This is Wong Lo Kat (or Wang Lao Ji in Mandarin), a herbal drink often referred to as China’s Coca Cola and known for its purported ability to alleviate the body’s heat in summer or address ailments such as sore throat caused by winter dryness. Its herbal blend contained mesona chinensis benth., plumeria rubra, microcos paniculata, chrysanthemum, lonicera japonica thunb., prunella vulgaris, glycyrrhiza.
The drink was a translucent brown hue with a mild herbal aroma reminiscent of grass jelly and chrysanthemum. When consumed chilled, a subtle sweetness graced the initial sip, followed by the gradual emergence of herbal nuances. The predominant herbal flavour resembled that of grass jelly (Mesona chinensis), peaking in the body, while the conclusion brought forth floral chrysanthemum notes. This culminated in a refreshing aftertaste with a pleasant cooling sensation. Overall, the beverage proved to be a refreshing herbal option, devoid of the sharpness or bitterness commonly associated with traditional Chinese herbal blends. The rounded and mellow herbal notes rendered it easily approachable and enjoyable.
This Wong Lo Kat Herbal Drink contained 310 mL. It was produced in China and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2023.