A Tea Culture

As descendants of the Chinese, Vietnamese naturally value tea as an integral part of their world not only as a recreational beverage, but as a ceremonial elixir whose brewing skills are revered as art. Green tea and fermented black tea are both consumed in the home, at formal restaurant meals, with street food, and at cafés—pretty much everywhere by everyone. Serving tea upon welcoming someone to your home or a meeting is a gesture of hospitality and is expected even at the most nonformal engagements