Gaiwan Tea Sets

What Does Gaiwan Mean?

A Gaiwan, meaning “lidded bowl” in Chinese, is a graceful and practical tool used in traditional tea preparation. Made of three parts — a bowl, a fitted lid, and a saucer — it allows the drinker to steep, swirl, and sip tea all in one vessel. With no handle or spout, the Gaiwan invites direct interaction: you see the leaves unfold, smell the aroma rise, and control the infusion with gentle tilts. It’s not just teaware — it’s a tactile part of the tea experience.

What’s in a Gaiwan Tea Set?

A complete Gaiwan tea set typically includes the Gaiwan itself — often crafted from porcelain or heatproof glass — accompanied by small tasting cups, a Gong Dao Bei (fairness pitcher), and sometimes a bamboo tray. Some sets come packaged in elegant gift boxes, making them perfect for both personal use and thoughtful gifting. Whether you’re practising Gongfu-style tea at home or enjoying a mindful moment in a quiet corner, a Gaiwan set brings beauty and balance to the session.

Why Choose a Gaiwan Over a Teapot?

For many tea lovers, a Gaiwan offers clarity and control that teapots can’t. The open form lets you observe how the tea leaves move, and the lid becomes a tool for adjusting infusion time, stirring gently, or filtering as you pour. Gaiwans work especially well with delicate teas — like green, white, and oolong — where precise steeping brings out subtle flavour notes. With practice, the Gaiwan becomes more than just a brewing tool — it becomes a quiet, elegant performance, felt in the fingertips and remembered in the scent.

Step 1: Warm the Gaiwan

Pour hot water into the bowl and cups to warm them up. This stabilises the brewing temperature and rinses away any dust or residue.

Step 2: Add Loose Leaf Tea

Use about 3 to 6 grams of loose leaf tea, depending on the type and your preference. Gaiwans are perfect for teas that need space to expand, especially rolled oolongs and whole leaves.

Step 3: Pour and Steep

Add hot water and place the lid on top. Steep for just 5 to 30 seconds. Use the lid to hold back the leaves as you tilt and pour. The short infusions highlight delicate layers of flavour.

Step 4: Serve and Share

Pour the brewed tea into a fairness pitcher or directly into small tasting cups. Gaiwan tea is best enjoyed slowly, allowing everyone to notice the changing aroma and mouthfeel.

Step 5: Re-steep Again and Again

Good tea doesn’t stop at one pour. Re-steep the leaves multiple times, adding a few seconds with each round. The taste evolves — sometimes softer, sometimes deeper — and the ritual becomes part of the pleasure.

Bonus Tip: Learn the Gaiwan Grip

Balance the bowl on its saucer and gently guide the lid with your fingertips. It might feel tricky at first, but soon the motion becomes smooth and instinctive — almost like second nature.