Discovering Gongfucha: My Love Affair with Eastern Leaves

You have to experience tea at Eastern Leaves in Milan! It's a heartfelt journey through flavors and tradition that you won't forget.

A Passion for Tea Begins

In the heart of Milan lies a small haven where tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s an experience. It all started with Lorenzo and Vivian—a love story that blossomed amidst the mountains of Yunnan, China. Their passion for preserving traditional tea practices led them to establish Eastern Leaves, which embodies not only exquisite taste but also cultural respect for this ancient art.

When I first entered their teahouse, I was instantly enveloped by the aromatic notes wafting through the air. Every detail echoed their dedication to authenticity. What surprised me was how tea preparation is elevated into a form of meditation—the technique known as Gongfucha embraces meticulousness while honoring nature’s gift. Imagine sipping from small cups, experiencing layers of flavor unfold with each infusion!

The Essence of Gongfucha

What sets Gongfucha apart? It’s more than just brewing; it’s about being present in each moment. This method involves brief steeping times—about 15 seconds initially—focused on awakening the leaves before indulging in rich tasting notes during subsequent pours. Each brew offers varying flavors influenced by everything from water temperature to teapot material.

• The sound of boiling water meeting dried leaves is like music.
• With every sip, one discovers subtleties like a sweet floral note emerging after several infusions.
  Through this practice, I learned patience and appreciation—qualities easily forgotten in our fast-paced world.

Ancient Roots and Modern Practices

Lorenzo emphasizes that every step they take at Eastern Leaves maintains ties back to the local culture surrounding tea production. He explained how vital it is to honor those families who’ve tended these ancient trees for centuries—a concept akin to terroir in wine but less recognized globally when discussing tea.
This authentic approach resonates throughout their selection—from pu’erh unique to Yunnan’s climate to delightful oolong teas sourced meticulously from other regions. During my visits, I realized there are no rigid rules here; instead, there’s fluidity and respect between hosts and guests alike, creating meaningful connections.

Beyond Just Tea – A Community Experience

But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s solely about drinking tea; it extends into building community around it! At Eastern Leaves, guests can learn about sourcing journeys or even join trips back to Yunnan alongside Vivian and Lorenzo—an opportunity unlike any other!
Their commitment shines brightly in how they run this establishment: educational tastings without pretentiousness draw people together in celebrating differences over shared rituals.
It’s remarkable witnessing different cultures intertwine within something as simple as enjoying warm cups of beautifully crafted brews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I try Gongfucha?

The beauty lies in its simplicity yet profound nature; it allows individuals time away from distractions while enjoying fine flavors intensively—a perfect escape!

What types of teas do they serve?

Eastern Leaves boasts an impressive lineup:

• Unique pu’er varieties exclusively from Yunnan,
• Classic green teas,
• Elegant oolongs,
  but above all else focus on quality grown directly by passionate farmers committed to tradition ensures freshness you can taste!

Can I visit their teahouse?

Absolutely! You can find them located at via Macedonio Melloni 32 in Milan where artisanal décor enhances each tasting session.”
ewline}

Photo by Tanushree Rao on Unsplash