PETALING JAYA: A fascination with Chinese tea has opened the door to a world of history, culture and friendship for Muhd Hariz Mohd Azhar that he might otherwise never have discovered.
He has spent the past five years immersing himself in the world of Chinese tea.
Now, the final-year student of English for International Communication at the International Islamic University Malaysia’s Pagoh campus regularly introduces the art of tea-making to visitors at local exhibitions.
Muhd Hariz’s curiosity with Chinese tea began during the Covid-19 movement control order (MCO) five years ago.
“I realised that tea is originally from China but it has spread its influence around the world, so I started reading about it,” he said.
He discovered countless varieties of tea, each with its own characteristics and preparation methods, ranging from Chaozhou and Yixing styles to Taiwanese methods.
Even the choice of teapot, whether made of clay or porcelain, could affect the taste, he said.
“It was an eye-opening experience. It is a huge world, although it is quite a niche hobby,” he said.
When the MCO ended, Muhd Hariz, 23, started visiting tea shops and exhibitions and began making friends with like-minded people.
Since then, he has joined tea enthusiasts at roadshows to promote Chinese tea culture and has met people from different backgrounds.
“Tea is a medium for me to meet more people from different cultures with different personalities,” he said.
Over the years, he has tasted thousands of tea varieties and experimented with tea brewing, resulting in a more refined palate.
“My tongue has become very sensitive. Sometimes, I can tell the types of ingredients and spices used in dishes,” he said.
While the art of Chinese tea preparation requires patience, Muhd Hariz believes the final cup makes it worthwhile.
“The process may be complicated and involve many steps, but the result is satisfying. Maybe life is like tea.
“The process may not always be easy, but if you put sincerity and patience into it, you will eventually taste the sweetness,” he said.
Muhd Hariz was recently spotted at the Malaysian Teochew Tea Art Association booth during the Teochew Culture and Food Festival at a shopping mall here.
Association president Yap Tze Kien said he befriended Muhd Hariz through the Johor Tea Art Association.
“I told him about Teochew tea art and our vision to bring in the whole 21-step module and certification programme from China.
“Without hesitation, he joined us,” he said.
Yap noted that the tea ritual may look simple, but every step carries a purpose.
He explained that the Teochew style uses a small teapot with three cups, resembling the Chinese character “pin”, which means tasting or appreciating.
“Preserving these details is important to ensure the traditional art does not become merely a way of brewing tea,” he said.
Teochew Gong Fu Tea Art was inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as part of “Traditional Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Social Practices in China” in 2022.
Yap encourages more Malaysians to appreciate the art.
“This is not just about drinking tea. It is about the respect, patience, skills and peacefulness behind every cup,” he added.
