Hyeonmi cha (literally “brown rice tea”) is a tisane made from roasted brown rice.

To make hyeonmi cha, brown rice (typically short-grain brown rice, Oryza sativa var. japonica) is washed, then roasted in a pot. Then water is poured into the pot, brought to a boil, and then simmered for approximately ten minutes. Finally, the leftover brown rice is filtered by a sieve and the beverage, which may range from pale yellow to light golden brown in color, is served in a cup, mug, or bowl. While it is generally served unsweetened, sugar or honey may be added according to the taste of the drinker.

Although hyeonmi cha may be made from scratch by toasting one’s own rice, pre-roasted rice is available commercially in Korean grocery stores, both in Korea as well as overseas, in plastic packages.

While in restaurants the tea is typically strained and served without any grains of rice, when prepared at home a few grains may be poured from the pot into the cup. The rice remaining in the pot is generally discarded rather than eaten or reused for any other purpose.

You can find authentic Korean Tea on many Korean Restaurants in Los Angeles.