With fermented probiotic goodies for your gut and your immune system, it's time to treat yo'self to some of the best kombucha in Hong Kong
Tea has always been a staple in Hong Kong culture. After all, dim sum is one of the defining elements of Hong Kong culture, and there’s no dim sum without the yum cha. And don’t even get us started on the best afternoon tea, or our weekly bubble tea indulgence. For those looking for a slightly healthier treat, kombucha can also scratch that itch for an afternoon cuppa. Although it’s also a part of Korean culture, kombucha originated in northeastern China and is usually made with black or green tea, sweetened with sugar, and—most importantly—packed with healthy probiotic bacteria and yeast.
The difference between kombucha and regular tea is the fermentation that results from the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) in kombucha. Similar to other fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, the probiotic bacteria and yeast in kombucha can help improve your overall gut health and boost your immune system. Other benefits include aiding in digestion, debloating, weight loss and more. Given the health benefits—and also that it’s deliciously fizzy and refreshing—there are a number of places to find kombucha in Hong Kong.
Best places to find kombucha in Hong Kong
1. Lekker Stuff Kombucha
Founded by Hong Kong mother-daughter duo, Ravina and Nikita Daswani, Lekker Stuff offers a varied selection of CBD infused products, and has also recently launched its own locally-made kombucha. The flavours include chamomile rosemary (unwind), mango passionfruit (paradise), guava mint and strawberry ginger (berry burst). All of which are antioxidant, energy boosting and probiotic. A bonus? Add a shot of CBD, courtesy of Lekker Stuff’s CBD isolate oil.
Order online at Lekker Stuff
2. Taboocha
Taboocha brews their kombucha using locally-sourced ingredients such as fair trade Chinese green or black tea and organic raw cane sugar. They offer a wide range of flavours such as goji berry ginger green tea, shiso watermelon green tea, and beetroot black tea. Keep an eye out for limited-edition flavours, such as ‘Drink me I’m Gay’ in the flavour of blackcurrant green tea available during June to show their solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Also, if you return your finished bottle for recycling, Taboocha donates HK$1 to a dog charity.
Order online and also at a variety of cafes, supermarkets, and venues around Hong Kong
3. Commissary
In addition to signature fish tacos and double cheeseburgers, this Southern-Californian all-day dining joint also brews their own leaf tea to create small batch probiotic elixirs. Commissary’s kombucha is available in three standard flavours—natural black tea, jasmine green tea, and Earl Grey—plus a changing seasonal kombucha available during happy hour. For those who are looking for an after-work drink, there is a signature kombucha mojito, made with green tea kombucha, lemon, mint and Nusa Caña rum.
Commissary, Level 4, Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong
4. Kushta HK
For those with eclectic tastes, Kushta is one to try! Using locally-grown ingredients and sustainable packaging, their unique flavours are constantly changing so you’ll have to pay attention if you want to try all the possible varieties. Past flavours include pineapple cayenne, chilli pear, and passionfruit lemongrass. You can even DM them on Instagram to have your own custom-brewed kombucha flavour.
Order via DM on Instagram
5. Foodcraft Hong Kong
Locally brewed and bottled, Equinox is Foodcraft Hong Kong’s very own kombucha line and is available in a range of flavours including ginger, pink grapefruit, raspberry and elderflower. The store also stocks other kombucha brands such as Remedy Organic and Biona Organic. For those who want to learn how to make their own kombucha, Foodcraft HQ hosts monthly kombucha-making workshops that teach you how to brew and flavour your creations.
Foodcraft Hong Kong, Room A, 21F Yiuga Factory Building, 62 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, p. 2884 1299
6. Blissful Bom-Booch Kombucha
Macau-based The Blissful Carrot makes kombucha in 12 different flavours that feature sustainably sourced ingredients. But there’s no need to hop on a ferry to try the popular strawberry chia blend. Blissful Bom-Booch Kombucha is available in at Spicebox Organics.
7. Jia Group
JIA Group Bar Manager James Barker brews his very own loose-leaf tea to supply all the JIA Group venues across Hong Kong. The teas are made from the plant Camellia Sinesis and brewed cold for 8 hours. You can find his small batch brews at Commissary, Old Bailey, Duddell’s, Mak Mak, 208, Aberdeen Street Social, Chachawan and Behind Bars!
8. On the Wagon
Started by two friends, On the Wagon offers three flavours, Darjeeling & Assam, Roasted Green Tea, and Jasmine. Co-founder Alvin uses watercolour illustrations to design the labels and bottles. Bonus points for the duo as they also re-use all of their bottles!
On the Wagon is available at a wide variety of restaurants and stores
