Hakka cuisine “Lei cha”

By Lee Suet Hooi

Photo by Lee Suet Hooi

History of Lei Cha was dated back during the Song Dynasty in mainland China. Literally, “Lei” means grinding with pestle and mortar and “Cha” means tea. Thus, Lei Cha is described as a ground tea. It is one of the most representing delicacies of Hakka's diverse culinary culture. 

It was originally prepared by grinding three raw ingredients – green tea, ginger and rice. Throughout times, it has been accustomed with the changing cultures of Hakka immigrants in different countries. Thus, there are different ingredients and methods of preparation used in preparing Lei Cha. It is said that Lei Cha remains one of the staple food of Hakka and is served in wedding, festivals and serving guest.

Hakka Lei Cha Ingredients 

Generally, Hakka Lei Cha has three main ingredients: steamed white rice, cooked vegetables (often green bean, celery, dried radish, peanut, and black-eyed peas) and tea-soup; made by grinding green tea and mint. This food is not sold Hakka, but also sold by Chinese of different dialects as well.

Well, I hope this introduction of Hakka Lei Cha will prompt you to give it a try (and to those who have stayed away from it, no harm to try again). If you like brown rice, you may try the organic version of Lei Cha.

According to Chinese physician, Lei Cha is clinically proved to be anti-rheumatism, liver detoxifying, vision enhancing, tonic to stomach and lungs. There are different combinations of ingredients to prepare Lei Cha where additional medicinal herbs can be included to have different healing properties. 

With the fragrance of Lei Cha, a slightly salty, sweet, bittersweet taste of the different, except for drinks, but also can be accompanied by a variety of Hakka rice (rice snacks made), rice cakes, etc., or made of rice with soup, not only to quench thirst, but also hunger, more authentic experience of Hakka food culture.

Best recommended with Lei Cha :

Hor Poh Restaurant

36,Jalan 6/38D

Taman Sri Sinar, Segambut

52100 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours: 11am-3pm, 5.30-930pm

Tel: (603)62778903