Thank you, Vietnamese tea!

(NLĐO) - This was the observation of a French sociologist named Laurent when he visited the Huong B'Lao tea room at the foot of Dai Binh mountain.

Huong B'Lao Tea Room

These are the heartfelt words of a foreigner visiting the Bảo Lộc mountain plateau – the largest tea-producing region in Southern Vietnam, where the French brought Sam tea seeds from India and planted them in 1927.

As a local interpreter, last year I took a French sociologist named Laurent to the Huong B'Lao tea room at the foot of Dai Binh mountain.

After listening to Ms. Do Son, the owner of the tea house, introduce Vietnamese tea culture, Mr. Laurent shook hands with the guide and happily said: "I was born in France and have experienced many countries. Coming here this time and learning about the cultural layers of the Vietnamese people is truly interesting. This is my impression of Vietnamese tea."

Dr. Laurent , a French sociologist, is the author.

Firstly, before drinking tea, one should awaken the tea set, awaken the spirit of the tea, and then awaken the heart as one engages in tea conversation.

Secondly, we learn that the ancient Vietnamese taught their descendants through the skill of brewing and drinking tea, starting with the aroma of the teacup, then through the taste and imagery, remembering their ancestors who, barefoot and wielding swords, pioneered and defended the land, so that now they can sit together in peace.

Ms. Do Son (in white shirt) - Vice Chairman of the B'Lao Tea Club - infusing jasmine tea.

Finally, during a tea conversation, one must carefully consider their words to ensure a pleasant outcome for their companion. Vietnamese people have a custom of slurping their tea before drinking, the act of smacking their lips together signifying appreciation for the flavor and gratitude to the host, remembering their ancestors. Furthermore, the lesson from tea is the connection between people, the skill of sincere interaction; meaning that the tea's strength—whether strong, medium, or weak—suits individual preferences, so that when parting, people still remember each other's shared experiences and the flavors of life..."

As we parted, he patted my shoulder and whispered, "It's wonderful! A country where just looking at a steaming cup of tea is enough to recognize the rich culture and patriotic spirit of the entire nation. Thank you, Mrs. Do Son, thank you, Vietnamese tea!"

Source: https://nld.com.vn/cam-on-tra-viet-196250425103425089.htm