Without being flashy or ostentatious, the Lao Cai booth was set up like a miniature cultural museum. Instead of flashy advertising, there were the sounds of the Hmong flute, the lively dances of the highland people, and the patient artisans rinsing teapots and brewing tea. They weren't just bringing a product; they were telling the story of the centuries-old tea trees, bathed in dew and wind on the peak of Suoi Giang.
At the heart of the space are steaming cups of tea, their amber hue shimmering and emitting thin wisps of smoke that seem to carry the fragrance of the mountains and forests. Visitors flock in, to the point that the artisans seem to have no moment to rest.
In a conversation with us, Mr. Dao Duc Hieu - Director of Suoi Giang Ecosystem Cooperative, his eyes filled with pride, shared: "Our biggest wish when creating this space is not about how much tea we can sell, but for visitors to be able to feel the soul and essence of our homeland."
"We're not just bringing tea here; we're bringing the space, the culture, and the rustic charm of the people on the top of Suoi Giang mountain to the capital. When people raise a cup of tea, they'll feel the essence of nature, the spiritual energy of the earth and sky converging in each tea bud. It's a source of pride to contribute a small part in bringing Lao Cai cuisine closer to everyone," Mr. Hieu shared.
It seems that the hospitality of the people of Lao Cai has truly touched the hearts of the people of Hanoi and domestic and international tourists. A long line of people patiently waited to enjoy each cup of hot tea. They passed it around, gently sipped it, then paused, nodded, their eyes shining with satisfaction.
Standing quietly in a corner, enjoying his tea, Mr. Vu Hong Quy from Hanoi exclaimed with emotion: "It's wonderful! The tea has a rich flavor, and its aroma lingers on and on."
Mr. Quy's feelings are shared by many others. Holding a cup of black tea in her hand, Ms. Nguyen Thu Ngoc from Hanoi City offered a more nuanced analysis: "I've tried many types of tea, but this tea has a truly special flavor. It has a unique, pure aroma that isn't diluted at all. Even with just a small sip, the difference is so clear that it's unforgettable."
That "very authentic, very special" taste left a deep impression on Mr. Do Duc Hoan from Thanh Xuan Nam ward, Hanoi. He confided: "This flavor makes me long for the day I can set foot in Suoi Giang, stand amidst the tea hills, and experience this wonderful atmosphere. It will certainly be an unforgettable memory."
What's even more special is that it's not just about enjoying tea and shopping. Many visitors choose to sit for a long time at the tea table, engaging in lively conversations with the artisans. They not only ask about tea brewing methods but also want to learn more about the ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees, and about the life and culture of the people on the summit of Suoi Giang. The small exhibition booth suddenly becomes a cultural meeting point, where the distance between seller and buyer disappears, leaving only warm stories told over fragrant cups of tea.
The exhibition will eventually close, and people will return to their usual hustle and bustle. However, the sweet aftertaste of a cup of Suoi Giang tea will surely linger in the memories of those who once stopped at that peaceful little corner. It's not just the taste of the tea, but also the flavor of the mountains and forests, of the culture, and the sincere hospitality of the people of Lao Cai.
This success is a source of joy, opening up new horizons and igniting hope for a future festival of ancient tea trees, and further afield, for the journey to elevate Vietnamese tea culture to world heritage status. May the aroma of Suoi Giang tea not only linger in the heart of the capital, but also spread far and wide, disseminating the quintessential values of Vietnam.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/huong-tra-co-thu-giua-long-thu-do-post881129.html
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