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Hong Kong’s Bitter Herbal Teas Find New Life Among Gen Z
By Drooid · · How we work
Reviving a Dying Trade
A new wave of health-conscious young people in Hong Kong is turning to leung cha, the city’s traditional bitter “cooling” herbal teas. The practice, once common among local workers, is being rediscovered by members of Generation Z who seek natural ways to counter urban stress. Their growing interest is helping neighbourhood tea-shop owners keep a trade that had been in decline as modern pharmacies and over-the-counter painkillers became dominant.
Historical Roots of Leung Cha
Leung cha has been brewed for centuries in open-front shops, where massive brass cauldrons produce dark, earthy decoctions served in ceramic bowls. Historically, the teas were consumed to ease sore throats, flush out seasonal “dampness,” and restore bodies worn down by the demands of city life. The remedies were passed down through generations of local workers long before contemporary medical conveniences arrived.
Health Beliefs Driving Youth Interest
The younger generation is attracted to leung cha’s reputation as a “cooling” tonic that balances the body’s internal heat. In the series’ introduction, writers Lisa Cam and Ashlyn Chak describe how the teas’ intensely bitter flavor is an acquired taste, yet many young Hongkongers view the practice as a holistic response to modern pressures. The appeal lies in the teas’ perceived ability to mitigate stress-related ailments without pharmaceutical intervention.
Impact on Local Tea Shops
As Gen Z patrons increasingly frequent traditional tea stalls, shop owners report a modest resurgence in sales. The renewed patronage is allowing some establishments to maintain their brass-cauldron brewing methods and preserve the cultural knowledge associated with the herbal blends. While the trade remains niche, the infusion of youthful customers is seen as a vital lifeline for a practice once considered near-obsolescent.
Observations from the Series Authors
Lisa Cam and Ashlyn Chak, authors of the Health Matters series, note that the revival of leung cha reflects a broader trend of younger Hongkongers seeking connections to heritage health practices. They argue that the movement illustrates how cultural traditions can adapt to contemporary wellness priorities, offering a “reset” for bodies strained by the fast-paced urban environment.
