Mastering Gongfu Brewing: The Cha Zhi Ji Way

Mastering Gongfu Brewing: The Cha Zhi Ji Way

At Cha Zhi Ji, we believe every step of preparing tea should honor both the leaves and the moment. Our Gongfu brewing method reflects generations of wisdom, balancing water, fire, clay, and timing to extract the full character of each tea.

💧 Step 1: Boil Mineral Water Over Charcoal Fire

We start with Spritzer mineral water (readily available in Malaysia), gently boiled in a stainless steel kettle over a charcoal flame. The fire gives the water a softer, more rounded energy compared to electric boiling.

🍶 Step 2: Transfer Water to Yixing Zisha Kettle

Next, we pour the hot water into our Yixing Zisha kettle. These kettles, made from unglazed purple clay, are known to subtly enhance water quality — making it rounder, softer, and better suited for coaxing flavor from the leaves.

Once transferred, we keep the water warm in the zisha kettle over a small charcoal flame, maintaining ideal brewing temperature throughout the tea session.

🫖 Step 3: Pre-Warm the Teapot

Using the hot water in the zisha kettle, rinse the outside of your teapot to equalize external temperature. Then open the lid and rinse the interior to warm it. This helps prevent sudden temperature shock when tea leaves are added.

🌿 Step 4: Add the Tea

Place your chosen loose leaf tea into the pre-warmed teapot. We recommend experimenting with any of our curated teas — whether aged Liu Bao, Wuyi Rock Tea, or delicate green teas — this method brings out their best.

🌊 Step 5: Rinse & Wake the Leaves

After closing the lid, rinse the exterior of the teapot again. Pour hot water into the teapot, replace the lid, and rinse the exterior once more. Then, quickly pour out the first brew — this step wakes the leaves and removes surface dust from processing.

⌛ Step 6: Steep, Pour, and Enjoy

Now brew again with hot water. This time, steep for 10 seconds (adjust based on tea type), then pour directly into your cups or a strainer for even distribution.

Repeat the brewing process — increasing steep time slightly each round — until the tea’s flavor fades or you wish to try a new leaf.

🧘 Why This Matters

Each step is designed to bring balance between heat, vessel, and leaves — enhancing taste and respecting the spirit of tea. Our method draws from cha dao (茶道) — the way of tea — where craftsmanship and intention meet in every pour.

Explore more about our Yixing clay philosophy in our Purple Clay Guide.