Pu Erh tea is one of the most famous beverages to come out of China, and something that should be experienced by anyone who is visiting Hong Kong or the Chinese mainland. Experiencing local food and culture is one of the most important things to do on any vacation, and pu erh tea is one of the most authentic beverages that China has to offer the world. Pu Erh tea is known by many names, including Pu’er, Pu-erh, Bolay, and Po Lei. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant like standard black and green tea products, but undergoes a unique process of microbial fermentation to create a dark tea that is strong and tasty. There are a number of cafes, restaurants, and other eating establishments in Hong Kong that serve Pu Erh tea, so it is easy for tourists to try out this remarkable beverage for themselves.

Pu Erh tea is available from local shops as well, both in China and throughout the world. While western supermarkets and grocery stores may not stock Pu Erh tea or other specialised tea products, most dedicated Chinese stores will have some for sale. Pu Erh tea is available in both loose leaf and compressed forms, as well as in different quality grades. Much like wine, Pu Erh tea can be stored for a length of time before consumption, with many tea packets labelled with the year of production and the region where the product was grown. Drinking a cup or two of high quality Pu Erh tea is a must for any visit to Hong Kong, and an important Chinese ritual that can add a lot to your experience of the country.

All of the different types of Pu Erh tea are made from what is called “maocha”, an unoxidised green tea material that comes from a specific large leaf variety of the common Camellia sinensis plant. Much of the material used in Pu Erh tea is grown in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan. While raw Pu Erh tea is quite similar to common green tea at its early stages, after it has been oxidised and fermented it looks a lot more like black tea. However, when you taste it there is no mistaking the wonderful flavour of authentic Pu Erh tea, which is one of the most famous and traditional drinks that China has to offer.