Penang - Our visit to Qing Huan Chinese Tea House in Penang felt like stepping into a different world — serene, elegant, and steeped in tradition. Located within a charming bungalow, the tea house required us to walk up a flight of steps before reaching its main hall. When we entered, we were greeted by a spacious, beautifully arranged room that exuded calm. Two kind elderly ladies welcomed us warmly; they were not staff, but friends of the owner who simply enjoyed spending their time there.
Shortly after, the owner herself appeared and introduced us to the teas available. She took her time explaining the different varieties, their characteristics, and which ones would suit us best. Her recommendation was Liu Bao tea, a fermented dark tea known for its earthy, woody notes and smooth, grounding flavour. Intrigued, I decided to order the 30-year Liu Bao, eager to experience something aged, refined, and full of depth.
Liu Bao, or Liu Pao, tea is a fermented, aged black tea that originates from the town of Liu Pao, Guangxi Province, China.
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| Donny preparing the tea |
Once the tea was prepared, the owner invited Donny to conduct the tea ceremony. Watching him perform the steps was both amusing and heartwarming. I had seen him make tea before in his office, but this time, he followed the careful guidance of the tea master, making the moment feel more meaningful.
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| Smell the Liu Bao tea |
He began by rinsing the teapot and cups with hot water — a symbolic gesture to warm and purify. Then he added the Liu Bao leaves into the pot, poured the hot water over them, and swiftly discarded the first brew to “awaken” the leaves. The owner encouraged us to inhale the tea’s deep woody aroma, which was bold yet comforting.
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| Liu Bao tea |
With each subsequent pour, the tea became smoother, and its fragrance grew more distinct. The flavour evolved gently, revealing layers of warmth and subtle sweetness. Sitting in that tranquil hall, sipping aged Liu Bao, and watching Donny carefully handle each step made the experience special — a quiet, reflective pause in the middle of our Penang adventure. After spending hours drinking tea and chatting, it was getting dark outside and time for dinner.
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| Night time at the tea house |
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