Hanoian's art of enjoying Tay Ho lotus tea

According to tea artist Nguyen Viet Hung, enjoying lotus tea is not only about feeling the fragrance and the taste, but also a way to practice meditation.
February 25, 2021 | 08:28
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In the past, there was a saying "Nhất thủy, nhị trà, tam pha, tứ ấm, ngũ quần anh" (Water is the most important, tea ranks second, brewing technique ranks third, teapot ranks forth, companions rank fifth). According to Nguyen Viet Hung, the champion of the Vietnam Tea Master Cup 2016 contest, there are about 7 steps to make lotus tea, which is miraculously embalmed.

First, the diners gently separate the lotus petals to get the tea leaves inside. Next, put the tea leaves in a bamboo tray and use only leaves to make tea. Before making tea, it is necessary to warm the cup with boiling water. Then slowly put the tea into the teapot, brew it for 3 minutes to let the heat of the teapot awaken the aroma of tea. Use boiling water of about 80 - 85 degrees Celcius and pour into the kettle. Soak the tea for 30 seconds to one minute. Finally, pour the tea into the serving cup.

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According to Nguyen Viet Hung, the champion of the Vietnam Tea Master Cup 2016 contest, there are about 7 steps to make lotus tea, which is miraculously embalmed. (Photo: VN Express)
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Enjoying lotus tea is not only about feeling the fragrance and the taste, but also a way to practice meditation. (Photo: VN Express)

A lotus teapot should have clear water and gentle flavors. Enjoyers should not drink it immediately but gently enjoy the aroma first. Then, take a small sip and slowly sip the cup of tea. Lotus tea is a combination of aromatic, sweet, and acrid flavor, the acrid taste of tea, the sweetness, and the aroma of the flower.

Hung shared that enjoying tea was also a way to practice meditation to find inner peace. "When we make tea, we focus on each step. At the same time, friends who love tea share and talk, focusing on the present", I said.

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Before making tea, it is necessary to warm the cup with boiling water. Then slowly put the tea into the teapot, brew it for 3 minutes to let the heat of the teapot awaken the aroma of tea. (Photo: VN Express)
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A lotus teapot should have clear water and gentle flavors. (Photo: VN Express)

Enjoying lotus tea made by the artist, Duy Hoang (Hanoi) shares: "The tea has a mild acrid taste, blending with the lotus scent. After drinking, the sense of the lotus aroma remains in the mouth for a while".

Lotus tea is considered a specialty of Ha Thanh land while enjoying lotus tea is an art. Because tea enjoying must be delicate to be able to feel all the elegance in the teacup. Every lotus flower season, Hanoians have fun watching flowers, sipping a cup of fragrant lotus tea, and talking about life. Lotus flowers in Hanoi usually bloom in June and July, a lotus tea bud is sold for between 50,000 and 70,000 VND (2,1 - 3 USD).

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Enjoyers should not drink it immediately but gently enjoy the aroma first. (Photo: VN Express)
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Lotus tea is considered a specialty of Ha Thanh land while enjoying lotus tea is an art. (Photo: VN Express)
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