LOCAL FOOD GUIDE

Oil tea 油茶

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Oil tea is featured among the local specialties of Guangxi.

Preparing Gongcheng-style oil tea by pounding and stirring tea leaves, ginger and accompaniments in a pan.
Photo: Nan Ning Huang Sokaz 12 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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An established food-and-drink tradition in parts of Guangxi, including Hezhou; preparations and accompaniments differ by community.

How it is made

Tea leaves are cooked and worked with aromatics such as ginger, then combined with liquid and served with edible accompaniments. Communities differ in the pounding method, seasoning and additions.

Flavour & texture

The drink is savory, tea-bitter and ginger-warm, while puffed grains, nuts or other accompaniments contribute crunch and body.

Local roots & traditions

Oil tea is a broader Guangxi food-and-drink tradition, including Hezhou, rather than one standard recipe shared by every community.

How to order Oil tea

Ask the host how to combine the drink and accompaniments and begin with a small bowl.

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Questions before you order

What name should I show when ordering?

Show 油茶 for Oil tea. Ask the host how to combine the drink and accompaniments and begin with a small bowl.

Sources & reading

Recipes and servings vary between kitchens.