Hong Kong milk tea – a mainstay of cha chaan teng, or Hong Kong-style diners – is taking on a new role in Tokyo’s cafe culture. According to the Japan Tea Association, the country is in the midst of a “third black tea boom” and more cafes are offering black tea menus. Even convenience stores are revamping their takeaway drink options, with 7-Eleven, for example, expanding its Seven Cafe tea machines to around 2,000 stores in early 2026. Suntory also released a Hong Kong-style milk tea under its...