Recipe: How to Make Kiri-te (Sri Lankan Milk Tea) 2021 Edition

Kiri-te is Sri Lankan-style milk tea. It is different from chai. If you ask what the difference is, it is that it contains no spices and is not simmered. Because of these two things, I think Kiri-te is actually quite easy for beginners to make. Today, I will introduce how to make this Kiri-te, the various things needed to recreate it in Japan, and alternatives if you don't have them.

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

1: 10g of tea leaves suitable for milk tea. Any tea from Wonder Links is fine, but

or

or

are recommended.

2: About 160cc of dissolved powdered milk (whole milk powder) or high-fat milk.

3: White sugar to taste. Making it sweet is the local style.

The way to make Kiri-te varies by region and household, so this is just my way of making it. For your reference. I recommend a slightly larger tea strainer with a fine mesh; it prevents spills when using it, and it is easier to wash if it is large.

First, brew the tea leaves for 4 servings using the amount of water for 3 servings. For these tea leaves, 2 minutes.

After that, add the powdered milk dissolved in hot water, and add the sugar at that time as well.

And finally, heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute and it is done. Simple, right? When pouring into a cup, you must use a tea strainer, otherwise undissolved milk powder or fine tea leaves will get mixed in. Be careful about that. It is the same with a pot; stop reheating when small bubbles appear on the edge of the pot.

This time, I brewed it using what is called a tea server/coffee server. With this method, you don't need a pot or anything, and since there is no need for simmering, you can do it. You can easily enjoy Kiri-te even in the office.

Tips
Kiri-te is not simmered. It does not contain spices either. As for the milk, it is better to heat and stir it using a milk frother or similar tool.

The powdered milk sold in Sri Lanka is called whole milk powder, which is very rich, with 'no more than 5% moisture, at least 95% milk solids, and at least 25% milk fat.' If you don't like it, please use milk in a form that suits you. You can buy it online domestically, but it is a bit expensive, and it will spoil if not kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, so be sure to store it properly.

Kiri-te is a Sri Lankan-style milk tea where the rich milky flavor and the taste of black tea spread gently. Please give it a try if you are interested.

Personally, I find that crushing some black pepper and sprinkling it lightly on top adds a nice accent and makes it delicious.

Finally, tea utensils used for dairy products will retain a 'milky smell' if not bleached, so I recommend bleaching them when washing them to remove tea stains.

This article was revised on May 12, 2021.