Browsing Mei Leaf Teahouse and Tasting Da Hong Pao

[@somedude2748]

You tea shop is beyond professional. It reminds me of tea shops I've seen in Korea and Japan, I am completely blown away Don. I wish we had something like this in Dublin. Even our best tea shop doesn't even come close to yours. Next time I'm in London and I have enough money, I'll drop down and buy some stuff off you guys!

[@MeiLeaf]

Thanks, you are welcome whenever you happen to be in London. Open 7 days a week!

[@tinahuttner7280]

Some dude wish we had it in Minnesota. Teavana doesn’t even come close to mei leaf. Really considering on a trip to the shop😀

[@dawnnadir]

Your tea shop reminds me the ones from Hong Kong. As you may know there is quite a number of tea houses at the Sheung Wan area.

[@denisemi]

Browsing flights to London right now!! I'm dying to visit Mei Leaf. Every single detail in the shop shows your professionalism and love for tea. I loved this video.

[@MeiLeaf]

YAY Denise, come and say hi!

[@tinahuttner7280]

Me too from Minnesota😀thinking fall season.

[@gardentealounge4548]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! The tea tasting section! You guys made me soooo hungry with your flavor profiling and I think Celine is an absolute doll! She is too fun!

[@travis0x]

shes so pretty! pls introduce her

[@apollostefan7592]

This is so awesome! When I finally make it "across the pond" to visit London, I'll have to stop by. Cheers Don!

[@MeiLeaf]

Cheers!

[@RosesofWillows]

18:00 Awwww, Celine just wants the tea so badly.

[@NorthCountryOutdoorGuys]

I’ve been watching Mei Leaf videos for months. Learning so much. First time seeing the shop. Beautiful. Maybe we can get an update to see things now?

[@mattildahubbardo]

You are so so coolio Don and Celine, thanks for starting my tea journey

[@joshuetortega3572]

very nice Don, must say that your shop reflects youre reputation as a tea brewer and teahead. 10 out of 10 is my score for you..

[@MeiLeaf]

Thanks

[@remedyplays40]

I cannot understand why I am so in love with oolong . Ever since the first oolong I tried it immediately became my favorite classification of tea. I fell in love with Da Hong Pao after being initially dissapointed by it. It was a 13 year old Yunnan Da Hong Pao. It initially tasted bland and I did believed it was a flaw with the tea in itself. I did some research and it turns out I was preparing it at a lower temperature than it it is generally reccomended. I was hsed to preparing other oolong's such as Bai Wen at around 20 degrees less. When I tried it at a higher temperature the difference was huge. I mostly got and felt notes of malt , and red fruit described in the video (specifically cherry). I also got some notes of wood. I did not get the notes of vanilla you described as much. I absolutely love it specially when made a bit stronger.

[@rameshkumarr3821]

Just saw your video on your journey into your fascination for tea. I really saw what you meant by being humble. Your vision for a happy peaceful life for everyone is really great.

[@xsuperegg11x]

Mei leaf is rapidly becoming one of my favourite places to go! Shoutout to the wonderful service of Celine and Lucy in the shop, so lovely!!

[@xl1200rcl]

Absolutely love this. Such a beautiful shop.

[@MeiLeaf]

Thanks Randy, we would love to host you one day!

[@AlvaroAmbrosio]

Don't worry about the length of the video, I loved it!

[@MeiLeaf]

Thanks

[@jamieknight4372]

Hey guys! love the new lay out since I visited last. my matcha bowl arrived yesterday, it's beautiful, had my first brew before work this morning. Great way to start the day. thanks again.

[@MeiLeaf]

Thanks Jamie and I am happy that you are enjoying the matcha bowls (took us a while!).

[@NoelleLocke]

I LOVED seeing your tea shoppe and virtually sitting down with you both over a new cuppa. It wasn't too long a video (to me)...felt very much like getting to sit in on a tea session with you guys!

[@charlesperez9976]

Your final words are something that rings true for me. “Nobody deserves bad Tea”. I am new to Good tea,and am currently assigning my Yixing teapots their respective teas,and learning how to brew them. This video was super helpful,watching the 2 of you enjoy that Oolong,because it took away the intimidation of the whole process! That’s important,otherwise,it scares people off. Thank you!

[@Apollo440]

I used to love one da hong pao I bought once in a shop. But then I bought the same (as I then thought) tea as a present. And when I tasted it the dissapointment was great. Even big enough to stop me from buyin it until this day! So thank you for this video, now I know that 1 year old da hong pao should bring the magic of this tea back into my life. A thumb flies up in the air!

[@MeiLeaf]

Very often Da Hong Pao has this effect and that is because there is too much variation in the quality and blends of DHP and people often drink too young. Thanks for watching.

[@hrcostigan]

It's worth tracking down (properly) aged Da Hong Pao. I have a 16 year old DHP and it is pure creaminess.

[@Lou.B]

Your vids are always fun to watch and very informative. You make tea a very inviting experience! Thanks for your great work!

[@MeiLeaf]

Thanks.

[@kkjin1]

Thanks for fulfilling my request to do a review on Da Hong Pau

[@MeiLeaf]

More to come as we discuss varieties of Rock oolong.

[@StudioBBoyertown]

Thanks for the tour -- your shop is lovely!

[@karencolpitts732]

Love the channel! Have been learning so much and hope to visit when COVID backs off

[@babybalrog]

best sounding tea i've ever heard of

[@nothingnewtome1]

she's wonderful...

[@TomTheAustrian]

Great video! You’ve been in focus all of the time 😀👍

[@eredruin]

I like how your shirt is making the camera freak out. :D

[@MeiLeaf]

That was a bit of an error!

[@eredruin]

No, not really. Let's just channel our inner Bob Ross and call it a happy accident.

[@MeiLeaf]

Ah Bob Ross!

[@tyler23burt]

This is the coolest tea shop I have ever seen it's very inviting and has a relaxing feel if I ever go to London we definitely go to your shop

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Superb shop & video! Thank You!

[@orangebanana7129]

So cool! I would surely like to come visit one day. Nice work!

[@Yzerman74]

My favorite channel about tea! I need to visit you one day in Camden!

[@leeennise.a3338]

Can't wait to visit!

[@pimpumpam82]

Oh wow such a cool store, my "must visit" next time in London. Great video, and for coincidence I just had a Da Hong Pao with my girlfriend one hour before watching the video. Ours was charcoal and dried plums.

[@MeiLeaf]

Good timing, maybe I should pre-release a message about which tea is coming up so that you can prepare!

[@HinFoo]

man that tea look so good to have, have only tried the "normal" grocery store bag tea and it was a long time ago only that.. been more of a coffee guy last years. lipton russian earl grey was my thing back then

[@Elim1974]

Hi Don and Celine, I just discovered your channel yesterday. Maybe a bit late, but the good part is: I have many hours of watching your video's ahead of me. I have become a tea addict during my trip to China, in May this year. So far, my favorite tea is Bi Luo Chung, but many tea discoveries still ahead of me. I have subscribe to this channel and opened an account of your website.

[@marcodiubaldo9751]

Nice session! Thank you for the informations about this tea

[@conrad7429]

You guys are such a kick to watch.

[@zhubajie6940]

Fell in love with Ru ware in my third visit to China coming across it in the Hangzhou National Tea Museum. That and Rabbit Fur our my favs for ceramics.

[@DijaVlogsGames]

I'll be visiting London next year. Coming from Germany. I max drop by your store!

[@MeiLeaf]

Nice one! Please come over and say hi.

[@moritzkohler9214]

Best tea shop ive seen

[@AlyssiaEspinosa]

I so wish you sold online! I want to taste that Da Hong Pao after that description!

[@Tyleron1]

i like this video. first time i go to england, i'll be sure to visit

[@MeiLeaf]

Yeah Tyler come over and have a brew with us.

[@anitamui7028]

Would love to visit someday

[@TheAgnesrabino]

Now I have some ideas for Christmas presents. I just ordered Da Hong Pao tea from a link you provided. 'waiting⏳

[@roleypolyjoely2400]

You two are hilarious! I love the camera adjusting part of this video! :)

[@SaultoPaul]

The teahoooouuusse !!!! ❤🎉

[@DG-mv6zw]

Time for a Mei Leaf shop in Glasgow , I think. Your tea selection is deserving of good Scottish water. 😃 I'd love to visit your place in Camden....and wouldn't be a flying visit, I can assure you. Cheers guys.

[@reddice187]

I read that Da Hong Pao is one of the most poupular teas to get tea drunk ! Cant wait to get some !

[@ThatLazyStray]

aughhhh! My friend is coming down from america this June and we booked to go see Hamlet in Shakespeare's globe. I fully intend to drag her down to Camden so we can have tea at mei leaf! I've never been before since i live in Kent, but by Jove, the moment i step through that door i am snatching up a packet of Empress and the Earl and possibly some Eatern beauty if you have it stock. Gah, june can't come fast enough!

[@zacmorrison4314]

Beautiful

[@16jchan]

Hi Don. If you recall, I came by the other day and you were kind enough to talk to me in regards to tea and LOST ROBE. We thoroughly enjoyed it and your shop! Look forward to your feedback on the "unknown" pu erh :) - Jonathan Chan

[@MeiLeaf]

Hi Johnathan. Thanks for coming by and chatting. I did try the unknown PuErh over New Years and enjoyed it although it took a couple of washes to take away that wet aged aroma. I think it has been stored too wet or allowed to build up condensation. Once this was washed away it was a lovely smooth ripe tea that gave plenty of infusions. Perfect for recovering from over indulgences during the festivities! Thank you!

[@16jchan]

Hi Don, I'm glad you liked the tea - thank you for trying! Wet Aroma - Probably likely due to being in the freezer? Thank you for the feedback- much appreciated. I'm enjoying learning about tea with you and Meileaf and I'm looking forward to receiving my next order of tea to come in the post! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm really looking forward to my next visit to the tea house. One last thing: When I came by the shop, among the other goodies, I bought a glass gong fu pot and when I got it home and sat down for my first infusion - the glass lid rolled off the table and hit my stone tiled kitchen floor ... No words can describe the devastation!! Is there ANY chance I can buy a spare lid from you?? please feel free to email me at [e-mail]. Many, many thanks!

[@NayNay-zm5ln]

Great video. Why do you pour hot water after you close the lid? Thx

[@wickedcoolsafenice]

Hi Don, I attended the fantastic talk & tasting on the 3rd December (which was so great). I had a quick question that occurred to me after I left. Just wondering if the tea farms used pesticides or not? I've lived in Camden for the last 10 years and feel incredibly lucky to have your shop just around the corner. Thank you!!!

[@MeiLeaf]

Yeah welcome Camdenite! Good question. It would be a lie to say that farms never use pesticides but with early spring picked tea it is rarely necessary as there are not many bug infestations. That is one of the reasons why tea harvested in Early Spring and Winter are higher quality (as well as the flavour of course!). Altitude makes a big difference too - higher means less bugs so no need for pesticides. Don't forget that the caffeine in tea is a natural pesticide too. If they do have an insect problem then all high quality farmers use natural or biodynamic means of pest control or short lived synthetic ones in small quantities. A lot of the scary findings about pesticides comes from low grade blends.

[@wickedcoolsafenice]

Great reply. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@piperalpha]

What I want to know is how you've had this KZbin channel for 4 years and you haven't showed us your shop until now. If I had a shop like yours, I would've proudly shoved it in my viewers' faces every other video: "Look at it!" ... "Look! At! It!".

[@MeiLeaf]

:D

[@ruia.9848]

Fresh DHP! Time to visit you guys again.😀

[@MeiLeaf]

We have a fantastic Tie Luo Han too!

[@xl1200rcl]

It is beautiful!😋

[@vitopettito1689]

You've gotta have the best job in the world. Not easy, but I'd love to do what you do. I wish I could visit your store but I'm all the way over in the states! :( Thanks for the videos! Espeically the last couple, this one and the Beijing tea market were very cool. Looking forward to those oolong videos too! I'm way into collecting and drinking puerh but I also love oolong and don't have much at the moment. I'd love to get into oolongs as much as I have puerhs.

[@MeiLeaf]

Thanks, we are making the videos as quickly as possible and will be doing a Wuyi Oolong one.

[@willsshows2382]

hi my name is will. im a tea fanatic and I love your videos.id like to see some fottage of your tea house while its open and what people like to order. thanks

[@kokosmack]

Your shop looks amazing! I might be studying abroad in Europe next year, and this gives me even more of a reason to visit London while I'm over there. :)

[@chaiguy_nz9064]

fun tasting!

[@kimberleyh.2051]

How about a video on the cast iron tea pots? They are beautiful and retain the heat wonderfuly. I enjoy the Gongfu style brewing but am not confined to just that style of brewing tea and the cast iron is one that I would like to learn a little more about!

[@kamdelong5415]

absolutely love the videos and wish I could stop by your beautiful shop. But alas there is a big pond between us....someday! I have been ordering teas from you and may I say what a difference with the stock I have been getting other places. Happy I found you. Also can I ask what camera/app you use for you videos

[@MeiLeaf]

Hi Kam, Thanks for your kind praise and for ordering from us (despite the pond between us). We use a Lumix GH4 and panasonic ImageApp to control focus.

[@andrewburless491]

Can you do a video that discusses the differences in picking seasons, cultivars, and elevations? I don't know if that can be done in one video but I would appreciate something to help me know what the difference is about those...

[@MeiLeaf]

Great idea we will try to break up the SCOPE into separate videos.

[@sevidebueb7035]

just love you guys! feel like booking a ticket just now to enter your paradise :D

[@MeiLeaf]

Come on!

[@MontyGumby]

i want the REAL GongFU guru - i.e. those big stone slabs you showed in your video of visiting Ooolong country

[@djlowtek]

Wow I really wish I lived in London right now

[@KeepUpHustlePress]

Hey Don can you do a video on ceramic vs porcelain? I’m interested in this very much and I think others maybe too! Keep up the fun, funny, informative, amazing videos!

[@eredruin]

Hey, Don, since you're open to suggestions, could you please make a video about sencha or japanese green teas in general? I recently purchased some yabukita sencha and I have yet to try it out, but I really don't want to experiment with it and risk wasting it.

[@onixxx1984]

eredruin With japanes teas it is a good idea to get the proper teaware that was made with green tea in mind, and a thermometer and scale help a great deal, for start with lightsteamed tea use 6 grams for 200 ml water at 75 c, 1 minute first infusion, 20 seconds for second and 40 seconds for third infusion, you can adjust from here, first try it lighter and later make it stronger if you found it too light.

[@eredruin]

Thanks for the tip, Nagy !

[@MeiLeaf]

Great tips thank you for sharing.

[@maureenruggeri5026]

This is a wonderful video! Love your Tea Shop and your passion! Have you ever heard of a Tea called Ti Ping or Monkey Chief, it almost looks like the leaf was ironed. It is not an easy tea to find.

[@moritzkohler9214]

Would love to visit you someday

[@gymgirl1010910]

Don, could you tell us some please tell us where you get some of your beautiful tea ware from? Any online stores or anything like that?

[@MeiLeaf]

We buy direct from tea markets in China and craftsmen to find the teaware which we sell online. If you are looking for anything in particular then you can try Aliexpress - we hear positive and negative feedback but you may find something you like.

[@richlaue]

Do you have plans to bring back the Gung Fu Guru in the web shop?

[@Benni1000games]

Such a shame that I don't live in England, I'd love to visit your shop one day. Until then I'll just keep ordering online

[@MikeThatNormalGuy]

First off can you open a shop in Los Angeles and can I work there?!? Also I can’t believe I was in London multiple times before I was into tea and now that I’m into tea who knows when I’ll be able to get there next.

[@lynndarnton7998]

Not having tried a Da Hong Pao yet ... when you say it's warming and brings out a bit of perspiration ... would the warming make it a good tea when one is cold like in winter? Or would the perspiration make it a good summer tea because when the perspiration evaporates it would have a cooling effect? Or doesn't it work like that?

[@DanMikita]

hey - where can I buy those little white dishes you use to present the dry loose tea?

[@MeiLeaf]

Her you go: chinalifeweb.com/shop/product/tsc-porc

[@Andrew_ATC]

I received a gift box of Da Hong Pao, and tried one of the the sealed packs. It is quite smoky. Would the smokiness fade overtime even if they are packaged into these sealed little packs? Thanks.

[@MeiLeaf]

Very slowly the charcoal would fade but it would be preferable to open the packs and store in a porous container if you want to lose some of that roasted aroma.

[@Mindful_TEA_Break]

Nice video :)) just pity you have only few tables there and no place to seat in place that would give more traditional feeling of a tea house but I get that there is not much space to work with. I really like the shop part, especially an idea of "tea museum" :))

[@gymgirl1010910]

Is it okay to brew white tea, like silver needle in a Yixing clay tea pot? I heard that it would burn the tea leaves since the clay gets so hot. Help..lol

[@MeiLeaf]

I have never seen anyone brew Silver Needle in a Yixing and agree that it may be too hot if you are not careful with water temperature but I enjoy Silver Needle brewed hotter so 90 degree water in a Yixing should be ok.

[@crazywakefingers]

What water do you guys use in your shop, at home etc. ?

[@MeiLeaf]

We use high end filters and a Grander system for our water.

[@lainduong5675]

don and celine, if it is possible, could you guys do a tea-food/meat matching video please?

[@MeiLeaf]

It is being planned already!

[@Danaska753]

Mei Leaf, do you sell the tea tray separately ?

[@TheMrpotatoes1]

8:43 never seen don move that fast before

[@hero88687757]

Hey Don, first I want to gratulate you on your Channel, your Shop and your immense Knowledge! Do you think that the resting thing can be applied to a Hojicha too? I bought a big package from a online Shop that I always order my japanese Green Teas from and never been disappointed, but it's my first Hojicha, and I am not really sure, whether it is my poor Taste, the Tea's poor Quality, or just the heavy roasting that's overwhelming the taste of the Green Tea. Thank your for all the Information on good Tea and how to brew it, keep up the good Work!

[@dlg1876]

Nice

[@samisbrown]

Do you have a US web page? Do I can not shop because of my currency:(

[@Daantjer]

Do you sell taster-quantities in your shop? I'm asking because I'm interested in purchasing a bunch of tasters but since my uncle is going to London he could then pick them up for me instead of me having to pay shipping costs. Thanks

[@shanghai_noon]

Classy shop

[@hawkeye5029]

Hey Don, I've been into loose leaf tea lately. Actually I just bought some but not high quality or even great tea but anyways, could you ship your teas to the USA and how much would that cost?

[@owenjohnson2361]

Do you guys ship to america?

[@MeiLeaf]

Yes, we are actually shipping more to the USA than any other country.

[@owenjohnson2361]

do you know how much extra it would cost? I really wanna buy some of your tea :)

[@christianraxo7535]

Do you ship to México? Please say yes, please say yes.

[@wesdashman]

Is Da Hong Pao available?

[@MeiLeaf]

Here you go: chinalifeweb.com/shop/product/tea-empc/

[@simongermany5011]

Finally Da Hong Pao! ;)

[@MeiLeaf]

This is an intro, more information on Yan cha is going to be filmed for everyone.

[@adamkazort2259]

Do you sell online?

[@MeiLeaf]

Of course we sell worldwide at www.chinalifeweb.com if you would like to try our tea!

[@wei301]

Hi Don, Is this Da Hong Pao in the video available to purchase now?

[@MeiLeaf]

Yes it is available at chinalifeweb.com/shop/product/tea-empc

[@amartyasharan07]

I have an idea, Don. On your site, why not show origins on a map? Surely, you have a mental map of these places, having explored the area first-hand. But a relatively detailed map, perhaps showing elevation levels, other sorts of natural features/flora there, usual weather etc. would help us build an even better mental library about what's in our cups!

[@denisdraxler8231]

Oh my, this is great. I bought recently a Da Hong Pao and .... then came the .... uuuhhh ... :( ... I think I brewed too less tea, and then the taste was like "nothing" ... :( But then I brewed some 3 minutes and with more tea, and this was really okay but still definitely too less taste. Great video by the way.

[@user-xu4xj7bf2q]

I like your video because it shows your passion for tea. i cas see the passion for tea word in your move, how you speak, and eyes. i love this world too so i love so match your videos. thanks because they have helped me in my choices. thank you for your professionalism, thanks for your great knowledge and thanks for passion that you put in your videos. apologize for the imperfect English but, as you certainly understand, I'm not English.

[@MeiLeaf]

Thank you Laura, we are so happy that we have helped you on your tea journey, we appreciate your comments!

[@ScottAReid]

sir, where can i order the brown tea pot you brewed the tea in. do u have a link or address?

[@MeiLeaf]

Our Yixing pot is available by visiting chinalifeweb.com/shop/product/xi-shi-yixing-clay-pot Thanks!

[@ScottAReid]

thanks. watched both videos. thinking of ordering it to the USA. i drink mainly green teas. i dont understand how the teas wont pour into the tea cup using this pot since there is no tea basket. maybe i need a strainer in my cup or does this pot somehow prevent this?

[@MeiLeaf]

Hi, the teapot has small holes leading to the spout which stops the leaves from going through. It is not really suited to Green tea as it holds the heat really well but this can stew the Green tea a little. We recommend it for Oolongs, Black and PuErh tea.

[@ScottAReid]

thanks for the reply and sorry to bother you. green tea is all i drink. green tea snob here. lol. can you recommend a pot suited for green tea? pot for one person.

[@ScottAReid]

i was really into the clay pot. i guess i understand the heat aspect. but i make my tea super hot anyway. prob not doing it right. but, better 3 days without food, than one without tea. ))

[@JoshTerraMusic]

Wonderful:)

[@VoodooD0g]

i want a gong fu guru :(