Best Food In China

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Of the three major beverages of the world-- tea, coffee and cocoa-- tea is consumed by the largest number of people. China is the homeland of tea. It is believed that China has tea-shrubs as early as five to six thousand years ago, and human cultivation of teaplants dates back two thousand years. Tea from China, along with her silk and porcelain, began to be known the world over more than a thousand years ago and has since always been an important Chinese export. Chinese tea is a beverage, Chinese tea is a pass time, and Chinese tea is a culture.

Thus, it was a novelty when I received a request to review a Chinese tea-house. Far flung from the known square mile of Shanghai, I took the Line 1 metro to Wenshui Road station, alighted and hopped into a taxi with my companion for a short taxi ride to Jincheng Road and Gaoping Road junction. Feeling slightly aloof about the district, I quickly realized that I was amongst a popular residential district surrounded by schools and universities. Surprisingly, De Yuan Ju Teahouse held an impressive façade similar to most large Chinese restaurants.

Once I stepped through the traditional wooden doorway, I was overwhelmed by the tranquility of the flowing water fountain and mini-lagoon that was home to several species of koi carp. Immediately, I appreciated that the owner had placed a lot of attention in the details and design of the interiors. While there were commonly known fixtures of Chinese carvings and furniture, it was the careful combination of western style sofas and masterful photography that added a modern and artistic touch to what would have been a traditional Chinese tea-house.

We were treated to a guided tour by the manager and made aware that De Yuan Ju teahouse is a recent establishment by a Shanghainese entrepreneur who decided to pursue his long-term dream of sharing his passion of Chinese tea culture to the community. His appreciation of Chinese tea is not only through tasting but widely acquired through his explorations of West and North China. In each different style private tea-rooms, there are memorabilia and scenic photos that highlight his many travels across China.

After the tour, we were settled into a private tea-room furnished with Chinese touches but comfortable western-style armchairs. While traditional rose-wood furniture is pleasing to the eye, it may not be so kind to the body after a few hours of fidgeting! With some casual knowledge of Chinese tea, I understood that De Yuan Ju teahouse serves many variations of tea, such as Pu’Er, Oolong, Tie Guan Yin. Of course, there are many different grades of tea and some exclusive tea from far-flung regions of China.

Even if you might not be an aficionado of Chinese tea, the mere presentation in beautiful ceramics will help you enjoy the soothing beverage over hearty conversations with friends. Apparently, the service staffs are all recruited from Chinese tea institutions, trained in the art of tea ceremony and knowledge of tea leaves and brewing methodologies.

Unfortunately, English is not a forte at this teahouse but for expatriates with some Chinese ability, it is a good step to developing and indulging in the art and culture of Chinese tea. Whatever you think Chinese tea is, Chinese tea is a life time of enjoyment.

-by Brian Sun

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