A popular snack throughout China, tea eggs (cha ye dan) can be found around the clock at street stalls, night markets and convenience stores. They are also traditionally served during Chinese New Year celebrations to bring good luck for the coming year. The simmering, staining and careful cracking process creates a beautiful marble-like effect on the hard-boiled surface. While some recipes use a basic broth of black tea and salt to flavour the eggs, others, like this one, include a combination of spices, such as star anise, cloves and cinnamon. You will need to marinate the eggs for at least 5 hours.A popular snack throughout China, tea eggs (cha ye dan) can be found around the clock at street stalls, night markets and convenience stores. They are also traditionally served during Chinese New Year celebrations to bring good luck for the coming year. The simmering, staining and careful cracking process creates a beautiful marble-like effect on the hard-boiled surface. While some recipes use a basic broth of black tea and salt to flavour the eggs, others, like this one, include a combination of spices, such as star anise, cloves and cinnamon. You will need to marinate the eggs for at least 5 hours.