Gong Fu Cha: The Art of Traditional Chinese Tea Brewing

For tea lovers around the world, the method of brewing can be just as important as the tea itself. One of the most revered and intricate methods is Gong Fu Cha, the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Unlike the quick, often casual Western brewing method, Gong Fu Cha is a practice that prioritises patience, precision, and full immersion in the tea experience.

What Is Gong Fu Cha?

The term Gong Fu Cha (功夫茶) translates to "making tea with skill." It involves

• using a high leaf-to-water ratio
• brewing tea in small utensils
• conducting multiple short infusions

The ceremony itself is a mindful ritual, offering not just a drink but a sensory experience involving taste, aroma, and the art of pouring.

The Process of Gong Fu Cha

In a typical Gong Fu Cha setup, a small teapot or a gaiwan (lidded bowl) is used. The tea leaves are generously packed into the vessel, and hot water is added for a quick infusion—often as short as a few seconds, not minutes, for the initial steeps. Each infusion brings out different layers of flavour, allowing the tea to evolve with every pour.

How Does Gong Fu Cha Differ from Western Brewing?

The most significant difference lies in the brewing technique and experience:

1. Leaf-to-Water Ratio

• Gong Fu Cha uses a high ratio of tea leaves to water, whereas Western brewing typically uses fewer leaves for larger volumes. 

  For example, in a Gong Fu Cha setting, we would use 5 grams of black tea for a typical 110ml gaiwan.

  On the contrary, a tea bag usually used in the West is 3 grams only and people would use it for a 250ml teapot or an even bigger one.

2. Brewing Time

• Instead of one long steep, Gong Fu Cha involves many short infusions. Western brewing, in contrast, is often a single steep of 3–5 minutes.

3. Number of Infusions

• Western brewing usually offers a single cup, while Gong Fu Cha can produce 5 or more infusions from the same leaves, revealing new flavours with each brew.

4. The Experience

• Gong Fu Cha is a ceremony—a meditative experience that encourages you to slow down and connect with the tea. The Western method is generally more practical and suited for quick, everyday drinking.

Why Choose Gong Fu Cha?

As a certified tea sommelier, I’ve often found that Gong Fu Cha offers a deeper connection to the tea. I remember a quiet afternoon with friends, where we brewed a raw Pu’er tea over 10 infusions. Each round unveiled a new note—from fresh spring pea to honey, it felt like an aromatic journey through time.

Gong Fu Cha is perfect for:

• Appreciating high-quality, whole leaf teas.

• Creating a calming, ritualistic moment in your day.

• Sharing a unique experience with guests.

When to Opt for Western Brewing

Of course, there’s a time and place for everything. When I’m rushing through a busy London morning, I often brew a quick cup of Yunnan Black Tea Western-style.

Western brewing is ideal for:

• Convenience and speed.

• Drinking tea in the office or on the go.

• When using tea bags.

 

Whether you’re seeking the full meditative experience of Gong Fu Cha or the simplicity of Western brewing, there’s no wrong way to enjoy tea. However, if you ever find the time, I highly recommend indulging in Gong Fu Cha. It’s a chance to truly explore the depth of flavour in each leaf and to connect with an ancient tradition that transforms tea drinking into an art form.