Guangdong & Guangxi on Tea & Me

Dim Sum & Tea: The Perfect Pairing Guide

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Dim Sum & Tea: The Perfect Pairing Guide

There’s a reason dim sum is synonymous with tea. The Chinese phrase yum cha (飲茶) literally means “drink tea” — the tea isn’t an afterthought, it’s the whole point. The dim sum is what you eat while drinking tea.

But not all teas go with all dim sum. A delicate har gow needs something different than a hearty siu mai or a greasy spring roll. Here’s how to pair like a pro.

Dancong Producers

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:37:44 -0800

Discovering Phoenix Dancong: The Aromatic Oolong

Phoenix Dancong (凤凰单丛, Fènghuáng Dān Cōng) is one of China’s most celebrated oolong teas, often hailed as the “perfume of teas” for its astonishing array of natural floral, fruity, and spicy aromas. Originating from the rugged mountains of Guangdong Province, this semi-oxidized tea is crafted from leaves of ancient tea trees, each variety meticulously selected and propagated to preserve its unique scent profile. Unlike many teas that blend leaves from multiple plants, Dancong—meaning “single bush”—emphasizes the individuality of each cultivar, resulting in a sipping experience that’s as diverse as it is delightful.

Liu Bao Tea (Six Forts Tea - 六堡茶)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:37:44 -0800

The History: The Ancestor of Ripe Pu-erh

Liu Bao tea is a historic “Hei Cha” (Dark Tea) from Guangxi Province with a history spanning over 1,500 years. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the “life-saving tea” for Chinese miners in Southeast Asia (Malaysia and Singapore) because of its cooling properties and its ability to settle the stomach in hot, humid climates.

Phoenix Dancong (Fenghuang Dancong - 凤凰单丛)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:37:44 -0800

The History: The “Single Bush” Perfume

Phoenix Dancong is a unique family of oolong teas from the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong Province. Local tradition often traces its heritage back toward the Song era, and the region is known for very old trees and long tea-making lineages.

The name “Dancong” literally means “single bush.” Traditionally, these teas were harvested and processed from individual, genetically distinct tea trees, each with its own unique aroma. This resulted in a dizzying array of “fragrance types” that are all natural—no flowers or oils are ever added.

Yingde Hongcha (Yingde Red Tea - 英德紅茶)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:37:44 -0800

The History: The Royal Favorite of Guangdong

Yingde Hongcha is the most famous red tea from Guangdong Province. While tea has been grown in Yingde for centuries, the modern “Hongcha” industry was established in the 1950s as part of a national effort to create high-quality export teas.

In 1963, Yingde Hongcha was presented to the British Royal Family. It was so well-received that it became a staple in the Royal household’s afternoon tea ceremonies. It is often compared to high-end Ceylon or Assam teas but with a distinct “Chinese” sweetness and floral complexity that makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a bold yet refined cup.