Hundreds of different varieties of Chinese tea are available in Hong Kong, but they can be divided into three basic categories:
· Green, or Unfermented tea, such as Cloud Mist, Dragon Well and Jasmine with Dried Blossom.
· Red, or Fermented tea, such as Po Lei and Ki-Mun.
· Semi-Fermented tea, such as Black Dragon, and Iron Kwun Yum.
Visitors may prefer the lighter, fragrant, unfermented tea, but the Chinese prefer the stronger taste of the fermented Po Lei, which they feel clears the palate better.
It is the custom in Hong Kong to drink tea plain, in little handless cups, without milk or sugar. The tea is always served in a pot, which is left on the table. When the pot is empty, turn the lid upside down, or askew on the pot, and the waiter will refill it.