Vietnamese Lotus tea is a type of green tea and Hanoi traditional food that has been already flavored with the scent of lotus. Lotus is considered as a national flower in Viet Nam because it represents beauty, purity and good fortune. The perfect blend between the soft aroma of lotus and the freshness of Tan Cuong Thai Nguyen tea makes a special delicate tea that people can’t forget if have a chance to try one time on Hanoi street food tours. There are many regions in Vietnam produce lotus tea but lotus tea from Ho Tay (West Lake), Hanoi has a unique flavor. Lotus tea seems to have gone beyond this historical land and became the pride of the Vietnamese.
The history and Vietnamese tea culture
As early as 13th century, Vietnamese consumed green tea as a daily drink. However, Lotus tea was originally created for King Tu Duc during the 19th century Nguyen Dynasty. In Asian ancient concept, tea represents many philosophical values and it was a source of spiritual purity. They also believe that tea binds people together and express hospitality.
Vietnamese drink tea everywhere such as friends and family gathering, guest visits. So in Vietnam, the people also love to have a tea set in the small real tiny cup. Thet always pour tea to invite people into their house whenever they make new friends. The Vietnamese call it “Tra tam giao” meaning with tea, we can speak from the heart.
In the time of the monarchy, only limited amount of lotus tea was produced for serving to high-class nobles or the Royals hence. Therefore, it used to be considered as luxury and opulent. Later on, lotus tea is the essential beverage which is used for special occasion, rituals or celebration to express the host’s hospitality.
The healthy drink
Lotus tea is not only great for flavor but also very good for health. What are the benefits of lotus tea? Let’s find out with Hanoi Local Food Tours.
Lotus tea has sedative effects, enjoying lotus tea help utilizers may sleep easily and deeper and prevent insomnia. Lotus tea has also a consideration as a herb daily drink because using it every day will dispel feelings of fatigue, help refresh the spirit and alert. Like the benefits of other green tea, Tay Ho lotus tea helps reduce cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease, especially it is a good drink for the elderly. Moreover, drinking daily Tay Ho lotus tea helps reduce the risk of diabetes because, limit the risk of liver disease and good for oral health, allergy control.
The art of making tea
The making procedure of Ho Tay Lotus tea is still very complicated and fussy work. Lotus tea is made of a high-grade green tea base from the highland of Vietnam.
Early in the morning before the sunrise, the tea makers have to row out in the West Lake to pick up Lotus blossom. This process has to be done quickly in as to get the finest freshness and lusciousness of lotus scent.Then they would peel back very carefully and gently each fragile petal of the blossom and fill it with green tea.
Then the flower was closed up, and the petals bound with silk string to keeping the tea safe and dry. After that, tea leaves will be absorbed the luscious scent of the lotus. However, this scenting step requires to be repeated again and again 7 -8 times to make the tea fully embalmed with the fragrance of Lotus. It means 1,4 – 1,6kg of Lotus anthers or at least 1400 Lotus blossoms to scent just one kilo of tea. No wonder that it worth every penny.
Lotus tea drinking is an integral part of sophisticated locals of Hanoi culinary traditions. For generations of generations, Hanoians love to enjoy a cup of lotus green tea with their soulmates and admired the blooming flowers. Let’s enjoy the beauty of this delicate drink on food walking tour.
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