Award Banner
Award Banner

A tea sommelier shares her top tips on tea appreciation

A tea sommelier shares her top tips on tea appreciation
PHOTO: Pexels

At the newly opened 5 ON 25 Cantonese restaurant at Andaz Singapore, tea is as much the main focus as the cuisine. Tea sommelier, Li Guanyi, is the resident expert and hails from Changchun in the Jilin province. We find out what she’s bringing to the table to add to the smattering of tea-infused cocktails and existing boutique tea shops here.

What type of tea did you grow up drinking?

I grew up drinking Pu’er tea. This is my personal favourite and I have an affection for it because of its deep, complex layers of tastes and textures. The tea profile is bitter and intense on first taste but gradually delivers layers of sweet notes with an earthy tang upon careful savouring. It is very much like fine wines, the greater the age of Pu’er, the better.

You’ve been to a handful of countries to learn about their tea culture. What were two of the most interesting things you learned?

The two most interesting things about tea that I’ve learned are from Japan.

The first is “quality over quantity”. With roots in the Tang and Song dynasties, tea culture promotes so many different varieties of tea and we see many modern updates today.

The other thing I’ve learned and appreciate is the sense of ceremony in Japanese tea culture. A typical ritual demands perfection and stillness in the mind, one that withstands the hands of time and continues to grow with age. Unwinding and relaxing in our modern society amidst a fast pace of life doesn’t have to be loud and excessive. It can be as simple as a tea-drinking ritual, which has become popular over the years.

Is there anything you’ve had to adapt for Singapore’s tea culture?

Yes, certain adaptations were needed. Given that Singapore is a multicultural society with cohesive values, the curated tea menu that we offer at 5 ON 25 in Andaz Singapore is one that combines traditional tea culture with flavour profiles that cater to both local and international guests.

There is a selection of rare and unusual leaves, including the rare snow chrysanthemum which is only found at a high altitude; the pure, light flavour of Anxi Royal Guan Yin, and a vintage 21-year-old Pu’er. For the adventurous tea drinkers, we have also worked with the bar team to craft innovative tea cocktails that showcase the vibrancy that tea can bring to the table.

What is the proper way to appreciate Chinese tea?

Tea drinking is a personal experience and it varies for different drinkers. Unlike coffee which delivers a jolt of energy, I consider tea as an unhurried, calmer alternative.

To appreciate tea, I recommend drinkers to take a moment to pause, and calm the mind and emotions before having a cup of tea. Then start by appreciating its colour, fragrance, and slowly relish its taste profile. Understanding the history and cultural origins of the tea will also help add a deeper impression while drinking it.

Do you need proper pots and cups? What are they?

Just like how red wines are best savoured in a Bordeaux glass, tea can be best enjoyed in specific tea ware that are designed to best bring out the flavour and texture of each tea. A proper tea cup, or cha wan 茶碗, will evoke a different and more accurate representation of the tea you’re enjoying.

Proper pots and cups are also only part of the ritual as there are other factors in tea appreciation, such as the type of water used, brewing time, temperature and surroundings. For an everyday tea drinker, a peaceful state of mind and a simple tea strainer cup will suffice.

How do you tell good tea from bad tea?

Instead of good tea or bad tea, I prefer to label the teas according to their grades. Connoisseurs will be able to tell superior leaves apart by its quality, colour, aroma, shape and flavour.

Although the maxim of “you get what you pay for” still rings true, tea drinking is a personal preference. A young adult may prefer flower or green tea while an older adult may prefer a stronger black tea. A simple benchmark for me is that if a cup of tea is memorable, it is a cup of good tea.

Are there any teas exclusive to 5 ON 25 that we can look forward to?

The restaurant has collaborated with a tea supplier to create an exclusive 5 ON 25 Signature Tea. Comprising a nourishing blend of oolong, goji berries, osthmanthus and longan, these ingredients are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, which are known to improve one’s overall wellbeing. Also, its profile complements the restaurant’s refined dishes and is suitable for all ages.

This article was first published in The Peak.

homepage

trending

trending
    'It's very embarrassing': Sharon Au recounts faking her marriage in 2014
    St Joseph's Church stabbing: Accused given additional charges of being in possession of weapon
    Is roti john from Singapore or Malaysia? Radio DJs spark debate
    Pinnacle@Duxton sets new record with $1,502 psf after 4-room unit sells for about $1.52m
    From Spain to Singapore: Spanish performance brand Cupra relaunches in Singapore
    Laid to rest: Barbie Hsu's ashes interred, Wheesung funeral's condolence money to be donated
    Lee Si-young to divorce after 8 years of marriage
    From improv to tech start-ups: Here's how this Singaporean draws inspiration to make a positive change
    'It all burned': Food stall in Malaysia catches fire after rain falls on hot oil
    Strong winds in Hong Kong leave gondola worker 'hanging' in mid-air
    Government committed to making young parents' journey 'smooth and fulfilling', says PM Wong during Sengkang visit
    Singapore's harmony is precious and must always be cherished and protected: PM Lawrence Wong

Singapore

Singapore
    • 'Deliberately confrontational': Shanmugam calls out activists for disrupting PAP's meet-the-people sessions
    • Ex-Kinderland teacher gets jail for abusing children in her care
    • GE2025: 5 hot wards to watch
    • Suspected gang boss, who ran gambling dens in Geylang, arrested in Malaysia after 4 years on the run
    • Long delays at Woodlands checkpoint: Over 2-hour wait as school holidays start
    • Man to be charged for abusing airline staff and kicking wall at Changi Airport over lost phone
    • 'Spectacular sight': SM Lee shares stunning photo of rare sun halo over Singapore
    • SM Lee unveils future improvements in Ang Mo Kio, calls for residents' continued support
    • From serving passengers to taking flight: How an ex-SIA flight attendant fulfilled her dream of becoming a pilot
    • Keep off the tracks: SMRT issues warning after man climbed over barriers at Boon Lay MRT station to retrieve phone

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • Tay Ping Hui says acting in China was a 'super humbling experience'
    • Kim Soo-hyun admits to dating late Kim Sae-ron, refutes allegations she was underaged
    • Ya Hui toughs it out in new job as creative director: 'I'm not a flower you need to take care of'
    • 'Where am I supposed to say I'm from?' Jackson Wang addresses controversial clip of him saying 'I'm Chinese'
    • Die-hard Singapore fan recalls serenading Lady Gaga in LA, moving her to tears: 'That moment means the whole world to me'
    • Cassie Ventura expecting baby boy
    • Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom married
    • Sir Elton John struggling to sign autographs after losing vision in right eye
    • Liam Payne fans dedicate commemorative bench in Buenos Aires cemetery
    • Ellen Pompeo says she won't let her daughter watch Grey's Anatomy

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • 2 Singapore pizzerias earn spots on 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2025 list
    • Luckin Coffee launches Maltese-themed drinks and limited-edition merchandise as part of collaboration
    • 23 local attractions offering SG60 deals, here's what Singaporeans can enjoy
    • Hunt the Mouse is back, with $100k worth of coins hidden at Sentosa waiting to be found
    • The one passion that drives this teen robotics whiz to keep innovating
    • All-new Skoda Superb Combi unveiled
    • The truth about dual-key living in Singapore: What 3 homeowners want you to know
    • Toyota Camry review: A classic nameplate that vastly amps up the luxury and fun factor
    • Dear teachers, I owe you an apology: Lessons I learnt as a parent
    • Neta X review: Affordable Chinese EV with more than a few flaws

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • China's Baidu launches 2 new AI models as industry competition heats up
    • China's top universities expand enrolment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas
    • International Women's Day: Meet the Singapore women levelling up in gaming
    • US indicts slew of alleged Chinese hackers, sanctions company over spy campaign
    • Meet the women powering innovation in tech in Singapore and beyond
    • Games in March: JRPGs, co-op games and wrestling
    • Australia fines Telegram for delay in answering child abuse, terror questions
    • Embracing the future: A personal guide to how to get started with artificial intelligence

Money

Money
    • Amid AI push, DBS to cut 4,000 temp jobs over next 3 years
    • Singapore's economy grew 4.4% in 2024, beating forecasts
    • DBS to give staff $1,000 special bonus, introduce capital return dividend
    • Travel insurance for infectious diseases: What you need to know (2025)
    • Best bank offers in Singapore (March 2025): Lady Gaga concert presale, up to 50% off flights and more
    • How high will Singapore property prices get in 2025? Here's what AI predicts
    • Before you say 'I do' to a home: The checklist every newlywed couple needs in Singapore
    • Are older HDB maisonettes and jumbo flats worth the premium? A deep dive into pricing trends
    • This newly MOP-ed 4-room HDB flat at Bidadari sets new record with almost $800k profit
    • Chocolate Finance imposes $250 spending limit on debit card to manage demand for miles rewards

Latest

Latest
  • Rights group files lawsuit to block Trump deportations of pro-Palestinian protesters
  • Daily roundup: Strong winds in Hong Kong leave gondola worker 'hanging' in mid-air — and other top stories today
  • Foreign CEOs to flock to China for key summit, Xi meeting, sources say
  • Trump administration weighs travel ban on dozens of countries, memo says
  • Cockroaches and working in a closet: Inside Trump's return-to-office order
  • India's Modi says Trump has 'clear roadmap' in second term
  • Germany pledges $435m in aid for Syrians at EU conference
  • Thousands gather in Rio de Janeiro to demonstrate support for Bolsonaro
  • Trump says will speak with Putin on Tuesday to discuss ending Ukraine war

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Malaysian woman stunned to find car trapped among diners after car park turns into outdoor eatery at night
  • Johor invests $1.5b in water treatment infrastructure to reduce dependency on Singapore after 2030
  • Ceiling collapses at KSL City Mall in JB, viral videos show
  • Food poisoning outbreak: 187 cases linked to Total Defence Day ready-to-eat meals, probe underway
  • Blazing car on Nicoll Highway: 1 dies, 2 taken to hospital
  • FairPrice giving away 75,000 sets of snacks and drinks to Muslim customers to break fast
  • Disabled Malaysian boy seen 'walking' with hands in school gets walkers from kind donors after TikTok video went viral
  • CDL's Kwek Leng Beng seeks to fire son Sherman as CEO over alleged 'attempted coup'
  • 10-year-old girl hurt by pebbles thrown from condo's 11th storey by toddler
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.