Understanding the Art of Tea Appreciation the Right Way

Being knowledgeable about the art of tea and savoring tea in the manner of the ancients is an admirable skill. According to traditional Vietnamese belief, tea is an essential part of the seven daily necessities: firewood, rice, oil, salt, fish sauce, vinegar, and tea. Over time, drinking tea has become a refined, tranquil cultural tradition.

The Art of Tea Appreciation

Today, many of the intricate rituals once involved in tea appreciation have been simplified to fit modern lifestyles, yet the essence and wisdom passed down from previous generations remain preserved.

Each region or ethnic group has developed its own unique way of enjoying tea, contributing to the diversity and richness of this art form.

The meticulous process of scenting tea, the careful technique of brewing, and the elegant, thoughtful enjoyment of a cup of tea—filled with philosophies of life—have shaped a distinctly Vietnamese tea culture.

The phrase “Nhất thủy, nhì trà, tam bôi, tứ ấm, ngũ quần anh” (First water, second tea, third cup, fourth teapot, fifth companions) encapsulates the complete philosophy of Vietnamese tea appreciation.

According to Tea Master Lu Yu, the author of The Classic of Tea, fire is the “tea master,” and water is the “tea companion.” A good tea requires the right fire and the right water. Traditionally, water used to brew tea comes from natural rainwater, mountain springs, or more delicately, early morning dew collected on lotus leaves—or even a blend of rainwater and well water, referred to as yin-yang water.

Choosing the Right Water for a Good Pot of Tea

To boil the water, one should use smokeless charcoal, as it does not affect the taste or aroma of the water. The heat must be carefully controlled according to each type of tea to avoid burning the leaves and losing their delicate flavors.

Nowadays, most people use well water, and modern electric kettles with intelligent temperature settings are widely adopted, helping tea enthusiasts maintain the perfect water quality consistently.

Selecting the Tea

Good tea is selected based on four criteria: purity, color, taste, and spirit. To ensure the tea is neither too bland nor too bitter, the amount of tea used must be proportionate to the type of tea and individual preferences. While this is not an exact science, it is advisable to follow recommended ratios from tea producers and then adjust accordingly.

The Role of the Teacup and Teapot

The phrase “tam bôi, tứ bình” (third cup, fourth teapot) emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate teacups and teapots based on the style of drinking—whether solo (độc ẩm), with a friend (song ẩm), or in a group (quần ẩm). Brewing methods vary with each tea master’s experience and techniques, but generally follow a traditional sequence to ensure a perfect cup.

The material and type of teapot also affect flavor retention—different teas benefit from different teapots, such as those made from Yixing clay or red clay, which help preserve the aroma and enhance the taste.

The Fifth Element: Tea Companions

The final element—“ngũ quần anh”—refers to the tea companions. Because tea enjoyment is often poetic and elegant, finding a true tea companion is not easy. It might be fate that brings people together through tea, or perhaps shared understanding and kindred spirits.

The full experience of tea appreciation involves all five senses:

• Eyes to observe the tea’s color,

• Nose to inhale its aroma,

• Ears to hear the gentle pour,

• Tongue to taste the flavor,

• Hands to feel the warmth of the cup.

To truly appreciate tea, one must brew with intention and drink with mindfulness. Only then can one grasp the profound value of tea and the philosophy it carries. Therefore, understanding the professional steps of tea brewing is not only essential for enjoying tea properly—it also serves as a meaningful way to cultivate the self.