Maria Tan
The ritual of British tea-especially the celebrated afternoon tea-conjures a very specific image: tiered cake stands laden with delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and exquisite cakes. This cherished tradition, born in the 1840s, is often attributed to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who sought a small meal to bridge the long gap between lunch…
In a quiet tea room, a host moves with deliberate grace. The sound of hot water being ladled from an iron pot fills the air. This is the Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chanoyu or the Way of Tea, an art form that transforms the simple act of drinking tea into a profound experience. Far…
Tea is one of the most popular drinks worldwide, cherished for centuries as much for its taste as for its role in tradition and culture. While many people immediately think of green tea, black tea, or perhaps a steaming mug of mint tea, the spectrum of herbal infusions—blends using various herbs, fruits, and flowers—offers countless…
Let’s be honest, when you hear “Japanese green tea,” your mind likely pictures a vibrant, frothy bowl of matcha. From trendy matcha lattes in every café to ice cream and desserts, matcha has become the undisputed global face of Japanese tea culture. And for good reason! It’s a delicious, versatile ingredient with numerous health benefits.…
In the vast and storied world of Chinese tea, few varieties command the reverence and prestige of Silver Needle white tea. Celebrated as Bai Hao Yin Zhen (白毫銀針)-meaning “White Hair Silver Needle”-this exceptional Chinese white tea sits atop the hierarchy of not just white tea, but among all tea types. Each slender ‘needle’ is not…