If you’ve ever wondered why Gongfu tea tastes so rich, layered, and memorable — the answer lies in how it’s brewed.
This isn’t just pouring hot water over leaves. Gongfu Cha is a tea craft — an intentional, skill-based process that brings out the best in fine teas while helping you stay present and connected.
Let’s walk through how to brew tea the Gongfu way — step-by-step.
Why Brewing Matters in Gongfu Tea
Unlike casual steeping, Gongfu brewing lets you:
- Extract the full complexity of flavors across multiple infusions
- Control every aspect: water, temperature, timing, quantity
- Engage all your senses — aroma, sound, heat, color, and taste
- Create a calming ritual that promotes mindfulness and flow
That’s what makes Gongfu brewing more than a method — it’s an experience.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, prepare these essentials:
- A gaiwan or small Yixing teapot
- A tea pitcher (cha hai)
- Small teacups
- Loose leaf tea (Oolong or Pu-erh are great for beginners)
- Optional: tea tray, tea pet, and filter for extra refinement
👉 Not sure what to use? Browse our curated Gongfu tea accessories here — perfect for both new and seasoned brewers.
Step-by-Step: How to Brew Gongfu Tea
1. Warm the Teaware
Rinse all your teaware with hot water to awaken the porcelain or clay and raise the temperature. This helps maintain consistency during steeping.
2. Add Tea Leaves
Use more tea than you would in Western-style brewing — about 5–7 grams for a 100 ml gaiwan or teapot. Adjust based on personal taste.
3. Wake the Leaves ("Rinse")
Pour hot water over the leaves and immediately discard the first infusion. This cleans the leaves and primes them for flavor release.
4. First Infusion
Pour hot water (typically 90–100°C) over the leaves and steep for 5–10 seconds.
Pour the tea into a pitcher, then into tasting cups. Sip slowly.
5. Continue Steeping
Repeat short infusions, gradually increasing the steeping time with each round (10s → 15s → 20s, etc.).
Watch how the taste evolves — that’s the heart of Gongfu brewing.
Tips for Better Gongfu Brewing
- Use filtered water for a cleaner taste
- Pay attention to the sound of pouring, the aroma rising, the texture on the tongue
- Don't rush. Gongfu means taking your time and noticing the details
- Practice. Like any craft, you get better over time
Want to Brew Like a Pro?
The right tools make all the difference.
From heat-retaining teapots to beautifully crafted teacups, every element contributes to a better brew.
👉 Explore our handcrafted Gongfu tea tools and teaware to elevate your daily tea ritual into an elegant craft.
Final Thoughts
Mastering Gongfu brewing is a journey — one filled with quiet moments, rich flavors, and small improvements.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about being fully present.
And once you’ve tasted tea brewed with care and craft… you won’t want to go back.
Happy steeping. 🍃🍵
