For the Love of Tea, Friends and Me

By Jaime Teo

7/31/2024 5:24:00 PM | LighterNotes (SGH)

The article is contributed/written by

As we raise our cups to International Self-Care Day in July, let’s explore the world of tea through the eyes of two passionate tea enthusiasts at SGH. Wendy Yue, a manager with General Services and Dr Tess Teo Lin, a consultant at the Department of Emergency Medicine share their journeys and joy of tea appreciation, revealing how this simple ritual has become a cornerstone of their well-being.

Q1: What sparked your interest in tea appreciation?

Wendy: I was introduced to kungfu tea during a trip in China when I was nine. The intricate process of brewing tea fascinated me, and my parents were also into it. The multiple infusions of the tea leaves to draw out a more nuanced and flavourful extraction of the tea was like an art. When we got back to Singapore, we set up our own tea station and I've been a tea lover ever since!

Tess: I had the best tea ever at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn but didn't ask where it came from. I spent two years searching for that flavor, trying various teas along the way. It was an adventure!

Q2: How is drinking tea or tea appreciation therapeutic for you?

Wendy: Chinese tea is best brewed in unglazed ceramic pots, made of a type of clay called zisha 紫砂. Observing my zisha teapots is strangely calming. It helps me relax and clears my mind. My go-to tea for tough days is aged pu-er 普洱—it’s incredibly soothing.

Tess: For night shifts, I make a bottle of tea. It’s fun to share why I have weird leaves in my bottle, and it’s a visual encouragement during busy shifts. My favorite teas are English Breakfast with mint, high mountain oolong 高山乌龙, and gyokuro.

Wendy: My favorite Western tea is peppermint. For Chinese tea, it’s da hong pao 大红袍 — it kickstarts my mornings with its fragrance.

Q3: Wendy, you have joined a tea appreciation interest group at work. What do you like most about these sessions?

Wendy:

1. Meeting like-minded colleagues who appreciate tea in its raw form.

2. Understanding the whole tea-making process.

3. Tasting lesser-known types of tea.

Q4: How does sharing tea build community?

Wendy: Sharing tea is a great conversation starter and creates a welcoming atmosphere. It’s about enjoying a moment together and building a sense of belonging.

Tess: Exactly! It’s a shared experience purely for the joy of it. If you like tea or are just curious, join us!

Q5: Do we need to know tea to join the Tea Appreciation Interest Group?

Wendy: There’s no barrier to entry. If you feel like drinking tea, you’re welcome!

Tess: If you like tea, come. If you’re unsure, come anyway! You might find a new favourite.

If you are keen to be part of the Tea Appreciation Interest Group, drop us an email.

Thanks for sharing your tea stories, Wendy and Tess! Everyone, celebrate International Self-Care Day (everyday) with a cup of tea and great company. Cheers to self-care, friendship, and the love of tea!

Want to start a new interest group? The guidelines and application form can be found here. (Infopedia access required)

Interest groups are formed with a minimum of eight staff who have a common interest and meet to do it. If you would like to create your own interest group(s) feel free to contact SGH Work-Life Unit.

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