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Home » Drinks and Beverages

Published: Jun 4, 2018 · Modified: Dec 20, 2021 by Sandhya Ramakrishnan · This post may contain affiliate links

Bori-Cha | Korean Barley Tea

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boricha pinterest image

Bori-Cha or Korean Barley Tea, a nutty tea made with toasted barley and water. This tea can be served either cold or warm depending on the season.

Bori-Cha in glass cup with tea pot in background

Barley tea has its origin from East-Asia and is famous in Japan, China and Korea. It is a simple tea concoction made with toasted barley and water. It is called 'Bori-cha' in Korea, 'Damai-cha' in China and 'Mugi-cha' in Japan. This Korean Barley Tea can be served either warm or cold based on your liking.

Bori-Cha can be drunk as is or with some milk. There is no sweetener of any kind added in it and I did not feel the need of it as well. If I am telling you that I did not need any sugar, then trust me you are in good hands. I did try a little with some lemon juice and it was very refreshing.

Korean Barley Tea in teapot and glass cup

Korean stores have Barley tea in tea bags readily available to buy or also carry toasted barley kernels. I used plain pearl barley and toasted it myself to brown color and then seeped the tea.

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Benefits of Barley

Barley has many health benefits. It is a great grain to consume in regular diet. I am listing a few that may make you consider to use barley periodically.

  • Barley contains antioxidants that helps fight inflammation.
  • It is caffeine free and helps in digestion and over all Gastrointestinal health.
  • Barley is high in fiber and that in turn helps regulate sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • Since barley is high fiber, it can help in weight lose by slowing hunger.

The flavor of the Bori-cha was quite nutty with a slight bitter undertone, that was pleasantly liked by me and my husband. The best part is, when seeping the tea, the barley cooks as well and can be used in recipes that call for barley like this Barley Summer Salad.

Bori-Cha in glass cup

So, once you brew the Bori-Cha, do not discard the barley. I have an amazing recipe coming soon to use the cooked barley. My dear friend Deepika, gave me her tea kettle to use and I could not wait to find an apt recipe to use it for and picture it.

This week I am doing 3 different recipes from 3 different Asian countries and after yesterday's Papaya Lassi from India, today, I have the Korean Barley Tea from Korea (East Asia). The tea kettle was just too perfect and I had so much fun photographing this morning. Thanks Deepika for this cute Tea Kettle.

Preparation time - 5 minutes
Cooking time - 30 minutes
Difficulty level - easy

Ingredients to make Bori-Cha - Makes 6 cups

  • Pearl Barley - 3 TBSP
  • Water - 6 cups
Bori-Cha with lemon

Procedure to make Korean Barley Tea

  • In a large pan, toast the pearl barley until brown and aromatic. Keep the heat low and constantly stir the barley to prevent burning. Barley takes about 7 to 8 minutes to be brown and aromatic.
Roasting barley
  • Add 6 cups of water to the same pan and bring it to a boil.
  • Once the water boils, simmer the flame and let the barley seep for about 20 minutes.
  • You can let the barley seep for any where between 5 to 30 minutes. 20 minutes for perfect for us as it had a good nutty flavor and at the same time was not too strong.
  • Strain the mixture and pour into glasses and enjoy.
Boiling and staining Barley in water
  • You could serve it warm or cold. We liked ours warm and it was very soothing.
Bori-Cha in glass and tea pot

More similar recipes

  • South Indian Filter Coffee – Madras Degree Kaapi
  • Jau Ki Papdi | Baked Barley Crackers
  • Barley Dosai | Barley Crepes
  • Barley Cucumber Salad | Summer Barley Salad

 If you made this recipe and liked it, give a star rating on the recipe card or let me know in the comments below. You could also share it with me on Instagram using #MyCookingJourney and tagging me @sandhya.ramakrishnan. You could follow me and my recipes on Facebook |Instagram | Pinterest | twitter

barley tea in a glass and a tea pot with lemon slice

Bori-Cha | Korean Barley Tea

5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Cups
Calories: 26kcal
Author: Sandhya Ramakrishnan

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon Pearl Barley
  • 6 cups Water

Instructions

  • In a large pan, toast the pearl barley until brown and aromatic. Keep the heat low and constantly stir the barley to prevent burning. Barley takes about 7 to 8 minutes to be brown and aromatic. .
  • Add 6 cups of water to the same pan and bring it to a boil.
  • Once the water boils, simmer the flame and let the barley seep for about 20 minutes.
  • You can let the barley seep for any where between 5 to 30 minutes. 20 minutes for perfect for us as it had a good nutty flavor and at the same time was not too strong.
  • Strain the mixture and pour into glasses and enjoy.
  • You could serve it warm or cold. We liked ours warm and it was very soothing.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Sandhya.Ramakrishnan or tag #MyCookingJourney!
« Papaya Lassi | Papaya Yogurt Smoothie Recipe
Vietnamese Iced Coffee | Ca Phe Sua Da »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leslie says

    February 21, 2020 at 10:45 am

    I have never heard of this kind of tea. I love how simple this is though!

    Reply
  2. Natalie says

    February 21, 2020 at 8:11 am

    5 stars
    This tea sounds fantastic. I never tried barley tea before. I will definitely look for it in local store. Can't wait to give it a try.

    Reply
  3. Pavani says

    February 20, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    Such an interesting tea made with Barley Sandhya. Sounds very refreshing and quite easy to make too. Clear teapot looks great.

    Reply
  4. Sowmya says

    July 10, 2018 at 9:34 am

    5 stars
    That is such a unique drink....sounds quite tempting. And I totally love that teapot....looks so pretty!

    Reply
  5. Sharmila Kingsly says

    June 22, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    5 stars
    Such a healthy and refreshing tea.. Must definitely try some time..

    Reply
  6. chef Mireille says

    June 14, 2018 at 12:28 pm

    I was in a British supermarket a few weeks ago we have here in NY and they have all different flavors of flavored barley water and I always thought it was strange but I guess barley beverages are common in different cultures - I wasn't sure I would like it but now you are tempting me to try it

    Reply
  7. Ritu Tangri says

    June 10, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    5 stars
    Some thing new to me, definitely a healthy take on our regular tea. Though I'm skeptical about the taste and that too without sugar, but at the same time curious too to know its taste. will make it asap

    Reply
  8. Suja Ram says

    June 07, 2018 at 11:52 pm

    5 stars
    That must be a very healthy tea Sandhya..I take Barley water sometimes, especially for fever and this is a good twist to the regular one..

    Reply
  9. Suja Ram says

    June 07, 2018 at 11:29 pm

    5 stars
    Tea with Barley - Must be a very healthy Drink. I take Barley water sometimes and this is a good twist to that regular one..

    Reply
  10. Suma Gandlur says

    June 07, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    What an interesting tea and love that tea pot too. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Renu says

    June 07, 2018 at 9:20 am

    5 stars
    This is new to me and such a healthy tea. We drink barley water, will it taste something similar. Love your tea pot.

    Reply
  12. harini says

    June 06, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    5 stars
    This version of barley tea sounds very good. Bookmarked to try. Love the props in the pictures.

    Reply
  13. Kalyani says

    June 06, 2018 at 10:37 am

    This Is so delicious Sandhya ! I saw ur feed and cudnt wait to check out a caffeine free drink . I love barley kanji that I make regularly ; toasting the seeds for this tea sounds delicious ! Amazing find 🙂

    Reply
  14. Vaishali says

    June 06, 2018 at 4:06 am

    A tea with barley is definitely vey innovative ! Sounds great , and yes the kettle is cute . How nice of your friend to give it to you , it’s a perfect prop for this tea .

    Reply
  15. Gayathri Kumar says

    June 06, 2018 at 2:03 am

    You are so adventurous Sandhya. The tea looks so healthy and love your tips on making it. Will wait for your barley recipe..

    Reply
  16. Nalini says

    June 05, 2018 at 4:08 pm

    Barley tea sounds interesting and healthy one.The tea got a nice color..

    Reply
  17. Priya Suresh says

    June 05, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    Interesting drink and enjoyed reading about the health benefits. And what a pleasant colour, this drink is definitely a fabulous one. Cant wait to give a try.

    Reply
  18. Srivalli says

    June 05, 2018 at 1:03 am

    Oh my that is some tea Sandhya! Enjoyed reading about this drink and the health benefits..the clicks look so lovely with the pot being the highlight!..Excellent pick for the theme!

    Reply
  19. Varada says

    June 04, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    This is a very nutritious drink. I am very interested in the recipe your are going to share for the barley. Very cute teapot, looks great in the pictures.

    Reply

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I am Sandhya Ramakrishnan, author, recipe developer and photographer in this journey! 'My Cooking Journey' is all about family friendly Vegetarian and Vegan recipes from around the World with focus on Indian cuisine.

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