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There are mornings when the first rays of sunlight timidly pierce through the leaves, and we pour a pot of boiling water, listening to the bubbling sound and the aroma of a handful of dried tea leaves seemingly dispelling the early morning weariness. In that moment, we understand that the art of tea appreciation is not just a ritual, but a way for people to rediscover the slow rhythm of their souls amidst this fast-paced world.
Tea, in any culture, has always been a symbol of tranquility. From the stone steps of Kyoto, where the Japanese tea ceremony transforms pouring a cup of tea into a meditative ritual, to the ancient houses of Hanoi, where the fragrance of West Lake lotus tea gently dissolves in 85-degree boiling water... all share the same spirit: we are honoring serenity and slowness amidst modern life.
People talk about tea in terms of its benefits, rather than its emotions and culture.
The aroma of tea is imbued with the taste of time.
For Vietnamese people, tea has long been considered an integral part of their spiritual life. Before coffee or wine, people enjoyed a hot cup of tea in the morning, a cup of tea offered to guests, or a hastily brewed pot of jasmine tea on a hot summer afternoon. Each type of tea is a stream of memories, each flavor a different way of telling the story of the land and its people.
From tender leaves to dried tea leaves - a journey of aroma, sunshine, and diligent hands.
Lotus tea – the “queen” of Vietnamese teas – is beautiful not only in its fragrance but also in the way the people of Hanoi cherished it in the past. A West Lake lotus flower is handcrafted and infused with tiny handfuls of Thai Nguyen green tea, a process repeated for seven nights, allowing the lotus scent to gradually permeate each tea leaf, a harmonious blend of the essence of heaven and earth. With just a light sip, the tea's pure, sweet aftertaste evokes a feeling of touching a culture deeply imbued with the spirit of Hanoi – refined, serene, and profoundly profound.
In the East, tea is not just a beverage; it's a philosophy. Since the Tang Dynasty, the Chinese have called tea the "tranquil haven of the mind," a means of maintaining balance between yin and yang. The Japanese, on the other hand, have elevated the tea ceremony to an art of living, where every gesture of pouring tea and offering it to guests embodies the concept of "harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility." Perhaps that's why simply watching a Japanese tea master swirl a teapot evokes a sense of peacefulness, where everything ceases to be an action and becomes meditation. While the Vietnamese don't call tea a "philosophy," the way we drink it reflects this philosophy. It's simple, unpretentious, and without elaborate rituals. A teapot, a handful of tea leaves, and a few close friends are enough to purify the heart.
Lotus tea - the essence of lake lotus and mountain tea, where the aroma awakens every sense. Image source: Tra Vu - tea artisan.
As the pace of modern life sweeps away the traditional tea flavors.
In the 21st century, coffee, with its global appeal, has gradually replaced traditional tea. Tea has been relegated to a small corner of modern life, like a beautiful but outdated image. Takeaway drinks and delivery services, amidst the hurried pace of life, have caused people to lose the habit of sitting down, waiting for the water to boil, and watching the tea leaves transform. In brightly lit offices, tea has been reduced to a "detox drink" or a "beauty drink."
But tea has never been something to "drink quickly for health." It's a slow journey, from boiling the water, waiting for it to boil, to taking a sip and feeling the lingering aftertaste. In the modern world, the decline of tea culture is something we all regret. Tea, by its very nature, doesn't need to compete with coffee, milk tea, wine, or beer. It is already a part of Vietnamese cuisine and spiritual culture, a simple, familiar, and intimate drink from our past lives.
The artisan not only brews tea, but also keeps alive a cultural tradition that has accompanied the Vietnamese people for generations. (Image source: Tra Vu - tea artisan)
The tranquility found in tea is precisely what modern life lacks. As technology makes everything convenient, people increasingly need a "pause," a ritual to reconnect with themselves. And perhaps, brewing a pot of tea early in the morning or in the midst of a bustling afternoon is how we redefine "personal time"—the most luxurious thing of this century.
Tea - the refined language of modern life
In every tea ceremony, from Japanese tea ceremony to Vietnamese tea rooms, there is an unchanging principle: a calm mind is essential for delicious tea. The water must be at the right temperature for the tea to be good, but if one is impatient, the tea may taste bland. The ancients said, "First water, second tea, third cup, fourth teapot, fifth company," but in truth, the most important element is still the "mind." Brewing tea is an art of stillness. When you pour boiling water into the teapot, hear the tea leaves awaken, feel the fragrance in the air—that is a moment of meditation. Tea doesn't teach us to show off or display, but teaches us to listen more—to the sound of flowing water, to the rhythm of breathing, to the tranquility sown within our hearts.
In today's globalized world, tea is more than just a beverage; it's a symbol of refined taste. In Tokyo, brands like Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience transform the tea ceremony into a contemporary art experience where light, space, and sound are designed to maximize the multi-sensory experience for the connoisseur. Meanwhile, in London, afternoon tea at upscale hotels and tea houses remains a symbol of elegance and sophistication, where sets of mint tea and Earl Grey tea are served with scones and classical music.
In Vietnam, the art of tea is gradually reviving in new ways. The younger generation is seeking out handcrafted teas, lotus-infused teas, and indigenous herbal teas. Many modern tea houses, such as An Gia Vi, Tan House, and Ngoa Van Am in Hanoi, have recreated tea-drinking spaces with a slow and tranquil spirit. Here, tea is not just a commodity to be sold, but a space for people to learn about and connect with Vietnamese tea culture. Each pot of tea is a conversation, each puff of smoke a stream of thought, and it seems no one wants to commercialize tea excessively anymore. Perhaps tea teaches us moderation, patience, and respect for every small moment. From adjusting the water temperature to pouring just the right amount, it's all a lesson in subtlety and patience. A good cup of tea, ultimately, is the result of harmony between nature and the soul of the tea drinker.
Tea becomes a global bridge.
Tea, though originating in the East, has become a global beverage. The British have made it a symbol of aristocracy. The French consider it part of their cuisine. The Japanese and Koreans see it as a Zen philosophy. The Chinese view tea as an art of enjoyment. And the Vietnamese, after countless historical changes, still retain their own unique tea culture—simple, discreet, yet profound.
Today, Vietnamese tea is beginning to make its way to the wider world. From West Lake lotus tea, Ha Giang Shan Tuyet tea, Thai Nguyen green tea to B'Lao tea and Bao Loc Oolong tea... it is attracting international attention not only for its flavor but also for the cultural stories behind it. Many renowned fine dining chefs have begun using Vietnamese tea in their pairing menus. They try combining lotus tea with steamed fish or green tea with yuzu-flavored desserts. Tea and tea culture are gradually being reborn, not as a heritage, but in a more vibrant, accessible, and everyday way.
Tea, though originating in the East, has become a beverage enjoyed worldwide.
The beauty of tea is that it transcends boundaries. Whether you drink it from a ceramic cup, a crystal glass, or even a paper cup, tea retains the same essence: an invitation to slow down and listen to oneself.
Interestingly, the more modern people become, the more they yearn for traditional values. Tea is experiencing a resurgence in trendy spaces, from boutique tea rooms in Paris to minimalist modern tea houses in Seoul. In Vietnam, a modern approach to tea appreciation is also gradually emerging. Young artisans like Tran Phi Vu (Societea), Truong Le An (An Gia Vi), and Nguyen Thu Trang (HACOOCHA)... have organized numerous tea-making workshops, teaching tea brewing techniques, temperature, water, and the mindset for drinking tea. Other tea masters in Vietnam are also on their way to bringing tea to the younger generation.
A cup of tea – a moment of slowness. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we find peace in the aroma of the tea. Image source: Tra Vu – tea artisan.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the art of tea remains a mirror reflecting the soul. When we brew tea, we are also learning to connect with an aspect steeped in culture and imbued with the spirit of East Asia. And perhaps, in today's noisy world, a fragrant cup of tea, a moment of silence, a space that allows us to slow down is the greatest luxury a modern person can offer themselves.
