The British have long debated the perfect way to brew a cup of tea, but in recent years the Chinese-style gongfu method has gained increasing attention in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
For many tea drinkers, gongfu brewing can seem intimidating or time-consuming. The good news is that you don’t need an elaborate ceremony to enjoy the benefits of this traditional approach. A simplified gongfu session can be both accessible and deeply rewarding.
Traditional cups often used during gongfu-style tea sessions.
Strictly speaking, gongfu is not a ceremony but a method. The term generally refers to doing something with skill and attention, whether that activity is brewing tea, practicing martial arts, or mastering any craft. While some tea enthusiasts enjoy the full traditional process, there’s no need to complicate things when you’re just getting started.
Gongfu Tea Time in 6 Easy Steps
-
Gather Your Equipment
You’ll need loose-leaf tea, a small teapot or gaiwan, fresh water, a kettle, several small cups, and optionally a fairness pitcher for decanting the tea. A tray and cloth for managing drips are also helpful. -
Warm the Teaware and Steep the Tea
Rinse the brewing vessel with hot water and use that water to warm the cups. Discard the water, add the tea leaves, and begin your first infusion according to the tea’s recommended brewing parameters. -
Serve the Tea
Pour the brewed tea into a pitcher if desired, then into the cups. This helps ensure an even flavor throughout the serving. -
Appreciate and Savor
Sip thoughtfully and pay attention to the aroma, texture, and flavor. A gentle slurp is perfectly acceptable and helps aerate the tea, allowing more flavors to reach the palate. -
Examine the Leaves
One of the pleasures of gongfu brewing is watching quality tea leaves fully unfurl through multiple infusions. Premium loose-leaf teas often reveal their craftsmanship once opened. -
Clean Up Properly
Wash teaware thoroughly after use. If you’re using a Yixing clay teapot, avoid soap, as the porous clay may absorb odors and flavors. Allow all equipment to dry completely before storing.
Teas That Shine with Gongfu Brewing
The gongfu method works especially well with premium loose-leaf teas that reveal new layers of flavor through multiple infusions.
White Teas
Green Teas
Oolong Teas
Darjeeling Teas
Black Teas Worth Experimenting With
While black teas are not traditionally the focus of gongfu brewing, many perform surprisingly well using this method.
The Bottom Line
Gongfu tea preparation doesn’t have to be complicated. At its heart, it’s simply a mindful way of experiencing tea through small infusions, careful observation, and appreciation of the leaf.
Start simple, experiment with different teas, and enjoy discovering how flavors evolve from one infusion to the next.
Happy steeping!
See more of A.C. Cargill’s articles in this archive of tea lifestyle and brewing articles.
© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009–2014. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Excerpts may be used with proper credit and links to the original content.
Leave a Reply