From East to West and Back Again - How Eastern Tea Shaped Europe
Tea has travelled across continents for centuries, shaping cultures along the way. What began as a drink in ancient China eventually influenced European society, and later returned to Asia in a new form through Hong Kong milk tea.
Today, this cultural journey continues in modern desserts and café culture, where traditional tea flavours are reinterpreted in new ways.
In Chroma, we draws inspiration from this long history of cultural exchange to create our TEArapy milk tea spread.
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The Eastern Origins of Tea
Tea first emerged in China more than 4,000 years ago. According to legend, Emperor Shennong discovered tea when leaves accidentally fell into boiling water.
By the Tang Dynasty (618–907), tea had already become deeply embedded in Chinese culture. It was enjoyed by scholars, monks, and travellers along trade routes. Tea was not simply a drink—it represented hospitality, philosophy, and daily ritual.
Tea cultivation spread across regions such as Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang, each producing distinct types of tea. Over time, tea culture expanded beyond China and influenced neighbouring countries including Japan and Korea.
This early development laid the foundation for tea to become one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages.
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How Tea Captivated Europe
Tea arrived in Europe during the 17th century, transported by Dutch and Portuguese traders who had established trade connections with China.
At first, tea was extremely rare and expensive. In Britain, it quickly became fashionable among aristocrats and royal households. Drinking tea became a symbol of refinement and status.
By the 18th century, tea drinking had developed into a social ritual known as afternoon tea, where black tea was served with milk, sugar, pastries, and sandwiches.
The British East India Company later expanded tea cultivation to India and Sri Lanka, helping tea become more widely available across the British Empire.
One particularly important British habit was the addition of milk and sugar to black tea. While simple, this tradition would later play a key role in shaping Hong Kong milk tea culture.
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When British Tea Culture Arrived in Hong Kong
When Hong Kong became a British colony in 1841, British lifestyle habits—including tea drinking—began influencing local dining culture.
However, Hong Kong was a busy trading port with a fast-paced lifestyle. Rather than adopting formal afternoon tea traditions, local cafés adapted British tea habits into something more practical and flavourful.
These cafés, known as cha chaan tengs (茶餐廳), developed a unique dining culture that blended Western and Chinese influences.
Instead of delicate afternoon tea, Hong Kong created a stronger and richer beverage designed to accompany everyday meals.
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The Birth of Hong Kong Milk Tea
Hong Kong milk tea evolved by combining British tea traditions with local innovation.
Several elements make the drink distinctive.
The tea base is stronger than typical black tea, often made by blending several varieties of black tea leaves to create a deep and aromatic flavour.
Instead of fresh milk, evaporated milk is added, giving the drink its characteristic creamy body and slightly caramelised taste.
The tea is filtered through a long cloth bag that resembles a stocking, which is why the drink is often called “silk stocking milk tea” (絲襪奶茶).
The final result is a drink that is:
• stronger than British milk tea
• smoother than typical black tea
• rich and creamy
Hong Kong milk tea eventually became one of the most iconic drinks in the city and is now recognised as part of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage.
This distinctive flavour profile has also inspired modern interpretations in desserts.
At Chroma, this classic beverage inspired the creation of a Hong Kong Milk Tea Spread, designed to capture the bold tea aroma and creamy texture of traditional cha chaan teng milk tea in a dessert-friendly form.
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Continuing the Story Through Modern Tea Creation
Tea culture continues to evolve in modern desserts and café culture.
At Chroma, we explore how traditional tea flavours can be reinterpreted in new ways.
In many ways, this reflects the same spirit that shaped Hong Kong milk tea centuries ago—adapting tea traditions to new lifestyles and culinary experiences.
Tea’s journey from ancient China to modern cafés is still unfolding, and each new interpretation adds another chapter to this remarkable global story.