Understanding the true essence of Vietnamese tea culture

The Vietnamese tea culture has long been shaped and developed despite the ups and downs in history and the fluctuations in cultural and political life. Throughout each era, this beautiful culture has been further embellished, creating a unique style of tea appreciation among the Vietnamese. From simplicity to sophistication, tea appreciation is not just a daily habit but is sometimes elevated to an art deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. Let's explore the specifics of how Vietnamese people enjoy tea with UniMall in the following article.

How is tea appreciation different from simply drinking tea? 

Nowadays, almost everyone is caught up in the busy whirlwind of daily life. Therefore, people often have little time to relax and leisurely savor a cup of tea to fully appreciate its flavor. At such times, tea is only considered a refreshing beverage like many other drinks. The habit of drinking iced tea on the sidewalk gradually emerged.

People take a sip of tea without paying much attention to its flavor or color, just to quench their immediate thirst. Moreover, the tea might have been hurriedly brewed and not had time to infuse properly before being served to guests, so the tea drinkers don't get to experience the full flavor of the tea.

This habit of drinking tea is entirely different from the art of tea appreciation. Tea appreciation demands more precision in the selection of tea, tea brewing, and especially the refinement in the way one enjoys the tea.

What makes Vietnamese tea appreciation unique? 

Meticulous tea brewing

When it comes to the art of tea appreciation in Vietnam, let's begin with the brewing process. To achieve a fragrant and flavorful tea pot, you need to ensure three essential criteria for proper tea brewing in line with Vietnamese culture:

Water for brewing: It should be pure water from raindrops, natural springs, or even more exquisite, dewdrops on lotus leaves in the early morning, before the sun rises.

Tea type: Vietnamese people usually use plain tea or scented tea for brewing. Plain tea is processed, sun-dried, with a natural taste and no added flavors. On the other hand, scented tea is plain tea combined with various ingredients to create different flavors, such as lotus tea, jasmine tea, chrysanthemum tea, ginseng tea, each with its distinct aroma.

Tea set: To ensure the tea infuses evenly and maintains a delicate flavor, a teapot and teacups made of porcelain or ceramics are commonly used in Vietnam. These materials are heat-resistant, ensuring the tea retains its natural aroma, color, and taste even after extended use.

Delicacy in tea appreciation

Vietnamese tea appreciation comes with many unique characteristics, with a special emphasis on the aroma and taste of the tea. For Vietnamese people, the delicious flavor of tea seeps from the tea buds, leaves, and even the tea plant itself, absorbing the essence of the earth and the sky. Therefore, they handle each tea leaf with care, meticulously control the water temperature, and maintain the warmth of the tea pot to create the most aromatic and delicious tea.

When savoring tea, it begins with inhaling the tea's aroma by gently passing the teacup beneath the nose. The fragrance of the tea carries a lot of information about the region it was grown and the local climate. Then, as one takes a slow sip of the tea, the tea begins to unfold in the mouth, and the most refined flavors can be perceived. The next sip is where the tea connoisseur can experience the harmonious blend of the tea's aroma and taste.

Timing of tea appreciation

For tea connoisseurs, the ideal time for tea appreciation is typically during the early hours when the day is about to dawn, around 4-5 AM. This time marks the transition between night and day, creating a balanced atmosphere where people can relax and appreciate the beauty of life. Drinking tea at this time offers numerous health benefits and allows individuals to be at peace, focusing on the positive aspects of life.

The environment for tea appreciation 

The ideal environment for tea appreciation often echoes the essence of meditation and Zen culture. It should be serene, pure, and tranquil, enabling the tea drinker to immerse themselves entirely in the delicate and pure fragrance of the tea. Places with beautiful natural scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, or quiet reading rooms adorned with calligraphy and artwork are considered the most suitable for tea appreciation.

In essence, discussing Vietnamese tea culture means delving into the heart and soul of tea preparation and tea appreciation. Don't rush; instead, cherish, nurture, and savor every sip of tea to fully appreciate the inherently delicious flavors that come from the hearts of those who brew and enjoy tea. This is the core of the art of tea appreciation among the Vietnamese.