There is no better way to start your day with a nice cup of tea. The aromatic scent, the sweet taste lingered on the tongue and the warmth that spread throughout the body as the hot tea went down the throat… I find that immensely uplifting and nourishing. Despite my love of tea, I knew very little about this popular beverage that is adored by so many people around the globe. It was not until I read “Tea. Pot. Encounter” that I learnt a lot more about the enchanting world of tea.

Ms LAM, the author, spent years on research while working as an assistant curator at the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea in Hong Kong. “Tea. Pot. Encounter” is the delightful result of such dedication of an in-depth study. It is an indispensable guide for tea lovers. It traces the legends and origins of tea drinking. It also introduces different types of teas such as oolong and pu’er. Readers will learn how the tea trade flourished and the development of tea drinking habits.

In order to delve deep into the tea culture and the art of tea ware production, the author had visited several Chinese regions such as Zhang Pu and Wuyishang which all play a vital role in inheriting Chinese tea culture. In the chapter “A Date with Chinese Tea”, the author chronicles her visit to numerous places, from a tranquil area which offers ideal climate for tea growing, to modern facilities that cultivate the tea industry in China such as tea factory, tea museum, and tea laboratory. In fact, you do not need to travel far to infuse your life with tea. As the author also highlights in the book, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware (located in Hong Kong Park) houses an exquisite collection of teaware such as Yixing purple clay potters. Plan your visit now and immerse yourself in tea heritage by appreciating such beautiful ceramic pieces.

This book serves as an ideal gateway to get a glimpse of tea culture as it encapsulates everything one need to know about tea. In case you yearn to learn more about the history of tea after reading “Tea. Pot. Encounter”, book a workstation at any branch libraries and watch the video “The ancient tea road”. Start brewing!