On the afternoon of Sunday, August 3rd, the Bürgerhaus Lokstedt in Hamburg was filled with the fragrance of tea and the sound of cheerful conversation. Organized by the Taiwanherz Cultural Association, the “Oriental Beauty Tea Tasting” invited Ms. Hsiu-Lan Chan, an education guide at the Museum of East Asian Art in Cologne, to lead guests through an elegant and heartfelt Taiwanese tea ceremony experience.
Following the traditional Taiwanese tea brewing ritual, Ms. Chan guided participants through each step — boiling water, warming the teapot, pouring the water, appreciating the aroma, and savoring the taste — while sharing the cultural and aesthetic meanings behind the process. Using a uniquely Taiwanese “gong dao bei” (fairness cup) to evenly distribute tea into individual cups, she conveyed the spirit of fairness and sharing. As attendees observed her delicate and graceful handling of the teapot, they experienced not only the fragrance of the tea but also the warmth and sincerity of Taiwanese hospitality.
The event also offered tea sets for guests to practice brewing themselves. From controlling the height of the water stream to watching the tea leaves unfurl in the cup, each attempt became an opportunity for exchange and laughter. Complementing the tea were classic Taiwanese treats such as pineapple cakes, bai zi gao (steamed longevity rice cakes), and sesame egg rolls, pairing perfectly with the aroma of the brew.
In between sips and bites, association member Achim Kehlenbach shared the beauty of Taiwan’s tourism — from its mountains and coastlines to its rich cultural heritage — painting a warm and colorful portrait of the island. The event concluded in a lighthearted and joyful atmosphere, leaving guests not only with new tea-making skills but also with a lasting impression of Taiwan’s culture.
