

Yip Heung Lau, multiple locations including 104 Johnston Road, Wan Chai

Kung Yuen Tong (恭源堂)

Kung Yuen Tong

Unlike the other herbal tea stores in this list, Kung Yuen Tong serves not only drinks but also a variety of street snacks like fish balls and siu mai. The store offers a wide variety of Chinese teas including 24 herbs, five flower tea, monk fruit tea, common selfheal herb, canton abrus herb and more.

Kung Yuen Tong, Shop A, 188-192 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 3689 2515

Good Spring Company (春回堂藥行)

Good Spring Company

Originally founded in Guangzhou’s Panyu district, Good Spring Company is a popular Chinese medicine shop in Central with a large range of Chinese herbal teas for customers to drink on the go. Selections include hot or cold 24 herbs tea, sweet flower tea and American ginseng tea.

Good Spring Company, 8 Cochrane Street, Central, 2544 3518

Hung Fook Tong

Hung Fook Tong

If you live in Hong Kong, chances are you’ve passed by a branch of Hung Fook Tong. The company was founded in 1986 as a traditional herbal tea shop and has grown into a citywide chain with a focus on healthy food and drinks. You can usually find them inside MTR stations.

Hung Fook Tong, multiple locations including Shop No. HOK 58, MTR Hong Kong Station, Central, 2920 2206

CheckCheckCin

CheckCheckCin

Founded by registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner Cinci Leung, CheckCheckCin has six branches spread across Hong Kong. The store is a favourite for the younger generation with its cute packaging and Insta-worthy drinks. It offers a range of rice water that can help improve your digestion as well as various herbal drinks. Try the roselle tea or Chinese hawthorn if you’re looking to slim down or the calming dragon fruit pearl rose tea to help combat stress and anxiety.

CheckCheckCin, multiple locations including G/F, Kai Fung Building, 4-6 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, 2833 5508

This article was originally written by Charmaine Ng on February 2020.