☕ Why is Ovaltine more popular in Hong Kong tea restaurants than Milo? An in-depth look!

Hello everyone~ Today I want to share a very interesting tea restaurant phenomenon with you: Have you noticed that in most tea restaurants in Hong Kong, the drink menu usually lists "Ovaltine", but it's very rare to see "Milo"? 🤔
Why is Ovaltine, clearly both chocolate malt drinks, so the go-to for tea restaurants, while Milo seems less common? Let's break it down from various perspectives, including history, brand strategy, flavor, and culture.

📖 Ovaltine vs Milo: Basic Background

Ovaltine

• It originated in Switzerland in 1904 and later became widely popular in Europe and Asia.
• The main flavor is malt + chocolate, with a rich taste.
• It was brought to Hong Kong by Swiss immigrants in the early days and had already gained a certain degree of popularity during the colonial era. 🇨🇭

Milo

• Launched by Nestlé Australia in the 1930s, it was originally developed for children, emphasizing nutrition and energy replenishment.
• It is especially popular in Southeast Asia (such as Singapore and Malaysia), becoming a "national drink". 🇦🇺

🍵 Why do tea restaurants prefer Ovaltine?

1. Entered the Hong Kong market early

Ovaltine arrived in Hong Kong in the 1930s, during the British colonial era, when Hong Kong residents were curious about Western cuisine. Ovaltine, known for its health, nutrition, and import value, became a symbol of luxury. Tea restaurants, initially seeking to create a semi-Western atmosphere, naturally incorporated Ovaltine.

2. Linked to tea restaurant culture

Cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) is a unique dining venue in Hong Kong, emphasizing a "fusion of East and West." Ovaltine, with its Western appeal and versatile appeal (hot, cold, with milk, or with egg), has become a fixture on cha chaan teng's beverage menu. While Milo is delicious, it's positioned more like a "sports drink" and may not appeal to the typical cha chaan teng audience.

3. Marketing Differences

• Ovaltine had a large-scale advertising campaign in Hong Kong in the early days, and used the "healthy drink" as a selling point, which deeply rooted in people's hearts. 📺
• Milo is focusing its efforts on the Southeast Asian market. For example, in Singapore, schools have "Milo Vans" distributed directly to students, encouraging locals to enjoy the drink themselves. However, its promotion efforts in the Hong Kong market have been relatively limited.

4. Difference in taste and texture

• Ovaltine: The malt flavor is more prominent, the sweetness is moderate, and it is easy to drink with milk or hot water. 🥛
• Milo: It has a stronger chocolate flavor, is relatively sweet, and has a rich texture. Hong Kong people feel that it may not be suitable for tea restaurant meals.

5. Customs and Cultural Heritage

From childhood to adulthood, the majority of Hong Kong people see hot or iced Ovaltine on tea restaurant menus. This has become a habit and a cultural legacy. Even with the later arrival of Milo, Ovaltine's dominance remains firmly entrenched.

🍹 Common ways to drink Ovaltine in tea restaurants

• Hot Ovaltine☕ : A classic brew, super warming to drink in winter.
• Iced Ovaltine : A must-have in the summer, it’s icy and refreshing.
• Ovaltine with egg : Beat a raw egg into hot Ovaltine to double the nutrition. It is a nourishing drink used by the older generation of Hong Kong people.
• Ovaltine Thick Milk Version🥛 : Add more evaporated milk for a smoother taste.

🌍 Comparison of different regions

• Hong Kong : Ovaltine is a representative beverage in tea restaurants and fast food restaurants.
• Singapore/Malaysia : Milo is almost a "national drink". Children in schools all have "Milo Vans". It is extremely popular. 🚚
• Australia : Milo is a representative local brand and a must-have in almost every household.
• Europe : Ovaltine still has a market, especially in the UK and Germany.

🤔 What do you think?

The author believes that the reason why Hong Kong tea restaurants prefer Ovaltine is not only because of the taste, but also a kind of "mark of the times" and "cultural continuity".
Ovaltine arrived in Hong Kong early on, growing alongside the cha chaan teng scene and gradually becoming a fixture on the menu. As for Milo, while incredibly popular in Southeast Asia, Hong Kongers are accustomed to ordering "Ovaltine" when visiting cha chaan teng, leaving little room for Milo.

🎉 Editor’s Summary

The key reasons why Ovaltine has become a common drink in Hong Kong tea restaurants are:

• Enter the market early and establish brand impression
• Fits the "East-meets-West" culture of tea restaurants
• Flexible drinking methods
• Hong Kong people lament the inheritance of their eating habits

👉 So next time you sit down at a tea restaurant, order a cup of "Hot Ovaltine" or "Iced Ovaltine" and you'll be sipping a sip of Hong Kong's collective memories! 💛