WHERE: Hua Shan Teahouse, Shaan’Xi Province, China There is nothing more ceremonial than a pilgrimage to the summit of Hua Shan, China, for a fine cup of tea. If your grit is higher than the scale of the mountain – standing at 2,160 meters tall – we challenge you to hike it. The road to heaven is a surreal and vertigo-inducing experience a thrill-seeker would not want to miss. Aptly named Plank Walk in the Sky, it is paved with narrow pathways precariously bending around the edge of the mighty cliff. For those who are deterred, you can choose to take the cable car ride from the East Gate to the North Peak to catch a glimpse of the beautiful vista over the mountain valleys. At the end of the journey sits an ancient Taoist temple, a sacred sanctuary that has been converted into a tea house. Travelers will be rewarded with a warm cup of hard-earned tea and a
Bon Appétea: Ochazuke (Japanese Steeped Rice)
A tea-infused meal you can make at home with leftover ingredients? You got that right. Ochazuke will make for a light and well-balanced comfort food during inclement weather. Just choose your green tea of choice – genmaicha, unro, or hojicha – to pour over your steamy sushi rice and layer whatever proteins and greens you can find in your kitchen. Ingredients 2 cups warm sushi rice, divided Kosher salt 3 tablespoons neutral oil 1/4 cup white soy sauce or 3 tablespoons regular soy sauce 4 large eggs 10 ounces mature spinach, trimmed 1/2 cup green tea, such as hojicha, genmaicha, or unro. We recommend Hachimanjyu’s first flush organic green tea (click to shop) 6 scallions, dark-green parts only, very thinly sliced crosswise Pickled ginger, furikake seasoning or toasted sesame seeds, and shredded toasted nori (for serving) Instructions Scoop 1/2 cup rice onto a clean surface. Dampen your hands in a small bowl of salted water (this will prevent the rice
TEA IS FOR TRAVEL: 29b Teahouse
WHERE: 29b Teahouse, New York This premium establishment was conceived by Tea Dealers, one of the few purveyors of pure non-blended roast teas in America. For those who are looking for a respite from the bustling city, 29b Teahouse’s ceramic-lined space can be a modern sanctuary of calm and comfort – complete with a tasting room where you can pair their curated line-up of premium teas with food items from their menu. We recommend their Ochazuke for a light, spirit-lifting meal. A humble tea-dish featuring soy-and-wasabi-cured fish, vegetables, and ume on top of short-grain white rice, and complemented with a pour of smoky Hojicha. DRINK: Charcoal roasted Taiwanese Oolongs, Matcha-beer Their roster of teas are continually evolving, based on owner Stefen Ramirez’s recent travels to the different tea producing countries in Asia. So expect your senses to be taken to new places every time you visit, from smooth charcoal roasted Taiwanese oolongs to the rare Korean black tea balhyo. For
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