8 September 2026
What Is a Tea Pet? The Small Companion on a Gong Fu Tea Tray
What is a tea pet, why do people pour tea over it, and do you actually need one? A personal guide to chá chǒng, patina, symbolism and Gong Fu tea culture.
The Journal
Notes on balance, brewing and the leaves we source — a slow read for the ritual.
6 September 2026
What Is Cha Qi? Understanding the Feeling of Tea in the Body
What do tea drinkers mean by cha qi? A grounded look at body feeling, tea drunk, caffeine, L-theanine and the physical sensations that can emerge during a Gong Fu session.
23 August 2026
Why Tea Houses Are Becoming Social Spaces Again
Tea houses are finding new relevance as places to slow down, meet people and spend time without rushing. I explore why the simple act of sharing tea still creates such a powerful social space.
11 August 2026
How to Make Cold Brew Tea
Cold brewing is one of the easiest ways to enjoy whole-leaf tea. Discover my simple overnight method, starting with 2 grams of tea per 240 ml of filtered water, plus which teas I find work best and why tasting and adjusting your brew matters more than following rigid rules.
19 July 2026
What Are Golden Flowers? Eurotium cristatum: The Truth Behind Tea’s Most Misunderstood Treasure
Golden Flowers are one of the most fascinating and misunderstood features of traditional Fu Brick tea. Often mistaken for mould, these tiny golden colonies of Eurotium cristatum are a valued part of the fermentation process in certain Hei Cha. Discover what they are, how they influence flavour, and why they represent a unique expression of tea rather than a measure of quality.
14 July 2026
What Makes a Quality Tea Leaf? And How Skilled Makers Bring Out Its Best
What makes one tea leaf more suitable than another? Explore how tenderness, season, cultivar and careful plucking shape the raw material, and how skilled makers use withering, rolling, oxidation, heat and drying to bring out its best qualities.
1 July 2026
What Equipment Do I Need to Start Gong Fu Tea Brewing?
New to Gong Fu Cha? Discover the essential equipment you need to begin, from choosing a porcelain gaiwan to understanding fairness pitchers, cups and kettles. Learn which tools are truly necessary, which can wait, and why great tea depends more on thoughtful brewing than expensive teaware.
18 June 2026
How to Taste Tea Like a Professional
Professional tea tasting is not about finding the “correct” flavour. It is about learning to observe aroma, texture, balance, finish and the way a tea evolves through each infusion.
16 June 2026
What Is a Gaiwan? Why It Remains the Best Vessel for Gong Fu Brewing
A gaiwan is a simple Chinese lidded bowl, yet it offers remarkable control over loose leaf tea. Discover how it works, how to hold and pour from one, and why porcelain remains such a versatile choice for Gong Fu brewing.