Two customers enjoy a drink at Thanh Son Zen Tea shop in Ho Chi Minh City

Having tea is a special affair for two white-collar workers named Tran Ha Phuong and Tran Duong in Ho Chi Minh City, who often frequent teashops to relax after a hard working day.

One of the women’s favorite spots is Thanh Son Zen Tea located at 17 Tran Quy Khoach Street in District 1, unique for its Buddhist decorations and serene ambiance.

“We come here not only to enjoy delicious teas, but also to learn how to enjoy the beverage in the proper manner,” Phuong said.

There are two types of tearoom at the shop – a big one to host groups of patrons and a private room.

The tea room features bamboo mats, black tables, and calligraphy pictures and lanterns hanging from the walls. Several green bamboo groves are strategically placed in the room’s corners hiding speakers that emanate sounds of trickling springs, temple bells and bird melodies. The interior layout creates a sense of peace and quietude for customers to escape from the hectic urban environment outside.

Before entering the tearoom, Phuong and Duong have to take off their shoes, turn off their cell phones, and talk in a low voice according to the regulations posted at the door.

More than 20 kinds of tea ranging from tra cung dinh (royal tea) to tra kho qua (colocynth tea) – each of which requires a different method of preparation – and 10 types of sweet cakes like banh com sua (rice milk cake) and banh dua nuong (coconut cake) are served from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Phuong and Duong order tra sen (lotus tea) and ginger candies to warm their spirits after the last rainfalls of the year. The women brew the liquid, pour out cups for one another, and read the calligraphy verses hanging on the wall while sipping their tea.

“Let’s drink tea.

Don’t talk about wealth or social positions.

Just enjoy your cup of tea.”

Reported by Phuong Anh