Travel Tea Sets: How to Brew Good Tea Away From Home

Tea made with a tea bag in a paper cup is what most people settle for when they travel. A proper cup on the road needs less than you think. Here is what a portable tea set should hold, and how to brew well with whatever hot water you can find.

What a travel tea set needs

• A brewing vessel. A small gaiwan or a compact pot, about 100 to 150 ml.
• Two cups, or one and a pitcher. Small and unbreakable if possible.
• A way to carry it all. A case or organizer that protects fragile pieces.
• A strainer or a gaiwan lid that holds back the leaf.

We offer several arrangements. A portable white porcelain travel tea set has a gaiwan, four cups and a pitcher in a brocade case. A portable titanium tea set is light and tough, and a 999 silver square travel set is a beautiful option. A tea travel organizer keeps everything in one place. The travel and teaware range has more.

Which teas travel well

• Forgiving teas. Shu pu-erh, Dian Hong and roasted oolong tolerate imperfect water and timing.
• Compact formats. A small cake or a pre-weighed portion. Weigh 5 g into a small bag before you leave.
• Teas that give many infusions. One portion lasts a long train ride.

Delicate green and white teas are harder on the road, because they need cooler, controlled water.

How to brew with hotel, office or kettle water

1. Rinse the leaf quickly with hot water and pour it away. 2. Use fresh hot water from a kettle, a flask or a coffee machine hot-water tap. 3. Steep short, about 10 to 20 seconds, then lengthen gradually. 4. Cool the water for green or white by leaving it a minute with the lid off.

The principles are in the gongfu guide, and water matters, as why water matters explains.

A few cautions

• Hot water and a closed container can build pressure, so open lids away from you.
• Check the rules of your airline or border on carrying food items and tools, and keep sharp tools out of hand luggage where the rules require it.
• Fragile ware needs padding.

If you want to build a full home set, start with what to buy for a first gongfu tea set.