Discovering the Gaiwan
How a Simple Chinese Teacup Changed the Way I Drink Tea
Hi, I’m Jessie—born in China, inspired by the world.
After living in Europe for several years and traveling often between cultures, I found myself unexpectedly drawn back to something deeply familiar: traditional Chinese teaware.
I used to drink only coffee. Flat whites, cold brews, espresso shots—they were my daily rhythm. But over time, as I searched for more grounding routines, I started craving something quieter. That’s when I found tea. Not just any tea, but the kind brewed slowly, mindfully, one pour at a time.
And in that search, I discovered the gaiwan.
What Is a Gaiwan, and Why Should You Care?
A gaiwan is a traditional Chinese lidded bowl used to brew tea. It usually comes in three parts: a bowl, a lid, and a saucer. That’s it—simple, elegant, powerful.
Unlike modern teapots or infusers, using a gaiwan is all about mindful living. It invites you to slow down, focus on the moment, and connect with the tea leaves as they open and evolve.
In this short blog series, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about gaiwans:
- How to use a gaiwan (without burning your fingers!)
- How much tea and water to use
- What types of tea work best in a gaiwan
- Gaiwan vs teapot: which one fits your lifestyle
But first, let me tell you how this little bowl became part of my tea ritual.
My Gaiwan Moment: From Coffee to Tea
A few years ago, I was traveling in southern China and visited a small ceramics town known for its handmade teaware. Among shelves of blue, green, and earth-toned bowls, I saw a piece that looked like a flower in bloom: a simple, glazed gaiwan.
I asked the shop owner how to use it. She smiled and said, “Just listen to the leaves. Let them breathe.”
That night, I brewed my first cup of oolong in a hotel room using that gaiwan. The smell, the warmth, the quiet—it felt like a ritual, not a routine.
Since then, tea has slowly replaced coffee in my mornings. I still enjoy a cappuccino once in a while, but tea gives me something deeper. It gives me a pause. A breath. A moment to return to myself.
Why I Use a Gaiwan Now
If you’ve ever Googled “how to use a gaiwan” or “gaiwan vs teapot”, you’re probably curious about what makes this tiny bowl special.
Here’s why I keep reaching for it:
✅ Precise and simple – No moving parts, just bowl + lid
✅ Perfect for one person – No big pot to clean
✅ Enhances flavor – Tea tastes cleaner and fresher
✅ Encourages mindfulness – You can't rush a gaiwan brew
It’s more than just a tool—it’s an experience.
*Pouring tea with a stunning burnt orange-glazed gaiwan.
Tea and Mindful Living
In a fast-paced world, tea—especially when brewed in a gaiwan—reminds me to slow down. Even on busy mornings, I try to make space for one intentional cup.
To me, using a gaiwan is not about being “traditional.” It’s about being present.
Whether I’m brewing white tea in spring or roasted oolong on a rainy afternoon, the ritual keeps me centered. That’s what makes it so beautiful.
What’s Coming Next?
In the next post, I’ll share how to actually use a gaiwan, step by step. I’ll explain:
- How to hold it
- How to pour without spills
- How to get started with your first brew
If you're curious about Chinese teaware or want to explore mindful tea tools for your own slow mornings, visit my store:
👉 www.delotuscrafts.com
Thanks for joining me in this little tea journey.
—
Jessie @ DeLotus
Tea drinker, thoughtful packer, and curious wanderer.