Description
The true identity of that unique star anise and soy smell hitting you whenever you enter a Chinese/Taiwanese convenience store. Boiled egg shells are finely cracked with a spoon, then simmered in a broth of black tea leaves, soy, star anise, and cinnamon. Peeling reveals a beautiful brown marble-like cracked pattern permeated into the egg white.
Restaurants serving Tea Egg (Cha Ye Dan)
Researching
We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken eggs
- Black tea leaves
- Soy sauce
- Star anise
- Cinnamon
- Rock sugar
- Salt
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- [Using DIY Kits]: Spice corners in Asian stores sell 'Cha Ye Dan Mix' (teabag-like spices).
- Hard-boil eggs, finely crack the entire shell with the back of a spoon.
- Simmer eggs in a pot with soy, salt, and 'Cha Ye Dan Mix (or black tea bag + star anise/cinnamon)' for hours; let soak overnight to permeate flavor.
- Peel and eat warm (or cold).
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Astringency of black tea erases egg odor; star anise and soy aroma permeates the white for a comforting flavor、八角と醤油の香りが白身に染み込んだホッとする味
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Generally homemade in JP. Boil with black tea, star anise, soy)
Pairing
Warm Soy Milk / You Tiao (Fried Dough) / During morning commute
Trivia
While 'Xiang Ba Lao' (vacuum-packed) is a firm, bouncy snack, this is a 'homely, soft' seasoned egg eaten piping hot. Visually artistic, it's also highly appreciated when entertaining guests.
Eating tips & etiquette
At Chinese breakfast stalls and convenience store registers, Cha Ye Dan is always bubbling in a pot of brown broth. A breakfast staple; buying one to eat while walking to work/school is everyday scenery.
Allergen
Eggs, Soybeans, Wheat