If you’re looking for a new drink, get ready to try cheese tea. This unique iced tea is topped with a foamy finish of cream cheese, milk, salt and whipping. While it’s been a crowd favorite in Asia for about a decade, it’s only recently become trendy in the U.S. Find out more about the drink’s history below.

What Is Cheese Tea?

It may have an odd name, but consumers in countries like Japan, Malaysia, China, and Taiwan are big fans of cheese tea. The foamy cheese top contrasts sweetened iced tea in classic flavors like black, oolong, or matcha.

Tea makers suggest sipping the tea at a 45-degree angle to get a good mix of tea and cheese foam.

What is the History of Cheese Tea?

Cheese tea hasn’t reached world notoriety yet, but it has gained major traction in Asia since its inception. In 2010, it started popping up at the night market stands in Taiwan where street vendors used cheese powders in their drinks.

Two years later, HeyTea in Guangdong province in China discovered the drink and put their own twist on it. Using real cream instead of powders, the rich and milky drink became a sensation among consumers. 

Now, cheese tea is sold all over the continent. In China, tea franchises have reported that they sell up to 1,000 cups of cheese tea a day.

Try cheese tea for yourself at Wave Tea in Honolulu, HI. Backed by 10 years of industry experience, the shop serves up specialty beverages like boba and fruit teas made from natural and locally sourced ingredients. To learn more about their menu options, call (808) 591-8668 or visit their website. You can also check out highly rated reviews and photos of their teas and treats on Yelp.