The Unique Charm of Cantonese Morning Tea Culture ?
In the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA), the tradition of morning tea stands out as a distinctive lifestyle element that sets it apart from other provinces and cities in China.
The Ritual of Morning Tea
Morning tea is far more than just having a drink in the morning. It is a social gathering activity. People usually get up early, gather in traditional teahouses or restaurants that are famous for their morning tea services. These places are often filled with the hustle and bustle of customers as early as around six or seven in the morning. When you enter, you'll be greeted by the aroma of various types of tea and the sight of numerous small trolleys filled with delicious snacks. This activity can last until the whole day after many years' development.
Food and Beverages
The food selection during morning tea is extensive. There are various types of dim sum, such as har gow (shrimp dumplings). The translucent dumpling skin wraps plump and juicy shrimps inside, showing off the chef's skill in making the perfect balance of texture. Then there's siu mai, with its minced pork and shrimp filling on top of a thin layer of glutinous rice wrapper. It's usually garnished with a bit of fish roe on top, adding a touch of color and a unique flavor. There are also char siu bao (barbecued pork buns) with their sweet and savory barbecued pork filling encased in a soft, fluffy bun. One of the prominent characteristics of morning tea dim sum is its small size and exquisiteness. This is quite different from that in other northern cities in China.
As for the tea, pu - erh tea is a popular choice. It has a rich and mellow flavor that can help with digestion, especially after consuming a large amount of greasy food. Chrysanthemum tea is also favored for its refreshing and cooling properties. When translated, these names of food and drinks carry the unique cultural connotations of the Cantonese language. For example, "dim sum" in Cantonese (點心) directly refers to the heart - touching little snacks.
Cultural Significance
Morning tea reflects the relaxed and social - oriented lifestyle of the people in the GBA. It's a time for family reunions. Grandparents, parents, and children gather together, chatting and sharing the delicious food. It's also an important business and social occasion. Businessmen often discuss deals over a cup of tea and several plates of dim sum. The slow - paced environment allows for in - depth conversations and relationship - building. In this culture, there is a sense of harmony and enjoyment of life. People take their time, savoring the food and the company, which is quite different from the fast - paced breakfast culture in some other big cities where people might just grab a quick bite on the go. This unique morning tea culture has been passed down through generations and remains an integral part of the GBA's cultural identity.
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