Journal / HOW TO

How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a Gaiwan

How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a Gaiwan

Brewing with a Gaiwan, the traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel, can seem intimidating, but with a little practice and following the right guidance, it is easy to master.

Date:

November 07, 2023

Author:

Rishi Tea

Tags:

Share:

Email Facebook

The Gaiwan is a traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel comprised of three parts including the lid, bowl, and saucer. Translating literally to “lid and bowl,” the Gaiwan is most often made from porcelain and flourished during the Ming dynasty when loose leaf teas came into fashion. Among tea enthusiasts, the Gaiwan is preferred vessel for appreciating the aromas of fragrant teas.

To prepare tea with a Gaiwan, you will need:

  1. Gaiwan
  2. Waste bowl
  3. Tablespoon
  4. Timer
  5. Serving pitcher
  6. Teacups

Warm Gaiwan

1

Add freshly boiled water to the gaiwan to pre-warm.

Warm Teacups

2

Add freshly boiled water to the teacups to pre-warm.

Discard

3

Discard water into waste bowl.

Add Tea

4

Fill gaiwan 20% full if using ball-rolled tea; 60% full if using twist-rolled tea.

Awaken Leaves & Add Water

5

For baked oolong and pu’er teas, add fresh hot water to just cover the leaves, then immediately discard. This rinse helps to “warm and smooth” the taste of the tea. After awakening, slowly pour water over rinsed leaves until covered with water, just below the rim of the gaiwan.

Infuse

6

Add lid. The water level should rise slightly above the lid to create a seal for locking in aromas. Steep for the recommended infusion time.

Pour

7

Adjust the lid position slightly to create an open space for the infusion to decant. Hold gaiwan bowl using thumb and middle finger on the rim, while securing the lid with index finger. Using a swift motion, tilt gaiwan forward and slightly inward to decant into a serving pitcher.

Serve

8

Pour from serving pitcher into individual teacups.

Stacking Infusions

9

Stack multiple infusions together in a serving pitcher by repeating the previous steps. You can keep the “root” of the infusion alive in the serving pitcher, and simply add subsequent infusions to that liquid.

Enjoy

10

Pour a small amount of your stacked infusions into each teacup, alternating from one cup to the next to ensure each cup has equal concentration of flavor.

Featured Products

How to Brew Tea

Rishi Tea & Botanicals includes instruction on how to brew for each of our products, including the brewing method. Generally, brewing instructions with water temperature, steep time, and dosage are found on our packaging. No matter how you plan to brew your tea, check out our brewing guides with videos and step-by-step instructions.

View All

Similar Articles To Explore

A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

Rishi Tea celebrates a decade of impact through its Direct Trade partnership with the Mae Taeng tea farmers of Northern Thailand. Rooted in a region where tea culture dates back centuries, Rishi’s collaboration has empowered communities to transition from traditional Miang tea production to thriving organic black tea farming. By revitalizing old tea forests, embracing sustainable practices, and enhancing biodiversity, Rishi has helped local farmers preserve their rich tea heritage while expanding their market reach. This partnership highlights the evolution of Thailand’s tea industry and brings the unique flavors of Mae Taeng's terroir to a global audience.
Nishi-San's Organic Vintage Matcha

Nishi-San's Organic Vintage Matcha

The Nishi family's expertly crafted, organic Vintage Matcha selection brings four unique cultivars—Saemidori, Kanayamidori, Asanoka, and Asatsuyu—aged for over a year to enhance umami depth and flavor complexity. 
A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

A Decade of Direct Trade Impact: Our Thai Tea Origins

Rishi Tea celebrates a decade of impact through its Direct Trade partnership with the Mae Taeng tea farmers of Northern Thailand. Rooted in a region where tea culture dates back centuries, Rishi’s collaboration has empowered communities to transition from traditional Miang tea production to thriving organic black tea farming. By revitalizing old tea forests, embracing sustainable practices, and enhancing biodiversity, Rishi has helped local farmers preserve their rich tea heritage while expanding their market reach. This partnership highlights the evolution of Thailand’s tea industry and brings the unique flavors of Mae Taeng's terroir to a global audience.
Pu'er County, Yunnan, China

Pu'er County, Yunnan, China

Pu'er County, also located in Yunnan Province, China, plays a significant role in the history and production of Puer tea. This region is known for its tea cultivation areas, which encompass famous and ancient tea mountains, including key areas like Jinggu, Jingmai, and Mangjing.

Discover Our Teas

Shop Now