4) I am no normal tea
“擂茶”, in Chinese literally means Lei Tea (pounded tea). The name Lei arises from the Lei stick (wooden stick) that was used to grind the ingredients. This iconic Hakka food is healthy and body cleansing. It was known that Lei Tea was originated from the Three Kingdom, China.
In Singapore, Lei Tea is also known as “Thunder Tea” as the word “Lei” has the same pronunciation as “Thunder” in Chinese language. The dish is served with brown or white rice, tops up with various chopped ingredients like long beans, tofu, peanuts, cabbage, pickled radish and green vegetables. The ingredients can be varies, as for vegetarian Ikan Bilis (anchovies) is optional.
The tea soup itself is a composite of different types of tea leaves. Herbs (like mint, basil), nuts, seeds and beans ground together with the Lei stick to form a light green paste or powder. Hot water is then added to the tea paste/powder to go along with the rice.
For some, trying the savory soup for the first time may find it raw. But it has a refreshing after taste! The healthy green fragrance may lure you back for more each time! Unlike the normal tea we have daily, Lei Tea is a healthy food mix with tint of ancient culture and healthy modern lifestyle people adore these days!
If you happen to see it, try it! You may like it! But beware, not to let the tea steal the thunder out of you!
AddGrainOnEarth 
January 14, 2013 at 1:29 am
I had fresh memories of enjoying Lei Tea when I was very small, in a Hakka friend’s house. That feast was unforgettable — they put all ingredients (nuts, chopped vegetables……) all in individual bowls, so the table was completely covered with a variety of colour and types of food. The ‘problem’ of Lei Tea is that it’s so delicious that you could end up eating too much without realising it. I’d love to be able to prepare a meal like this one day. Thank you for bringing back my memories.
January 14, 2013 at 9:12 am
And the wonderful things is the fragrance stay in your mouth.
At first, it was quite reject to me as the soup make me feel like I am a cow.
But after a few try, I slowly getting fond of it!
Is amazing!
Thanks, Janet!
January 14, 2013 at 1:52 am
This looks delicious!!
January 14, 2013 at 8:55 am
Yes, it is yummy!
January 14, 2013 at 2:00 am
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat.Com™ and commented:
Healthy recipe ideas from Mr. Sydney. Thank you AddGrainOnEarth.
January 14, 2013 at 8:56 am
Thanks, I can take order for you!
January 14, 2013 at 2:33 am
Oh I so want to try that
January 14, 2013 at 9:01 am
Try it! is unforgettable!
January 14, 2013 at 7:31 am
looks appetizing and delicious
January 14, 2013 at 9:05 am
I’m not sure about this food whether can find in Euro or USA, if somebody with business mind. I am sure he can make it! 🙂
January 15, 2013 at 11:47 am
If any place would have it would be NYC! We hope to go in the fall, I hope to have some time to see if I can find it.
January 15, 2013 at 11:58 am
Is coming near to Addgrainonearth!
January 16, 2013 at 9:45 am
are you in NYC?
January 16, 2013 at 11:38 am
Sorry, what is NYC?
January 17, 2013 at 9:57 am
I am sorry… New York City….we go often and after awhile it becomes NYC that I sometimes forget to spell it out.
January 17, 2013 at 10:06 am
Oic! I have never get out of my country for a few decade, sob…..
I live in Singapore, but I prefer Sydney! Haha! 🙂
January 17, 2013 at 10:31 am
😀
January 14, 2013 at 8:19 am
Looks fabulous and healthy too… Please send a take-away to PO Box Panda !
January 14, 2013 at 8:54 am
By Fedex or DHL?
January 14, 2013 at 9:15 am
Well Fed ex I think 😉
January 14, 2013 at 9:18 am
I worry you’ll ended up in Movie Cast away! LOL!
January 14, 2013 at 9:20 am
Looks yummy, but I’m not sure that I can find it here in Jakarta. Perhaps I can try it when I’m visiting your country.
January 14, 2013 at 9:32 am
You can find in other country like Malaysia, or the the original source,China.
Thanks Chris, enjoy your blue Monday! LOL!
January 14, 2013 at 9:30 am
Wow I thought that was some sort of green tea at first! Is Lei Tea’s flavor really strong and overwhelming? It certainly looks very interesting, but seems a bit overwhelming!
January 14, 2013 at 10:35 am
Not really, the soup is full of herbs fragrant and the rice with topping it has his nature sweetness in it!
Not so salty and not so oily! Is just nice for me! The first time when I tried I feel like I am a cow, late part I feel like a bird!
Now I feel like I got a wings!
January 14, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Healthy dishes!!! Yummy!!!
January 14, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Yes, it is! Be happy stay healthy!
January 14, 2013 at 9:56 pm
I love Lei Tea! I used to stay with a Hakka nanny when I was young.
I would add a lot of peanut and sesame during the grinding. 😛
January 14, 2013 at 10:06 pm
I am sure Malaysia are more authentic than Singapore. After a few try, I love it so much!
And slowly, I am going to introduce to more people. Good things has to prolong!
Thanks, Ck!
January 15, 2013 at 1:16 pm
Thunder Tea for the Win bro !! damm nice ..
January 15, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Super nice man! yo! yo!
January 15, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Looks delicious
January 15, 2013 at 8:08 pm
Yes, try it if you happen to see! 🙂
January 15, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Wow, that tea looks amazing. I’ll have to keep my eyes open for it. Thank you for stopping by my blog today!
January 15, 2013 at 9:55 pm
Is okay! You take care and let’s toast for the day! Cheers!
January 17, 2013 at 11:46 am
sydney, my first time to try this was in ipoh, malaysia and i have to admit that i thought it was weird. but hey, it actually tastes good!
January 17, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Yes, it takes like grass and weird! But after a few try, I’m start loving this!
Hey! I wish you and your hubby be well and happy!
January 18, 2013 at 5:58 am
Thank you Sydney 🙂 And I wish you likewise 🙂
January 18, 2013 at 9:31 am
You too! Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
February 3, 2013 at 12:57 am
cool v <
February 3, 2013 at 1:51 pm
🙂
February 24, 2013 at 5:35 am
Reblogged this on Artopia 444: Art Music Photos News Culture Video.
February 24, 2013 at 11:28 am
Thank you! 🙂
March 5, 2013 at 7:11 am
I will try your soup
March 5, 2013 at 9:17 pm
You’ll be amaze by the taste! Thanks for your appreciation too! 🙂