Returning to Hoi An after three years of Covid disruption and so many businesses failing in areas that depend on tourism, the first thing I checked was the the delightful Reaching Out Tea House was still continuing its good work.
We enjoyed tea here every...other day during our 14 day stay and it was a highlight of those days.
The Tea House is exquisite, a traditional building maintained in authentic style, just enough wear to validate its venerable age whilst maintaining its polished and well kept beauty.
This a place of stillness and quiet in the bustle of Hoi An.
The service is gracious, the tea sets beautifully crafted and laid, the garden serene and timeless. In such a perfect setting the only remaining element is the tea and that too is superb, high quality teas from within Viet Nam served as they should be in a setting where they can be fully appreciated. Everything about this lovely place is pleasing, the calm, the grace, the peace, the shear loveliness is so rare, it is to be treasured.
On the first day we broached again the need for a “fair cup” and from then on one arrived with our tea on each occasion, we were remembered, valued and indulged.
Sitting, ever hopeful, under the carambola tree I was gifted by the tree with a windfall of starfruit which I savoured, warm, sweet and dropped at perfect ripeness. The ladies in the tea room seemed quite aggrieved that I had eaten fruit from the ground and promptly scaled the tree for further fruit which they washed, sliced and presented to me on a plate. A lovely and unexpected gesture which I greatly appreciated.
I love this place and I am left non plussed by the (few) reviews that complain about the price, it is rather like complaining that a fine, single estate, first flush tea is too expensive compared to the dust and fannings in supermarket tea bags, or that the Ritz is overpriced compared with McDonalds, it makes no sense. Here is elegance, refinement, quality and charm to be savoured and appreciated.
In the workshop behind the garden, lovely artefacts are displayed for sale and one can watch the craftsmen practicing their skills, finishing the fine ceramics as used in service in the tea room and other local offerings, whilst upstairs the delectable treats that accompany each service are hand made freshly each day and the sweet aroma of confectionary drift into garden below.
Thank you for providing such an almost surreal oasis of refreshment and reflection in such a busy place.More
