By Quynh Tran  December 2, 2023 05:00 pm PT
Saigon’s beverage scene is buzzing with the latest trend: milk tea with 15 ingredients cooked in clay pots.
Located on 3/2 Street in District 11, a clay-pot brewed milk tea shop owned by 35-year-old Bui Thi Phuong Thanh is quickly becoming a sensation. The shop has only been open for a week, yet it consistently draws an eager crowd.
Thanh shared that clay-pot brewed milk tea originated from the Yunnan Province in China, and is a popular drink in Taiwan. Having tried the drink during a trip to Taiwan, she decided to bring the concept home. She learnt the recipe on her own.
As her family is of Hoa descent, part of the Chinese community in Saigon, it is easy for her to find authentic ingredients for the drink.
“Since the drink is trending on social networks and attracts many young people, my shop is always crowded. It’s not even 9 p.m. but it’s sold out. I sell about 200 cups a day,” Thanh said.
What sets this milk tea apart is its preparation on a clay pot. Thanh imported over 40 clay pots from China. The counter displays a variety of ingredients for the tea.
“While other stoves like gas, electric, or charcoal can be used for cooking, the crucial element is the use of a clay pot. This choice enhances the aroma of the tea and ingredients during the roasting process, providing a distinctive flavor. Additionally, the clay pot helps to keep the tea warm for longer,” Thanh said.
A cup of milk tea contains 15 ingredients cooked with 500 milliliters of milk. The clay pot used for brewing the milk tea has a built-in filter. This filter prevents flower petals or herbs, which are part of the ingredients, from mixing with the poured tea. As a result, the tea remains clear and free from any unwanted particles.
Customers have the option to enjoy the tea directly from the clay pot or, if they prefer, they can pour it into plastic cups for takeaway.
Một phần trà sữa giá 35.000 đồng, với các loại như hồng trà hoa hồng, hồng trà quế hoa, xanh trà hoa nhài, trà gạo rang thảo mộc, trà hoa đậu biếc. Khách rót ra ly nhựa dùng khi còn ấm hoặc có thể thêm đá tuỳ khẩu vị.
A cup of milk tea at the shop is available for VND35,000 ($1.40). Customers can opt to pour the tea into plastic cups for immediate enjoyment while it’s warm or customize their experience by adding ice according to personal preferences.
Nguyen Tuan Manh, 20-years-old from Tan Phu District, expressed his willingness to wait for over half an hour to enjoy the trendy milk tea. He said he was impressed by the method of cooking the milk tea directly with a clay pot and the inclusion of various accompanying ingredients.
When he finally drinks the tea, Manh notes that it has the characteristic aroma of tea, a taste that isn’t overly sweet or fatty. He also finds it intriguing that the herbs in the pot are edible, adding an unusual aspect to the overall experience.