Drinking tea - the past and present culture of Hanoians

Over time, drinking tea is not considered as drinking other juices but as an art form featured in Vietnamese culture, because it gives drinkers a sense of relaxation amidst busy life. Vietnamese people are invited to drink tea not only for refreshment, but also to express their noble culture, which is an expression of intimacy, the desire for harmony, and soul-talk. Vietnamese people are invited to drink tea to start chatting, to discuss family, social, and love stories, to feel the taste of heaven and earth, plants, and everything in a cup of tea.

Regarding the origin, many cultural researchers believe that the Vietnamese custom of drinking tea was adapted from China. According to many researchers, Vietnamese tea has very basic differences compared with Chinese tea in the way of brewing, drinking and seasoning.

There are two main types of tea. Fresh tea is the green tea leaves, just enough not too old, boiled in water, drink to nourish the body and spirit. Dried tea is made from carefully selected young leaves and buds, with many meticulous processing stages.

Tea has become a popular drink of Vietnamese people in general and Hanoians in particular. Sipping a cup of tea after breakfast has been shown to relieve work stress. Stop by a roadside iced tea shop and enjoy a cup of iced tea that is truly refreshing. Tea is also the first thing the host gives to welcome guests.

Hanoians drink tea anywhere, anytime they like. However, there are three popular places to drink tea for them: At home, at the office, and teahouses or cafes. Almost every family in Hanoi has a set of teapots. Every time a guest comes to visit, the polished tea set shows the respect and hospitality of the host to the guest.

Coffee shops that were once open on the streets of Hanoi are now facing competition from tea shops. Each teahouse has its own style of service: Japanese teahouse with formal etiquette, Chinese teahouse with desserts and Vietnamese teahouse with simple enjoyment. Combining these things has enriched the tea-drinking culture of Hanoians. with the same simplicity and intimacy so that they can fully enjoy their cup of tea.

Hanoians tend to drink tea in places where they can park their motorbike and feel most comfortable, such as at the roadside. In the scorching heat of summer, a glass of iced tea will dispel all fatigue. Cold winter mornings, a cup of hot tea will make people think more about life.

In recent years, lemon tea has also become a popular drink. Lemon tea is made from the original tea, adding sugar and a few slices of lemon to make a great summer drink. The lemon tea shop on Dao Duy Tu street or Nha Tho street is always busy with visitors, especially young people.

Along with international integration, young people in Hanoi today often find milk tea shops located right in the city centers. Trendy drinks with all kinds of brands attract young people by their sweetness and rich "toppings" such as pearls, jellies, cheese... Milk tea is also an addictive drink for young people, although compared to tea. Traditionally it's not cheap.

It can be said that tea is a popular drink of Hanoians. Each type of tea, a way of enjoying it, reflects its own culture. Therefore, whether under the French colonial period or in the midst of a strong modernization wave, tea still has a certain place in the hearts of Hanoians.