The name yuenyeung refers to mandarin ducks (yuanyang), which is a symbol of conjugal love in Chinese culture, as the birds usually appear in pairs and the male and female look very different.[8] This same connotation of a "pair" of two unlike items is used to name this drink.[7]
Origin
A dai pai dong–style restaurant in Hong Kong named Lan Fong Yuen (蘭芳園) claims that both yuenyeung and silk-stocking milk tea were invented in 1952 by its owner, Lum Muk-ho.[9][10] Its claim for yuenyeung is unverified, but that for silk-stocking milk tea is generally supported.[10][11]
Adoption
In summer 2010, Starbucks stores in Hong Kong and Macau promoted a frappuccino version of the drink.[12] It was sold as the "Yuen Yeung Frappuccino Blended Cream".[13]
The drink is also common in Malaysia, where it is known as "kopi cham", from Malay kopi ('coffee') and Hokkienchham (攙; 'mix').[14]
Children's yuenyeung
There is a caffeine-free variant of yuenyeung, called children's yuenyeung (兒童鴛鴦). It is made using Horlicks and Ovaltine, malted milk drink mixes that are common in Hong Kong cha chaan tengs (cafés).[15]
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