Discover the process of infusing tea with lotus flowers, the most expensive tea in Hanoi.

TPO - The art of infusing tea with lotus flowers in Quang An (Tay Ho district, Hanoi) has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Every time the lotus flowers bloom profusely by West Lake, Hanoi tea connoisseurs eagerly await the season of infusing tea with lotus flowers – an elegant and refined beverage known as the "essence of heaven and earth".

Báo Tiền Phong•16/06/2025

The most expensive lotus tea-infusing process in Hanoi: A beverage that embodies the "essence of heaven and earth".

The art of infusing tea with lotus blossoms in Quang An (Tay Ho District, Hanoi ) has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It's no coincidence that Bach Diep lotus tea from West Lake is considered the finest tea, selling for tens of millions of dong per kilogram. To produce one kilogram, Hanoi artisans need more than 1,000 lotus blossoms and must undergo seven infusion processes, a very elaborate and meticulous procedure.

Every year, when lotuses bloom profusely by West Lake, Hanoi tea connoisseurs eagerly await the season of lotus-infused tea – an elegant and refined beverage known as the "essence of heaven and earth".

Infusing tea with lotus blossoms is a craft that demands meticulousness, subtlety, and elegance. The process of infusing West Lake tea with lotus blossoms may seem simple, but achieving teas imbued with the fragrance of lotus flowers while retaining the pure tea flavor requires meticulous effort and finesse. It is this very dedication that has transformed this tea into one of Hanoi's most expensive and precious gifts.

One kilogram of premium West Lake lotus tea sells for 7-10 million VND/kg, or even more depending on the type. "To make one kilogram of lotus tea, an artisan needs 1,000-1,200 lotus flowers. Every step of the lotus tea infusion process is done entirely by hand. To produce this special tea, it requires seven layers of lotus rice infusion and drying. A layer of tea is followed by a thin layer of lotus rice," said Ms. Chau Giang, a long-time lotus tea infusion maker in West Lake.

Instant lotus-infused tea is quite easy to make. Lotus flowers, immediately after being cut from the lake or purchased early in the morning, should be infused with tea while the lotus fragrance is at its strongest. After infusing, the flowers are placed in vases or bowls of water and left overnight. The next day, when the lotus fragrance has permeated the tea, it's ready to be enjoyed. Any remaining infused lotus flowers can be preserved by vacuum-sealing them in the freezer for later use.

The type of tea infused in lotus flowers costs around 30,000 to 50,000 VND per flower. This is also considered one of the most expensive types of tea, reserved only for the wealthy.

For a long time, West Lake lotus tea has been a famous delicacy of Hanoi people. Lotus tea is considered the quintessential drink of nature, representing the elegance of Hanoi, especially Quang An lotus tea.

Referee - Tienphong.vn

Source: https://tienphong.vn/kham-pha-quy-trinh-uop-tra-sen-dat-do-nhat-ha-thanh-post1751529.tpo