Nestled on 3/2 Street in District 11, a quaint clay-pot brewed milk tea shop, owned by 35-year-old Bui Thi Phuong Thanh, is swiftly capturing the city’s attention. Although open for just a week, the shop boasts a consistent stream of eager patrons.
Thanh revealed that clay-pot brewed milk tea traces its roots to China’s Yunnan Province and is a beloved beverage in Taiwan. Inspired by her experience tasting the drink during a trip to Taiwan, she was determined to introduce the concept locally and mastered the recipe independently.
Given her Hoa heritage, part of Saigon’s Chinese community, sourcing authentic ingredients for the beverage was a breeze for Thanh.
“Thanks to its popularity on social media platforms, attracting many young enthusiasts, my shop is always bustling. Even before 9 p.m., we’re sold out. I serve around 200 cups daily,” Thanh remarked.
What distinguishes this milk tea is its unique preparation in clay pots. Thanh imported over 40 clay pots from China and proudly showcases an array of ingredients at the counter.
“While various stoves like gas, electric, or charcoal can be employed for cooking, the use of a clay pot is paramount. It elevates the tea’s aroma and enriches the flavor during the roasting process, resulting in a distinct taste. Moreover, the clay pot preserves the warmth of the tea for an extended duration,” Thanh explained.
Each cup of milk tea comprises 15 ingredients simmered with 500 milliliters of milk. Equipped with a built-in filter, the clay pot ensures that flower petals or herbs, integral to the recipe, remain separate from the poured tea, preserving its clarity and purity.
Customers have the option to savor the tea directly from the clay pot or opt for takeaway plastic cups.
The ingredient list includes an assortment of herbs and botanicals such as goji berries, dried jujubes, chrysanthemums, rosebuds, jasmine, oranges, mulberries, osmanthus, butterfly pea, longan, and cordyceps.
Following a brief roasting of tea and sugar in the heated clay pot to enhance the flavor, the remaining ingredients are added, stirred thoroughly, and combined with water and fresh milk.
Thanh emphasizes that the entire process, taking approximately 15 minutes, demands patience from customers. She underscores the tea’s appeal during nighttime or chilly weather, observing a surge in demand and footfall as the evening progresses.
Nguyen Tuan Manh, a 20-year-old from Tan Phu District, willingly waits over half an hour to indulge in the trendy milk tea. He commends the unique method of preparing the tea directly in a clay pot and appreciates the diverse array of accompanying ingredients.
Upon sipping the tea, Manh praises its tea-like aroma, balanced sweetness, and lightness. He finds the inclusion of edible herbs in the pot intriguing, adding a delightful twist to the overall experience.
