Thunder tea rice, Lei Char (雷茶)

Lei Char (Thunder tea rice) Story

Lei Char is renowned for its health benefits and unique flavor, beloved not only by the Hakka people but also across southern China. This nutritious dish features a variety of fresh ingredients, including vegetables, herbs, nuts, and seeds, offering a harmonious blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

This dish earned its prestige way back after the Han dysnasty.

Lei means "ground with a mortar and pestle" while Char means "tea". "Ground tea" for short.

It has now become a big part of the Hakka culture, helping fight against diabetes and arthritis. The dish can also serves as a potent ally in the fight against diabetes, arthritis, and insomnia. Its multifaceted benefits extend to liver cleansing, making it a revered dish with holistic health benefits.

Lei Char offers a colorful variety of ingredients like long beans, corn, basil, peanuts, cabbages, black beans, Xia Pai Cai, tofu, and a lot more which make this food pack with a wide spectrum of nutrients and good protein. The basil leaves are grounded to smooth texture.

Best enjoyed alongside steaming rice, tofu, and crispy fried meat, Lei Char's appeal extends beyond mere sustenance, making it a cherished centerpiece at Hakka family gatherings and festive occasions. Here, loved ones gather to partake in the communal ritual of selecting and mixing ingredients, forging bonds and creating cherished memories with each shared meal. 

Lei Char's allure transcends familial ties, attracting health-conscious individuals seeking to maintain or achieve optimal well-being. Its low-calorie, nutrient-dense composition makes it a favored choice among those striving to slim down while nourishing their bodies from within. With its rich cultural significance and myriad health benefits, Lei Char embodies the essence of Hakka cuisine—a celebration of tradition, community, and holistic wellness.

At Hakka Imperial Kitchen, we created the Lei Char that is more friendly to the taste buds for the diner who is less inclined to the traditional basil tea. We have turned the basil tea into a paste which gives the diner an option to add it, though it complements the totality of Lei Char. *

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Through the sharing of recipes, cultural stories and provision of core Hakka condiments such as rice wine, Hakka Imperial Kitchen strives to help preserve and promote Hakka food and culture. 

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