Gong Fu Cha

Gong Fu or Kung Fu may have connotations of martial arts and self-defense, but the words Gong Fu in Chinese mean skills attained through practice and effort.  Thus, Gong Fu Cha does not involve tea cup sparring and can be described as mindfully and effectively preparing tea to maximize the enjoyment of it. 

Gong Fu Cha originated in China, allegedly Guangdong province.  It is pragmatic and follows basic principles of brewing tea, such as good water and quality tea.   In addition to a pot and cups, Gong Fu Cha enhances tea drinking experience with accessories.

bamboo tea tray and gaiwan set

Gong Fu Cha must-haves:

• good water and a tea kettle
• quality loose tea leaves, traditionally, Oolong or Pu'er.  
• a small tea pot (e.g., Yixing) or a gaiwan (covered bowl)
• small tea cups
• a stone or wood tea tray with a reservoir or optionally a bowl to collect discarded water.

Nice-to-haves:

• fragrance cups
• a tea pitcher
• a tea tool set, including a tea needle, a tea scoop, tea tongs, a tea spoon, and a tea funnel.
• a tea strainer, a tea holder, tea coasters, etc.

use of fragrance cups and cups

tea tool set

Following are simplified steps of Gong Fu Cha:

1. Prepare water
2. Warm the tea pot and cups
3. Rinse tea leaves and discard first brew.
4. Infuse tea leaves (multiple infusions).
5. Serve the tea.

stone tea tray and yixing pot set