Such tiny, mini cups, how can you get a decent cuppa out of that? One sip and you're done! When brewing tea in the traditional, Chinese, gong-fu way, small, somewhat tiny cups are traditionally used. Somepeople think it's a hassle to always have to refill your cups and that such tiny cups are no where near enough to quench a thirst or satisfy ones craving for tea. But there are good reasons for why the tea cups are small – taste, appreciation and there's a social aspect as well.
Taste and appreciation
One reason for the small cups is because they're better for taste and appreciation of fine quality teas. When brewing tea the traditional gong-fu way, the general rule is, more leaves, less water, quick infusions. This releases different characteristics of the tea and with each subsequent infusion, the taste changes and evolves.The small cupsallows you to really appreciate the taste and flavour of each stage of the tea. For example, our Phoenix Honey Orchid oolong really benefits from brewing in the traditional gong-fu style.
Phoenix Honey Orchid Oolong tea
The first infusion highlights the floral fragrance inherent in the tea. On thesecond and third infusions, the more fruity, lychee and stone fruit flavours start coming to the fore. Subsequent infusions then show off the honey-like sweetness of the tea, which slowly gives way to a pleasant bitterness and general oolong flavour of the tea. It's a slow journey but one that allows you to appreciate allthe subtle taste, flavours and qualities inherent in fine Chinese teas.
Sharing is caring
There's also very much a social aspect to brewing tea in the traditional gong-fu style. Whilst tea in the West is synonymous with quiet, me time, tea in China is usually the opposite. Tea is used as a means for bringing people together, whether it's family, friends or even strangers. One of the firstthings you're offered when entering a Chinese household is some tea, whether you asked for some or not. Even retail shop owners would have a gong-fu tea setup in their shop and would offer tea to customers.
In Chinese culture, the relationship between host and guest is an important one.The host would always offer tea to his/her guests and conversations would be had over tea. Hosts would always need to be vigilant in ensuring that their guests' cups aren't empty for too long. It's an important gesture in hospitality and shows that the host is treating the guest(s) with respect and has their undivided attention. And also, if there's a lull in the conversation, the host at least has something to do in continuing to brew more tea and thereby breaking the awkward silence. Whether intentional or not, I see it as a welcomed aspect of sharing this type of tea drinking with friends and family.
Collectivist vs. Individualist
Western cultures are generally seen to be individualistic societies – that is, focusing on self, what I want and what I want to achieve – whilst Asian cultures tend to be more collectivist societies, where it's more important to maintain harmony within the group or family. This is no where more evident than withthe differing approaches to the subject of tea.
As mentioned earlier, in Western countries, tea is often associated with quiet, me time. Hence the big cuppa teas we like to brew for ourselves and enjoy at our own leisure. In China though, tea is more associated with sharing and hospitality. You offer tea to your guests and constantly need to top up their small cups with a fresh brew. Whilst I have nothing against big cups of tea, I also think that we could all do with spending some more face-to-face time with our friends and family. And what better way to do that than over small cups of tea?
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Tea Angleare based in Sydney Australia. We are purveyors of fine Chinese teas and the teas that we source are single origin and have no added flavourings. Click here to see ourtea collection
Matt Tran
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- gongfu cha /
- Tea /
- tea ceremony
3 comments
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Thank fr the info
Robin Gnzalez
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You’d put the tea into your brewing vessel first – usually in a lidded vessel called a “Gaiwan” or a small teapot. Then you brew the tea quickly before pouring it out, either directly into a series of small tea cups or into what’s known as a “fairness cup”. The following video quickly explains how to brew tea gong-fu style, where small tea cups are traditionally used
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LoZw5oMt2U
Tea Angle
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Do I need to put this tea in the cup and just pour the water over it or do I need something to encapsulate the loose tea in? I just read about the vanilla lychee tasting tea and how you can infuse it over and over in the small cups. I think this is so cool. I would like to try it but I don’t know anything about it. Thank you
Vicki Magee
Greetings, tea enthusiasts! My name is [Your Name], and I bring you a wealth of knowledge and passion for the intricate world of Chinese tea, particularly in the art of gong-fu cha or traditional Chinese tea brewing. As a connoisseur and purveyor of fine Chinese teas, my expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience with the nuances of this ancient practice.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about brewing tea in the traditional Chinese gong-fu way using small cups:
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Gong-fu Cha: Gong-fu cha is a traditional Chinese tea-brewing method that emphasizes precision, skill, and appreciation for the nuances of tea. It involves using a small brewing vessel, such as a Gaiwan or small teapot, and brewing tea quickly through multiple infusions.
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Tea Cup Size and Brewing Technique: The article discusses the use of small tea cups in gong-fu cha. The reasoning behind this choice lies in the brewing technique: more tea leaves, less water, and quick infusions. This method allows for the release of different characteristics of the tea with each infusion, showcasing the evolution of taste and flavor.
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Taste and Appreciation: The small cups in gong-fu cha enable a heightened experience of taste and appreciation for the fine qualities of Chinese teas. The article uses the example of Phoenix Honey Orchid Oolong tea, where different infusions reveal distinct fragrance, fruity notes, and a gradual transition from sweetness to bitterness.
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Social Aspect of Tea Drinking: In Chinese culture, tea serves as a social glue, bringing people together. The act of offering and sharing tea is a common practice, symbolizing hospitality and fostering connections. The host's responsibility includes ensuring that guests' tea cups are never empty, showcasing respect and undivided attention.
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Collectivist vs. Individualist Approach: The article contrasts Western individualistic tea culture, often associated with personal time and large cups, with the collectivist approach in Chinese culture, where tea is shared, and small cups are continually replenished. It highlights the cultural differences in perspective and social interaction related to tea consumption.
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Gaiwan and Brewing Process: The comment in the article refers to the use of a "Gaiwan," a lidded vessel, for brewing tea in the gong-fu style. The brewing process involves placing tea leaves into the Gaiwan, quickly brewing the tea, and then pouring it into small cups or a "fairness cup."
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Tea Angle - Purveyors of Fine Chinese Teas: The article is associated with Tea Angle, a tea purveyor based in Sydney, Australia. They specialize in sourcing single-origin Chinese teas without added flavorings, emphasizing the authenticity and quality of their tea collection.
In conclusion, the art of brewing tea in the traditional Chinese gong-fu style is a nuanced practice that goes beyond the initial impression of small cups. It involves a journey of taste, appreciation, and a cultural connection that transcends the individualistic tea-drinking approach often seen in the West. So, let's embrace the small cups and savor the rich tapestry of flavors that fine Chinese teas have to offer!
