Our First Kids’ Tea Workshop
What a truly special day! For the first time ever, two of us, “trà nương” (tea masters), joined forces to lead a unique tea workshop for a group of 8th graders. The theme was a journey through the beautiful world of Vietnamese and Japanese green tea, a celebration of two cultures that take immense pride in their own distinct and beautiful tea traditions.
During the workshop, I found myself sharing with the students a sense of envy. I came to the world of tea much later in life, at 29, after navigating many of life’s ups and downs and finally finding a need for stillness. But these kids—they are so young, and they already have the opportunity to connect with the world of tea.
My wish for them is that this small workshop helps them learn to listen to themselves and be honest with their feelings. It’s like sipping a cup of tea: you feel its temperature, its sweetness or bitterness, without needing anyone to tell you how to feel—whether to be happy or sad, to like it or not.
Maybe for them, it will be tea. Or maybe it will be painting, or music, or anything else they choose to love and hold on to. Whatever it is, that passion will become their anchor, their spiritual pillar to help them navigate the world with strength and confidence.
The Four Delicious Teas We Explored:
Nõn Tôm Thái Nguyên: A premium Vietnamese green tea known for its delicate, curled leaves and rich, sweet flavor.
Xanh Lài Miền Nam: A fragrant green tea from Southern Vietnam, beautifully infused with the scent of jasmine flowers.
Uji Matcha: A ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha, celebrated for its vibrant green color and smooth, umami-rich taste.
Matcha Latte: A modern and popular take on matcha, combining its earthy notes with the creamy sweetness of milk.
