Chaoshan Gongfu Cha
Chaoshan Gongfu Tea is a meticulous tea preparation ritual that is central to Chaoshan social culture. Using a small teapot and tiny cups, the tea is brewed in multiple quick infusions, with each round revealing different flavors. It is considered a refined art form as well as a daily social practice.
Ingredients
- Chaozhou kung fu tea 2 stalk
- Cooking oil to taste
- Salt to taste
- Soy sauce 1 tbsp
- Cooking wine 1 tbsp
- Scallions, ginger and garlic to taste
Instructions
- 1. Boil a pot of water and set aside
- 2. Warm the teapot and teacup with boiling water and pour away the warm water
- 3. Put an appropriate amount of tea leaves into the teapot (about one-third of the capacity of the teapot)
- 4. Pour in boiling water and quickly pour out the first brew (wash the tea)
- 5. Pour boiling water again, soak for 10-20 seconds and then pour into a fair cup
- 6. Divide into small teacups and drink. You can brew multiple times in succession.
Cultural Notes
Gongfu Tea is the cultural heartbeat of the Chaoshan people. The phrase 'Gongfu' here does not mean martial arts — it refers to the skill, patience, and effort devoted to preparing tea. In Chaoshan households, offering Gongfu Tea to guests is as essential as greeting them. The preferred tea is Fenghuang Dancong (Phoenix Single Bush), grown in the mountains of Chaozhou. A true Chaoshan person is said to drink Gongfu Tea from morning until night.