Ginger tea
A hot drink made by steeping ginger root, often with tea, sweetener or milk
Ginger tea is a hot beverage made by infusing ginger root in water, sometimes with tea leaves, sweeteners, or milk. It is enjoyed across Asia, with each region preparing it in its own way. People drink it for its warming qualities, especially in colder months, and it is often associated with soothing the throat or aiding digestion.
- Made by steeping ginger root in hot water
- Popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines
- Often includes sugar, honey, or milk
- Served hot, especially in winter or festive seasons
- Known for its warming and soothing qualities
What is Ginger tea?
Ginger tea is a hot drink made by steeping pieces of ginger root in water. Some versions use only ginger and water, while others add black tea, milk, or sweeteners like sugar, honey, or palm sugar. The flavor is sharp and spicy from the ginger, sometimes mellowed by milk or brightened with lemon or calamansi. In some places, spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or lemongrass are added for extra aroma. The drink is usually clear or milky, depending on the recipe, and is served steaming hot.
Where does Ginger tea come from?
Ginger tea has a long tradition in many Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Korea, and the Philippines. Its use as a warming and soothing drink goes back centuries, with each region developing its own style. In China, ginger was added to tea as early as the Tang dynasty to balance bitterness. The drink spread widely, becoming part of daily routines and traditional remedies in East, South, and Southeast Asia.
How is Ginger tea made?
To prepare ginger tea, fresh ginger root is sliced or crushed and simmered in water. Some recipes add black tea leaves, while others use only ginger. Sweeteners such as sugar, honey, or palm sugar are common, and milk or condensed milk is added in some countries. In Indonesia, pandan leaves and spices like cinnamon or cloves may be included. Instant powdered versions are also available, especially in Korea and the Philippines.
How and when is Ginger tea eaten?
Ginger tea is typically enjoyed hot, often in the morning or as a snack. In the Philippines, it is paired with rice cakes during the Christmas season, especially at dawn masses. In South Asia, it is common in winter or when someone is feeling unwell. Street vendors in several countries sell it fresh, and it is also made at home for family gatherings or as a comforting drink on cold days.
Kinds of Ginger tea
Each country has its own take on ginger tea. In Korea, it may be sweetened with honey and garnished with pine nuts or jujubes. In Indonesia, wedang jahe adds palm sugar and spices. The Malaysian and Singaporean teh halia combines ginger with strong black tea and milk. The Filipino salabat is often just ginger, water, and sugar, sometimes with calamansi. Some regions use turmeric for a yellow version.
What Ginger tea means
Ginger tea is more than just a drink; it is linked to comfort and tradition. In the Philippines, it is a familiar sight during Christmas dawn masses. Across Asia, it is valued for its supposed health benefits, especially for soothing sore throats and aiding digestion. Street vendors serve it in winter, and it is a staple in many homes. The drink is also part of traditional medicine in several cultures.
When Ginger tea is on the table
Questions people ask about Ginger tea
What is ginger tea made of?
Ginger tea is made by steeping fresh ginger root in hot water. Depending on the region, it may also include black tea, sugar, honey, milk, or spices.
Where does ginger tea come from?
Ginger tea is enjoyed in many Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Korea, and the Philippines, each with its own style.
How is ginger tea usually served?
It is served hot, sometimes with milk or sweeteners. In some places, it is paired with snacks like rice cakes or garnished with spices.
Is ginger tea always made with tea leaves?
No, some versions use only ginger and water, while others add black tea leaves. The Malaysian and Singaporean versions often include tea and milk.
When is ginger tea commonly drunk?
People drink ginger tea in the morning, as a snack, or during colder months. In the Philippines, it is popular at Christmas dawn masses.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ginger tea", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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