I think Dad Tea in Hainan is a blend of culture and simplicity


    "Dad Tea" in Hainan is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural phenomenon that blends the simplicity of Chinese tea with the communal aspect of Western coffee shops. Originating in the late Qing Dynasty, Dad Tea has become an integral part of daily life in Hainan, reflecting the island's unique lifestyle and values.

    During my visit to Longqiao town, a friend took me to a local Dad Tea house, a popular spot among villagers. The setup was simple: square tables, plastic stools, and a menu featuring tea, coffee, Hainan-style pastries, and steamers akin to Cantonese morning tea. The affordability was striking – a pot of tea for just 3 yuan, and fried dough sticks for 2, and the priciest item, a rib dish, at 16 yuan.

    Longqiao Town alone boasts 15 Dad Tea shops, each a hub for the community. Here, middle-aged and elderly residents gather early in the morning to chat about everything from lottery numbers to family stories. The tea culture in Hainan is less about the beverage and more about the leisurely lifestyle it represents. A single cup of tea can last an entire day, with patrons often dozing off in their chairs.

    Dad Tea is more than just a culinary tradition; it reflects the calm, serene, and optimistic nature of Hainan's people. This disposition is attributed to the island's pleasant climate and fertile land. Moreover, Taoism's influence on Hainan's lifestyle is evident. The Taoist principles of harmony with nature, inaction, and freedom resonate deeply in the Dad Tea culture, showcasing the islanders' affinity for life in sync with nature.

How do traditions like Dad Tea shape our understanding of a place and its people?

Have you experienced a unique cultural tradition during your travels that left a lasting impression?  please share your stories and reflections！


Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 20, 2023 at 12:26 AM

    Excellent job! Really interesting, thanks for your popularize!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DaisyDecember 20, 2023 at 12:27 AM

    Thanks for your sharing! This is the first time that I hear about "Dad Tea" 🤔️... If you can add a introduction of "Dad Tea", I think it will be more easy for me to understand how Dad Tea shape our understanding of a place and its people.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ZoraDecember 20, 2023 at 12:31 AM

    Thank you for sharing! If you can introduce why the tea called "Dad Tea", I think it will be more interesting and easily to understand

    ReplyDelete
  4. He Yue (Cynthia)December 20, 2023 at 12:34 AM

    It's the first time I've heard that word "Dad Tea." . From your description, I'd like to try it！

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wang, Ruohan (Aubrey)December 20, 2023 at 12:45 AM

    An interesting story about "Dad Tea"!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ge SaierDecember 20, 2023 at 12:58 AM

    I have never heard of this before.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wang, Ruohan (Aubrey)December 20, 2023 at 1:13 AM

    An interesting story about "Dad Tea"! I also want to try it after reading your blog!

    ReplyDelete

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