Nestled in District 11, Saigon, lies a 70-year-old tea shop named “Di Phát.” Beyond its age, this shop boasts a unique allure: its teas are crafted from secret family recipes, each steeped in tradition and exquisite flavor.
One particular tea, however, stands out for its staggering price tag – over 350 million VND per kilogram. This exorbitant cost reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and deep passion poured into its creation, captivating the hearts of tea connoisseurs. Join us as we delve into the story of Di Phát and its extraordinary teas.
1 Di Phát Tea Shop: A Legacy in Saigon
Di Phát Tea Shop resides in a modest house on Phu Tho Street, District 11, Saigon. Its current guardian is Mr. Quách Huê (58), whose family’s tea legacy traces back to Chaozhou, China, before taking root in Vietnam.
Mr. Huê officially took over the shop from his father in 1978, dedicating himself to the craft for over 40 years.
Di Phát Tea Shop, a modest house on Phu Tho Street, District 11, Saigon
Mr. Huê not only preserves the tea tradition at Di Phát but also nurtures it in his hometown of Chaozhou, China. Di Phát’s value transcends its rare teas; it embodies a rich heritage and a unique sensory experience.
Di Phát Tea Shop: A Legacy of Tradition
2 The Exceptional Teas of Di Phát
Phoenix Single Bush Oolong Tea: A Heritage Brew
Mr. Huê’s Phoenix Single Bush Oolong Tea boasts a 900-year history, meticulously handcrafted. This semi-oxidized oolong originates from Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, China. Its unique flavor profile varies depending on the specific production method and family recipe.
Each tea bush, grown individually from seed, imparts a distinct character to the brew. The tea leaves a lingering sweetness and a clean aftertaste, demanding a discerning palate and brewing technique.
Phoenix Single Bush Oolong Tea: A Heritage Brew
The price of Phoenix Single Bush Oolong Tea ranges from 250 to 350 million VND per kilogram. This premium reflects its limited harvest from the mountainous Phoenix region, where unique soil and climate conditions allow for only one annual harvest.
Mr. Huê emphasizes that tea quality is influenced by various factors: water source, weather, altitude, and terroir. These elements contribute to the distinct flavor profiles of teas grown in different regions.
Phoenix Single Bush Oolong Tea: A Priceless Treasure
Jasmine Tea: A Rare Charcoal-Roasted Delight
Beyond Phoenix Single Bush Oolong, Jasmine Tea is another beloved offering. This tea blends green tea with jasmine flowers, a tradition dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in China. In Vietnam, Jasmine Tea is a cherished favorite, renowned for its floral aroma.
Jasmine Tea: A Rare Charcoal-Roasted Delight
Mr. Huê’s Jasmine Tea is distinguished by its secret family recipe, which involves charcoal roasting – a rare and time-consuming technique.
Charcoal roasting, once common, has largely been replaced by machine drying for efficiency. Mr. Huê, however, insists on handcrafting his Jasmine Tea, selling it only in small quantities to maintain its authenticity.
Mr. Huê’s Jasmine Tea: A Legacy of Handcrafting
Each batch, typically 30-40 kilograms, undergoes a meticulous process. The tea is infused with jasmine flowers for two days, followed by a two-day cooling period to allow the tea to mature and any residual odors to dissipate. This entire process can take up to four days, sometimes even longer depending on weather conditions and the availability of suitable charcoal.
Mr. Huê reflects, “Tea knowledge is a lifelong pursuit. Every tea master has their own methods, but ultimately, it’s about finding what feels right.”
Mr. Huê: Preserving the Art of Charcoal-Roasted Jasmine Tea
A Legacy in Question
Di Phát’s 70-year legacy is not just about exceptional teas; it’s about preserving a cultural heritage. Mr. Huê’s dedication to his craft is evident in his words: “This tea tradition has been passed down through generations in our family. From my grandfather to my father, and now to me, we’ve never abandoned it. This is our livelihood, our way of life, and we continue this tradition to keep the shop alive.”
Di Phát Tea Shop: A Legacy of Tradition and Flavor
While Mr. Huê’s passion is undeniable, passing on the tradition to the next generation presents a challenge. He shares, “I’d love to pass this on to my children, and they show interest, but they have their own careers. I won’t force them to follow in my footsteps. This tea tradition continues only if they truly love it.”
Mr. Huê: “This tea tradition continues only if they truly love it.”
We hope this glimpse into Di Phát Tea Shop has been enlightening. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
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