Expat Choice | Discovering the Art of Tea at Yixing Xuan Teahouse

Discovering the Art of Tea at Yixing Xuan Teahouse

Published - 27 November 2023, Monday

Come and experience the magical realm of Chinese tea culture at Yixing Xuan Teahouse, where the ancient and contemporary come together in a delightful fusion of old-fashioned charm and new-age vibes. Established in 1989 by Vincent Low, a tea lover who used to work in banking, and currently managed by his daughter Charlene, this teahouse is a delightful sanctuary for those who are new to the world of tea and eager to embark on a journey to discover the diverse and captivating realm of Chinese tea.

Vincent's adventure in the enchanting realm of tea commenced when a dear companion graciously acquainted him with the delightful wonders of Chinese tea. Feeling a sudden urge for a new experience, he decided to travel to China and Taiwan to explore the enchanting world of tea. Ever since then, he has been on an exciting journey to spread the delight of appreciating tea. After dabbling in the world of banking, Charlene decided to follow her father's lead and join him in carrying on the family tradition.

At Yixing Xuan Teahouse, the amazing father-daughter duo hosts these super cool Tea Appreciation workshops that people from all over the world just love! Oh my goodness, these workshops are like a magical portal that takes you on a journey to discover the enchanting world of tea! You get to explore all the different types of tea leaves and the super cool equipment used to brew them.

Tea Appreciation Experience

These workshops also let you dive into the captivating realm of Chinese culture, arts, and the mind-blowing history of tea. It's like stepping into a whole new universe of tea-tastic wonders! The duo, like, totally knows all about the old-school ways of making tea. They're all about sharing that knowledge with peeps who want to get all zen and stuff by making Chinese tea. It's, like, super therapeutic and stuff.

In the workshops, you'll get to discover the fascinating world of brewing a delightful pot of tea and explore the many ways tea can be good for your health. The Low family really loves tea! It's not just a drink to them; it's a whole way of life. They believe that tea brings people together, helps them unwind, and even helps them make lifelong friends.

tea leaf inspec bowl

If you're super excited to start your tea adventure, Yixing Xuan Teahouse kindly suggests that you consider reserving a spot for one of their workshops. Oh, these workshops, you see, they're quite delightful! You should be aware that they take place by appointment and last for an entire hour. And guess what? They're perfect for a small group of at least 2 people, but no more than 25 people. Isn't that just splendid?

Oh, and guess what? Yixing Xuan Teahouse is totally open for bookings for corporate or personal functions! The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the teahouse is just perfect for creating special moments to remember. Just give them a little nudge, and they'll handle everything, making sure your event is filled with the enchantment of Chinese tea traditions.

So, whether you're just starting your tea journey or have been sipping for a while, Yixing Xuan Teahouse is the ideal spot to explore the wonders of Chinese tea and enhance your love for it. Chill out, unwind, and let the super fragrant universe of tea take you to a spot where each gulp is like a trip through loads of history and custom.

Book A Workshop Here

a. 78 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088499

e. [email protected]

w. www.yixingxuan-teahouse.com

fb. www.facebook.com/yixingxuan

ig. www.instagram.com/yxteahouse

t. +65 6224 6961

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Comments

Sylvia Fernandes

27 Nov 2023 , Mon

384 comments

ELITE

RATED 7 / 8

I had walked past Yixing Xuan Teahouse on Tanjong Pagar Road so often but never noticed it. Tucked away in a smaller than usual shophouse it was like stepping back in time as I entered this premise.

Charlene, a banker turned entrepreneur took over her father’s business as he saw retirement ahead of him. Passionate about tea which was very obvious during the appreciation hour we spent with her!

My hard drive needed a severe upgrade, I thought to myself. I was not a tea drinker. In fact there was only one type of tea I loved which I would reveal later in the piece.

My first shock as Charlene began educating us on tea was that there was only one tea tree in the world and the British were responsible for spreading this tree from China to other parts globally. So today tea is found everywhere. Nice!

Another a-ha was that flower/floral-scented and herbal varieties were not classified as tea. These have become commonplace for so many who do not drink tea due to the caffeine content. Out you go!

The four different categories of tea were white, green, oolong and black. Now there’s something else I never knew. Each of these teas are harvested from different parts of a tea tree – silver needles, a few leaves from tips of the tree, sprouts and leaves/branches further down the tree.

Obviously the more labour-intensive harvesting like white tea for instance, came with a premium. Perfect for people who want the antioxidant and anticancer properties with the least caffeine, were white and green teas.

As Charlene continued with her tea facts, I revealed my favourite tea – Pu-erh tea. A very old tea considered a black tea, this was great for digestion and according to one of her clients, to lower cholesterol. I raised my hand! I was in.

Chinese tea drinking culture was a social thing to do in the old days, as people connected over this national treasure. I could just see how people looked forward to these rituals of drinking tea together akin to how we meet for food and drinks at a restaurant today.

This quaint experience ended with a few yummy dim sums to close the loop. We walked around the shop fascinated by the myriad teapots and tea cups on sale plus of course loads of tea varieties to choose from.

A highly recommended experience for those who would like to be acquainted with this culture. It was an inspiring afternoon of bringing the world of the old into the present.