10 Feb The Evolution of Gong Fu Cha and Kung Fu Tea
Hot tea is a staple at any traditional Chinese meal, but one thing that few diners get to experience is the ritual of a Gong Fu Cha tea ceremony. Instead of being a type of tea, Gong Fu Cha is a way of brewing the tea that is both unique and entertaining for spectators. There are a limited number of Gong Fu Cha masters, so being able to experience this tradition in the United States is something not to be missed.
What is the Art of Gong Fu Cha
Also referred to as Kung Fu Tea, Gong Fu Cha is a method of brewing tea that is often confused with the Chinese Wedding tea ceremony. This is much different. Gongfu translates to “Kung Fu,” which doesn’t mean that there is fighting taking place between the tea brewer, the leaves, or anyone else in the room. Kung Fu also refers to such things as effort, skill, and art, which translates well to this unique ceremony.
Gong Fu Cha involves the artist using a long pot to pour hot steaming water onto the awaiting tea leaves. A long pot is a traditional Chinese teapot, often made of copper, that has an extended spout. The performer will spin their kettle in a series of fluid movements and then pour steaming water from the long pot into awaiting cups, often from a distance, while holding rigid poses.
The History of Kung Fu Tea and Its Top Performers
Gong Fu Cha is an ancient tradition that originates from the Sichuan region of northeast China. There is much speculation about how ritual began, but some say that it started with alcohol instead of tea. Due to cold temperatures in the area, people would gather to consume wine for warmth. They began using a long pot for convenience to pour more wine for someone sitting several seats away. Boats in the area also used long pots to pass wine between moving vessels.
There is also the tale of an emperor two thousand years ago who used a long pot to pour tea so that he could keep his distance from potential assassins.
A Gong Fu Cha tea master is someone who studies for many years in China to perfect the art of the tea ceremony. If a traveler were to pass through the Sichuan province capital of Chengdu, they would have the opportunity to witness a Kung Fu Tea performance in the city’s teahouses. It’s rare that a Gong Fu Cha master makes a trip to the United States.
Experience Kung Fu Tea in San Francisco – Limited Time Only
One of the world’s leading Gong Fu Cha masters, artist Xumin Liu will be performing in two renowned San Francisco Chinese restaurants – Z & Y Restaurant and Chili House SF – through the Summer. Thirty-five-year-old Liu is the product of a tea-farming family in the Sichuan province, and he spent time at a Taoist monastery to perfect his martial arts abilities after his formal tea ceremony training.
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Liu will not only be delighting diners with this mesmerizing tea ritual, but he is also a skilled Bian Lian performer, which is the ancient Chinese art of face swapping. Liu dances to traditional Chinese music while changing his face masks at impossibly fast speeds, something that astounds and delights his audience.
Since Liu will alternate his performances between the two restaurants, Chef Li Jun Han recommends calling in advance to plan your experience.
