Slug : purpcane
For Bangsar Weekly
By Clarence Koh

Thousands of years of Chinese civilisation has turned tea-drinking into an art. Therefore, the Purple Cane Tea Art Centre has been set up with the purpose of spreading the tea art culture.

Having a concept of bringing tea art closer to the public, the centre has a simple, clean but cosy set up. Tea-drinking is not just for the older generation, anymore. It is given a more contemporary touch to approach to the younger generation. 

"We always welcome those who are interested into Chinese tea art to drop by. We will be glad to share a pointer or two, or even to demonstrate the simple routine of Chinese tea brewing," Y-Ching Yeap, the Senior Tea Art Instructor said. 

If you are a beginner, the tea art instructors at the centre are always ready to guide you. The Megamall's outlet is designed to be more opened and approachable to the public. One will feel that it is more like a homely corner than a commercial area.

"In line with the accelerating speed of our lifestyle, we are promoting a more simple and modernised tea-making process here. This is done by avoiding the fussy details of traditional tea-making but retaining the essence of it," she added.

Yeap also recommended that Chinese tea should be brewed in smaller teapots in order to preserve the tea's original flavour and fragrant. This is just one of the many details that Chinese tea lovers should adhere to.

The centre offers one-month course for those who are really interested into learning more about Chinese tea art. Subjects included will be the origins of tea, tea classification, art of tea-making and the usage of tea-making utensils.

One could find a huge array of tea-related items at the centre. Among which are varieties of Chinese tea leaves, tea snacks, tea reference books, tea music, tea accessories and the exotic China Yixing teapots. 

The Yixing purple clay teapots are considered as the best teapots for being able to retain the tea's original flavour and aroma. These teapots come in various designs and sizes, and are extremely durable against cracking.

"For proper tea-making, different utensils should be used for different kinds of tea leaves to bring out their unique characteristics and flavour," Yeap reasoned why Chinese tea-making is very particular about the usage of teapots and other accessories.

Drinking Chinese tea is an enjoyment especially when it is done in a tranquil and quiet setting. Same as the ambience at the Megamall's tea art centre, one will feel relaxed and comfortable having a sip of tea.

"Drinking Chinese tea is an art. One will really have to enjoy the fragrance of the tea before slowly sipping it. It is improper to drink in a gulp," she added.

Thirteen years after the establishment of Purple Cane Enterprise, the Midvalley Megamall's outlet is its third tea art centre. The company also has other tea-related businesses like tea houses and tea restaurants.

Chinese tea has gained great acceptance worldwide for its light and fragrant aroma. No wonder the Purple Cane Enterprise has a restaurant that combines tea leaves into the cuisine served, a creative pioneer in local food business.

The company has also recently published a book called "The Passage to Chinese Tea". It is Malaysia's first bilingual publication of its kind, with all the information you will need to know about Chinese tea art.

The Midvalley Megamall's Purple Cane Tea Art Centre is located at Unit LG-011, Lower Ground Floor of the shopping mall. For enquiries or appointments, please call 03-284 0322.


Pic Captions:
1. Purple Cane Tea Art Centre has its doors widely opened for public at Midvalley Megamall.
2. Yeap, at a Tea Demonstration.