TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Beverage Types
Mango lassi is one of the most popular lassi varieties, consisting of yogurt (dahi) and fresh mango. It commonly includes cardamom, water, and sugar. The ingredients are combined until the drink is creamy and frothy. Mango lassi should always be served well-chilled.
Among numerous types of lassis, this sweet mango version is the most common variety on the menus of Indian restaurants outside the country.
THE BEST Mango lassi Dairy Beverages
Umeshu is a Japanese liqueur made by macerating sugar and ume plums (Prunus mume) in alcohol. It is usually made with rock sugar and ripe or green ume plums, while the base is generally made with shōchū, though other neutral spirits can also be used.
The result is a bittersweet liqueur with a fruity aroma. Apart from the classic version, umeshu comes in a variety of styles that may include other sweeteners such as honey or black sugar, while some add additional flavorings. Umeshu can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or diluted with water, tea, or soda.
VARIATIONS OF Umeshu
THE BEST Umeshu Fruit Liqueurs
Hōjicha is a Japanese roasted green tea. It is made with bancha or sencha green tea that is roasted over high heat. During roasting, the tea attains a distinctive reddish-brown color. Brewed hōjicha will result in a light brown tea with a slightly warmer character than traditional green tea.
Instead of typical green and vegetal aroma, hōjicha usually has roast-like notes reminiscent of coffee, cocoa, and caramel. The flavor is earthy and subtly sweet, with roasted notes that are typically not overpowering. Hōjicha has less caffeine and tannins than other green teas.
THE BEST Hōjicha Teas
An authentic Thai iced tea is a combination of strong black tea, condensed or evaporated milk, sugar, and spices that is served over crushed ice. Traditionally, the drink is made with loose-leaf black tea such as Assam, Ceylon, or Keemun tea varieties, while the additions usually include crushed tamarind, anise, or cardamom.
However, both street and restaurant versions nowadays often incorporate with pre-packed tea mix that contains food coloring, which gives the tea a distinctive and unnatural orange tint, while the traditional version should have a deep amber hue. The tea is usually chilled before it is combined with ice.
Indian filter coffee is a preparation technique in which coffee is brewed with the use of an Indian coffee filter. This filter consists of two chambers—the upper one with a perforated bottom used to hold ground coffee and the bottom one in which brewed coffee is slowly dripped.
This brewing technique results in a richly-flavored, full-bodied coffee that is usually mixed with milk and sweetened with sugar. It is traditionally served in a tumbler with an accompanying saucer (davara). Sometimes, the combination of coffee and warm milk is continuously poured from one vessel to another until it is aerated and becomes frothy.
THE BEST Indian filter coffee Coffees
Longjing tea, literally translated to dragon well, is one of the best and most popular Chinese teas. It is a type of pan-roasted green tea. After roasting, the leaves should be emerald-colored, broad, flat, smooth, and brittle.
When brewed, this tea will produce a green-gold brew with a refreshing flavor and mellow vegetal aromas that often include buttery, toasty, nutty, and chestnut-like nuances. High-quality Longjing is usually harvested in spring, while summer harvest mostly produces low-quality versions.
Because of its high-quality and limited availability, the first pickings of authentic Longjing can reach astronomical prices and sell for up to $875 per kilo.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Chai masala is an aromatic beverage originating from India. It is made with a combination of sweetened black tea and milk that is spiced with a masala mix—which typically includes cardamom, ground ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns.
However, the choice and the exact proportion of spices often vary. Although there are several theories that claim otherwise, the origin of chai masala is mostly associated with the British tea trade. In the 19th century, the Chinese had a monopoly on the tea trade, and the British looked for other markets that would fulfill the high demand for black tea—which was a firm European favorite.
THE BEST Chai masala Teas
Turkish salep is a beverage that is usually consumed during the winter season. The basis of salep is the stem or a tuber of the wild orchid, which is boiled, dried, and ground to produce a starchy powder. It is then mixed with hot milk, and occasionally ginger and cinnamon, to create a soothing drink with an earthy flavor.
Salep is believed to be a medically beneficial beverage, since one of its components, glucomannan, eases the symptoms of bronchitis, colds, and coughs. It was invented out of the need to substitute alcoholic beverages with a comforting and healthy drink.
Pu erh, also known as aged or vintage tea is a renowned tea produced exclusively in the Yunnan province of China. There are two main varieties: raw, non-fermented pu erh, called pu erh sheng, and ripe, fermented pu erh, known as pu erh shu.
The raw version has a very fresh, vegetal flavor with hints of bitterness and a sweet aftertaste, while the ripe one has a mild, yet distinctive and earthy flavor achieved by the fermentation process. For both varieties, the leaves can be left loose or compressed into brick tea (Juan Cha), cake tea (Beeng Cha), bell-shaped tea (Toa Cha), or mushroom-shaped tea (Maw Gu Toaw).
VARIATIONS OF Pu erh
THE BEST Pu erh Teas
Hong Kong milk tea is a beverage with a creamy and smooth texture, made with a combination of water, black tea leaves, and either sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk and sugar. The drink is called milk tea in order to distinguish it from Chinese tea, which is typically served plain.
It is also known as silk stocking tea or pantyhose tea because the beverage is often prepared in a tea sock resembling pantyhose. Hong Kong milk tea was influenced by the British tradition of afternoon tea, stemming from the time of British colonial rule over Hong Kong.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Beverage Producers
Yame Tea Kumaen is a Japanese company located in the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture, known for producing high-quality green tea. The company specializes in varieties such as Gyokuro, Sencha, Matcha, and Bancha, using traditional cultivation and processing methods that date back centuries.
Yame, as a region, offers ideal conditions for tea production due to its unique climatic environment. Kumaen prides itself on maintaining high standards of quality and a careful approach at every stage of production, from leaf picking to packaging.
The teas they produce are recognized for their rich flavors and delicate aromas.
BEST Yame Tea Kumaen Teas and Herbal Infusions
Arahataen Tea Farm is a traditional Japanese tea farm located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1874, the company is one of the most renowned producers of Japanese green tea. Arahataen takes pride in producing high-quality teas, using a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The company is also dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly production methods. Arahataen is famous for using the Chagusaba technique, a traditional method of tea cultivation that involves planting grass along the tea fields to create a natural ecosystem.
BEST Arahataen Tea Farm Teas and Herbal Infusions
Marukyu Koyamaen is a prestigious tea company based in Uji, Kyoto, Japan, specializing in premium green teas, particularly Gyokuro and Matcha. Founded in 1917, it has a long history of producing high-quality teas using traditional Japanese methods.
The company prides itself on its commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Japanese tea culture while delivering exceptional products that embody the essence of Japanese craftsmanship. Marukyu Koyamaen also offers a variety of tea-related products and services, including factory tours and special offerings for food-grade matcha.
Their teas are highly regarded for their rich flavor, aroma, and smoothness, making them a favorite among tea enthusiasts worldwide.
BEST Marukyu Koyamaen Teas and Herbal Infusions
36 Manor is a premium tea brand located in Laos, specifically known for its Paksong teas grown on the Bolaven Plateau, a region famous for its volcanic soils and high-altitude climate. The company, under the Rongxing Group, has developed a unique approach to tea production, offering a variety of high-quality teas such as black tea, green tea, and white tea, often highlighted by their "Paksong" series.
These teas are enriched by the pristine environment of the plateau, where aged tea trees and traditional craftsmanship are key to creating distinctive, aromatic blends.
BEST Three Six Manor Teas and Herbal Infusions
Gaopeng Tea Factory is a renowned producer of Wuyi rock teas (Yancha), located in the Zheng Yan region of Wuyi Mountain, China. The factory specializes in traditional charcoal-roasted teas, such as Huiyuan Pit Rougui and Dolomite Floral Shui Xian, known for their rich flavors and mineral complexity.
Their teas undergo meticulous processing, including multiple rounds of roasting, to enhance their aromatic depth and smooth mouthfeel. Gaopeng is highly regarded for preserving the heritage of Wuyi tea craftsmanship, ensuring high-quality production.
BEST Gaopeng Tea Factory Teas and Herbal Infusions
Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha is a green tea producer based in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The company specializes in the cultivation and production of high-quality Japanese green tea. Sueyoshi Seicha emphasizes the use of traditional farming methods and sustainable practices to ensure the purity and flavor of their teas.
Their product range includes a variety of green tea types such as sencha, gyokuro, and matcha. Sueyoshi Seicha Kobo also engages with the community through events and direct interactions with customers, showcasing their passion for tea and promoting a lifestyle centered around the enjoyment of fine teas.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha Teas and Herbal Infusions
Teaholics is a Japanese company specializing in the sale and distribution of high-quality teas from around the world. Founded with the goal of providing an exceptional tea experience, Teaholics offers a diverse range of teas, including popular varieties such as black, green, white, oolong, and yellow tea, as well as herbal infusions and specialty blends.
One of Teaholics' key features is its commitment to quality. The company strives to ensure that each tea it sells is carefully selected and tested to meet high standards. Quality is further ensured through collaboration with renowned producers and tea farms that use traditional processing methods and take great care in cultivating the tea plants.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Teaholics Teas and Herbal Infusions
Makaibari Tea is a renowned tea producer located in the West Bengal, India, celebrated for its high-quality, organic teas. Established in 1859, Makaibari is the world's first tea factory and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.
The company produces a variety of exquisite teas, including black, white, green, and oolong teas, all crafted using traditional methods. Makaibari's unique approach to tea cultivation integrates organic farming with biodynamic practices, ensuring the preservation of the environment while delivering superior flavor profiles.
BEST Makaibari Tea Estate Teas and Herbal Infusions
FormoCha is a brand specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality Taiwanese teas. The brand name "FormoCha" is derived from the old name of Taiwan, Formosa, which means "beautiful" or "the beautiful island," reflecting Taiwan's rich tea tradition and natural resources.
The brand offers products from various regions of Taiwan, such as Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Ruby tea, Dong Ding, and others, each known for its unique characteristics and different processing techniques. FormoCha focuses on promoting authentic Taiwanese teas, including Oolong, green tea, black tea, and white tea.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
BEST FormoCha Teas and Herbal Infusions
Vithanakande Tea is a renowned tea producer in Sri Lanka that blends traditional methods with modern techniques to create high-quality Ceylon tea. Their approach focuses on premium tea leaves sourced from local smallholder growers, ensuring the authenticity and sustainability of their products.
The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant where tea is meticulously processed. Vithanakande offers a range of tea products, including black tea with distinct flavors that cater to connoisseurs. Their commitment extends to prioritizing the well-being of their workers and fostering a dynamic community.
BEST New Vithanakande Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Asian Beverages
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2020
Gyokuro Saemidori from Yame Tea Kumaen is a high-quality green tea known for its rich, sweet flavor and distinct umami profile. This tea is grown in the Yame region, which is famous for producing premium teas in Japan. Gyokuro tea is unique in that its leaves are shaded for several weeks before harvesting, reducing the amount of sunlight they receive and increasing the amino acid content, making it sweet and less bitter.
Saemidori is a variety of tea known for its rich green color and high quality, providing a full, creamy taste with a mild yet pronounced umami character. In addition to its exceptional flavor, this tea is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that contribute to health.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Gin Masters - Gold
2022
Iichiko Saiten is a premium barley shochu with an ABV of 43%. It's known for its smooth, clean flavor profile, which is the result of a meticulous single-distillation process. The spirit is crafted using barley koji, allowing it to retain a rich depth of flavor while maintaining a crisp, refreshing finish.
This high-quality product is popular both in Japan and internationally, especially in cocktail culture.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
World Whisky - Double Gold
2020
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Oriental Beauty Tea 1, produced by Formocha, is renowned for its unique flavor profile and high-quality leaves. This tea originates from Taiwan and is celebrated for its natural sweetness, which comes from the bites of leafhoppers that enhance the tea's oxidation process.
The tea leaves are multi-colored, reflecting a careful and precise harvesting technique. Each sip of Oriental Beauty Tea 1 offers a rich, fruity aroma with notes of honey and a smooth, lingering finish.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
Issaku Japanese Green Tea is an exclusive green tea produced by Arahataen Tea Farm. This tea is unique due to its limited production, making it rare even in Japan. It is made using the deep steaming method, which results in a stronger flavor and natural sweetness.
It is exclusively harvested from the first spring plucking and handpicked by tea masters. Issaku tea is grown on specialized farms in the Shizuoka region, where the climate contributes to its exceptional quality. This tea is perfect for those who want to experience an authentic, high-quality Japanese green tea with a rich tradition and careful processing of each leaf.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Asian Beverages” list until March 25, 2025, 9,595 ratings were recorded, of which 5,703 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.