Have you ever done a Chinese tea ceremony or would you like to participate at Moychay in Amsterdam? If you are not sure yet, then make sure to read about my experience.
What to expect in this article:
Invitation for an authentic Chinese tea ceremony in Amsterdam
In September’23 I was invited to participate in an authentic Chinese tea ceremony held by one of Moychays‘ tea masters and to learn more about Chinese tea tradition.
Immediately when I read the message, I knew this would be something for me, so I booked a date and I was on my way to Amsterdam!
I was very keen on discovering the very first tea culture club in the Netherlands, located in the Jordaan in Amsterdam. Coffee is hot right now, and even though I love coffee as well, tea was my first love.
This year I went to a tea factory in Sri Lanka and I loved to know more about tea. Especially Chinese tea, as it is not something I know a lot about.
Some information about Moychay Amsterdam
The Moychay.nl Tea Culture Club is the first of its kind in the Netherlands bringing (Asian) Tea Culture to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Europe!
With 12 years of experience, 24 tea culture clubs all over the world, and 250+ directly sourced teas, they have one of the biggest tea selections in Europe, while remaining completely honest and transparent about their direct ties with farmers.
Moychay has teas from 13 countries (China, Taiwan, Japan, Russia and The Netherlands are a few examples).
Along with the teas, they also have a large teaware collection with more than 1000 unique items: handmade cups, teapots, Gaiwans, and anything you need for your own Gong Fu Cha ceremony (including tea pets).
You can reserve one of those rooms for a Tea Tasting (Ping Cha) or a Tea Ceremony (Gong Fu Cha) to enjoy the tea on your own, or among friends. One such room can accommodate up to 9 guests.
While attending a Ping Cha, you will learn about the Chinese tea culture and how to best brew these teas.
Together with a Tea Guide, you will choose a tea that you would like to drink and infuse throughout the 1,5 hours that will be able to spend in the tea room, around 30 minutes of which will be under guidance.
My experience at Moychay Amsterdam
My friend and I experienced a Gong Fu Cha (Tea Ceremony), together with a tea guide. We started off with a matcha tea. I have never really been a fan of matcha, but the tea was so good, I am reconsidering it.
He introduced us to all the different types of tea (they even have teas from the 90’s). Then gave a lot of information, mostly about teas from China, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and taught me how to prepare the tea for the guests.
After 30 minutes and some tips and tricks on how to make tea that we like most, he left us, so we could do it ourselves and play around. It was interesting to taste the differences. I also loved to hear the stories of our tea guide and hope he gets to study tea more.
Unfortunately, the videos are too long to put here, but check out my Instagram for those!
The different teaware (and tea pets!)
One more thing about Moychay is that you can buy different teaware.
‘Discover the world of teaware, from elegant teapots to delicate teacups, and find the perfect pieces to enhance your tea-drinking experience. Whether you prefer traditional Japanese or Chinese designs or more modern and contemporary styles, teaware comes in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and cast iron. Explore the different types of teapots, tea cups, and tea accessories available and learn how to brew the perfect cup of tea.’
My favorite? The tea pets! Tea pets are small figurines or objects that are often used in Chinese tea culture. They are placed on the tea tray or table during tea ceremonies, and tea is poured over them, allowing the tea to be absorbed by the porous material of the figurine. Tea pets are believed to bring good luck, fortune, and positive energy to the tea ceremony. Moychay has so many of them, that it is impossible to choose.
Once I have my own house, I will definitely either go to Amsterdam and pick on, or buy it online on their website.
Which one would you pick from the photos?
My tips for a visit at Moychay in Amsterdam
Participating in an authentic tea ceremony is fun. It is educational and not something I have done before. Go with some friends pick one of the teas that you like most and play around to get the flavor you guys like most.
One of my tips is that if you want to do a tea ceremony, don’t do too much after anymore. We spent a day in Amsterdam and I always get overwhelmed with all the influences of everything.
Ending the day here was the best, as you can really come to ease and relax. But after, we had to travel by train for quite some time and almost were sleeping, due to feeling so comfortable.
General information about Moychay
Moychay
Address: Rozengracht 92H, 1016 NH Amsterdam
Opening times:
Monday
Tuesday – Thursday
Saturday and Sunday
14.00 – 20.00
11.00 – 20.00
11.00 – 20.30
Have you ever done a Chinese tea ceremony or would you like to participate in Amsterdam? I would love to hear about your experience!
Would you like to read more?
