Savoring tea offers Vietnamese people a way to rediscover inner balance - where a simple cup connects people and preserves enduring cultural values.
Savoring tea offers Vietnamese people a way to rediscover inner balance - where a simple cup connects people and preserves enduring cultural values.
A cozy teahouse in the heart of Hanoi. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Intimate Teahouses, Meaningful Connections
Inside a serene teahouse down a narrow alleyway in Hanoi, a gentle tea fragrance drifts through the air. Rustic wooden tables, unglazed clay teapots, fresh flower stems, and soft music help visitors slow down after a long day.
A tea space - a place that connects people. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Nguyen Thanh Huyen, a tea master, shares as she pours a fresh brew: "When taking a sip of tea, the first sensation is not the taste, but the aroma. The fragrance arrives subtly, followed by the astringency, bitterness, or delicate clarity on the palate. What lingers at the end is pure emotion."
Within this tranquil setting, every guest arrives with their own story. Some seek quiet solitude, while others meet with partners or friends; yet all find common ground in slowing down over a cup of tea.
At Ai Tra Teahouse, Bac, the owner, chose a simple yet clear philosophy: preserving the authentic nature of Vietnamese tea. "We use Bat Trang ceramic teapots, driftwood furniture, and greenery to help guests feel as close to nature as possible," Bac said. The teahouses curate tea leaves sourced from Ha Giang, Son La, and Lai Chau - regions famous for preserving the authentic flavors of the land and climate.
Vietnamese tea leaves retain their rustic. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
"When taking a sip of tea, the first sensation is not the taste, but the aroma. The fragrance arrives subtly, followed by the astringency, bitterness, or delicate clarity on the palate. What lingers at the end is pure emotion."
Beyond enjoying tea, patrons can experience brewing tea. From the first infusion brewed at around 95°C as the leaves unfurl to subsequent pours, each cup reveals a distinct shade and character. What remains after is not just a sweet lingering aftertaste, but a sense of tranquility.
From Everyday Cuppa to Cultural Depth
In Vietnam, tea is present not only in refined tea spaces, but in every corner of daily life - from formal intellectual gatherings to humble street tea stalls.
Tea artisan Nguyen Ngoc Tuan said that while younger generations are approaching tea in more modern ways, the core essence of Vietnamese tea culture remains unchanged - centered on simplicity and harmony.
A tea space - a place that connects people. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
Ancient Vietnamese scholars summarized the art of tea appreciation through six essential elements: First water, second tea, third brewing technique, fourth teapot, fifth setting, and sixth ambient sound. Among these, the setting refers to the environment- be it a peaceful porch, a village communal hall, or a quiet temple courtyard - while sound encompasses the gentle sounds of nature and daily life. Together, they harmonize to create a complete sensory experience.
The tea brewer plays a crucial role. They not only understand the tea leaves, but also know how to select the right water, teapot, setting, and timing. As the saying goes, "water is the mother of tea" - only with the right water can the full aroma of the tea be awakened.
A styled Vietnamese tea setting. Photo: Viet Cuong/VNP
According to researchers, Vietnamese tea culture possesses a rich history, appearing in poetry as early as the Ly Dynasty (1010–1225) and enduring across various forms, from folk traditions to scholar circles. Despite historical influences from neighboring cultures, Vietnamese tea retains its unique identity: unpretentious, unbound by rigid rituals, and centered on naturalness and personal experience.
Today, alongside traditional green teas, scented varieties infused with jasmine, lotus, or seasonal fruits are widely enjoyed, adding emotional depth for tea lovers. Yet no matter how preferences evolve, the core spirit remains unchanged: drinking tea to connect with others and with oneself.
A cup of tea is thus far more than a simple drink. It offers a quiet pause amidst the rush of life—a sanctuary where individuals regain their balance. Like a soft fragrance gently drifting through the air, Vietnamese tea culture is unostentatious, yet deep enough to linger in memory, emotion, and the everyday way of life./.
Story: Bich Van Photos: Viet Cuong/VNP