MingCha Tea House
MingCha Tea House
5
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Start a senses-opening tea tasting journey at MingCha Tea House! A must-do in Hong Kong! MingCha, established in 1999 with the aim to create an environment for people to understand tea with different angles. Run by artist & designer-turned entrepreneur Vivian Mak, MingCha was awarded Hong Kong Top Brand in 2017 and recognised as one of the ‘The World’s Best Tea Shops’ by FOOD & WINE Magazine. Book a MingCha Tea Tasting & Pairing Workshop guided by their tea masters will cover the things you need to know about Chinese tea. You can capture all the wonderful moments of sniffing and slurping teas & snacks for pairing! Furthermore, you will master the skills to brew tea like a pro.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Eastern District
How to get there
- Chai Wan • 4 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
383 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
30
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Jade S
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Friends
What a memorable tea tasting experience! Vivian is not only very knowledgeable about tea but also warm and fun to be with. She’s truly a tea artist. Highly recommend this tea tasting to the tea lovers and also those that are just curious to find out more about tea!
Written 22 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Jade,
Thanks for your compliments.
Great to know that your friend and you have had a great time exploring teas together.
Hope to see you all again!
Written 20 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan L
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Solo
The overall experience at MingCha tea house is fantastic! I had a great conversation with Vivian, who introduced me to her signature Jasmine green tea and made me feel right at home. Definitely a hidden gem of Hong Kong!
Written 18 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Alan, Thanks for coming to our tea house. Enjoy very much our conversation on different topics from tea, business, family, values and many more while drinking tea.
Enjoy your stay in Hong Kong.
Hope to see you again in May.
Written 19 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roya M
59 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
My husband and I came here on our first day in Hong Kong. We absolutely love tea and were very excited - it did not disappoint. It is hard to find from the outside but once we got in Vanessa was so kind and talked us through the different teas, the makings, and their process. We did two food pairings which was amazing to taste the difference of the tea with the food - like wine and cheese pairing, very interesting. we really enjoyed the quality, the experience, and the friendliness!
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeterNCass
Zurich, Switzerland47 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
It’s several years since the last time I was able to visit Ming Cha. The pandemic has prevented me from travelling to Asia. I few months ago I had an operation and it’s taken me several months to recover. I was very grateful therefore to receive a shipment of tea from Ming Cha in Hong Kong to aid my recovery. Included was my absolute favourite White Peony Supreme. It’s simply my favourite tea and much better than what I am to buy here locally in Switzerland. Thanks to Vivian for supplying me with simply the best teas in the world hand selected by her personally in China!
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Peter,
Though we met just one time during your visit to Hong Kong many years ago, I see you as a good friend.
I vividly remember that you enjoy our White Peony Supreme. So when I know that you are not feeling well, I sent this tea to you without hesitation as it might help you to reduce inflammation in the body. Inhaling the aroma also helps you to wind down and relax.
Stay healthy and happy!
Written 20 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fricke2008
San Francisco, CA6 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
I cannot recommend this place enough, and words fail describe how much I love this tea house. During my four months in Hong Kong, I have visited 5 times, each better than the last.
You go to Tai Koo, and enter a factory building, and if you have a feeling that you might die on the way, or the feeling that you are complete and utterly lost, you are definitely on the right track. The 12th floor is where the magic happens. Ring the little door bell, and prepare yourself for what I can only describe as a beautiful and submerged experience with tea.
Tomoko, the Japanese lady who served me most of my 5 visits, along with Vivian who I believe is the owner, always greeted me with a big smile, and recognised me every time I entered, making me feel almost at home.
Now, to the tea house. In the middle of this old and somewhat spooky factory building lies Ming Cha, and once you step inside, you step out of every hectic and stressfull thought, and into a simple looking teahouse, decorated with ornamented teapots, neatly shaped Gaiwans, and the smells and aromas from the many teas, ranging from the light and fragile aromas of the jasmine tea balls, and to what I can only describe as wooden, rainy, and earthbound pu'er teas. You sit at a long table, and as you work through your chosen teas, the dark wooden becomes an experience of tastes, smells, looks, and impressions. Teas are not just teas. Let them prove that to you.
During my visits, I've bought 6 types of teas, and a Gaiwan set, all of which I'm still exploring, trying to mimic the craftsmanship that is so apparent in the work, knowledge, and effort in which Tomoko brings to the table. You can feel her love and interest in what she does, having worked with teas for most of her life. She know every tea leaf on her shelf, and if you are willing to listen, she will paint the most vivid and descriptive story, explaining the history, development, processing, and effort put into the seed of the tree that will provide the leaves for the cup you will be served.
From my own experience, I will recommend a few teas, which absolutely blew me away. Highest on my list is the Teguanyin Classic, an oolong tea prepared by heating up and stopping the oxidation with charcoals, bringing a smokey aftertaste to the warm and fluctuant taste, with a mouthfeel that is hot, yet feels cold at the same time. Elsewise, the tippy pu'er, the phoenix supreme, and the silver needle supreme will also set you aback.
It is of all places my favourite in Hong Kong, and if / when I get back, it will be the first and last place I will go to before leaving.
You go to Tai Koo, and enter a factory building, and if you have a feeling that you might die on the way, or the feeling that you are complete and utterly lost, you are definitely on the right track. The 12th floor is where the magic happens. Ring the little door bell, and prepare yourself for what I can only describe as a beautiful and submerged experience with tea.
Tomoko, the Japanese lady who served me most of my 5 visits, along with Vivian who I believe is the owner, always greeted me with a big smile, and recognised me every time I entered, making me feel almost at home.
Now, to the tea house. In the middle of this old and somewhat spooky factory building lies Ming Cha, and once you step inside, you step out of every hectic and stressfull thought, and into a simple looking teahouse, decorated with ornamented teapots, neatly shaped Gaiwans, and the smells and aromas from the many teas, ranging from the light and fragile aromas of the jasmine tea balls, and to what I can only describe as wooden, rainy, and earthbound pu'er teas. You sit at a long table, and as you work through your chosen teas, the dark wooden becomes an experience of tastes, smells, looks, and impressions. Teas are not just teas. Let them prove that to you.
During my visits, I've bought 6 types of teas, and a Gaiwan set, all of which I'm still exploring, trying to mimic the craftsmanship that is so apparent in the work, knowledge, and effort in which Tomoko brings to the table. You can feel her love and interest in what she does, having worked with teas for most of her life. She know every tea leaf on her shelf, and if you are willing to listen, she will paint the most vivid and descriptive story, explaining the history, development, processing, and effort put into the seed of the tree that will provide the leaves for the cup you will be served.
From my own experience, I will recommend a few teas, which absolutely blew me away. Highest on my list is the Teguanyin Classic, an oolong tea prepared by heating up and stopping the oxidation with charcoals, bringing a smokey aftertaste to the warm and fluctuant taste, with a mouthfeel that is hot, yet feels cold at the same time. Elsewise, the tippy pu'er, the phoenix supreme, and the silver needle supreme will also set you aback.
It is of all places my favourite in Hong Kong, and if / when I get back, it will be the first and last place I will go to before leaving.
Written 19 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Fricke2008
Thank you for your visiting our tea house many times during your staying and appreciate your taking time to putting the review for us. It is very useful and helpful information for the people who is looking for tea and tasting experience. I'm glad to hear from you ant each tea is different but you find out your several favorite teas! And I really feel and agree your word, "Teas are not just teas, let them prove that to you"
We are looking forward to seeing you again!
Best regards,
Tomoko
Tea Master
MingCha
Written 25 May 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Goldie
Hong Kong, China22 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
We can highly recommend one of the best teahouses we have ever been. Perfect service from a friendly staff. We got tea tasting and many informations before we choose our favorite tea. They also have tea workshops weekly that we definitely want to take part of.
So go and just dive into the fine universe of tea! You won't regret it.
The shop is a bit hidden in the 12th floor. But don't hesitate to ask the door guard if you can't find it. It's worth a bit of search.
So go and just dive into the fine universe of tea! You won't regret it.
The shop is a bit hidden in the 12th floor. But don't hesitate to ask the door guard if you can't find it. It's worth a bit of search.
Written 22 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Slata Goldie,
Thank you for your visiting our tea house and putting the review for us.
Yes! You can come any time to try teas, but our tea tasting workshop is interactive and fun session to understand teas more. You can try it!!
Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Best regards,
Tomoko
MingCha
Written 31 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brendan_and_Sally
1 contribution
May 2012 • Couples
Note: As I write this review, I am sipping on a cup of white peony supreme at home in Melbourne.
It wasn't what I expected when our friend Anna booked us into a tea house in Hong Kong this week.
I had a preconceived vision of going to something like a tea ceremony where we perch on cushions and pass around cups of standard jasmine tea. Instead, we experienced a connoisseur tea matching session.
On the day, Sally and I arrived mid morning and were greeted by Fiona (assistant) and we taken upstairs into the warehouse conversion tea room. We thought that the location added an element of mystery and 'cool' to the experience... something that is familiar to us (Inner Melbourne's best cafes and bars are famously disguised). After a casual introduction and a welcome tea (orchid in cocktail glass) we were greeted by Vivian and over the next two hours she expanded our preconceived knowledge of tea to a greater level of understanding and appreciation. Correct tea preparation and service including temperature & infusion time, plus tea types and food matching were advised while we worked through the range of teas. This tea house experience reminded me of a premium wine appreciation course in regard to its subject depth mixed with a casual ambiance. The time flew by and by our last tea and the tasty dessert we were able to leave the session with a clear acknowledgement of what teas we liked (and why) from our tasting notes. We chose and bought some teas that really impressed us.. with White peony supreme being our mutual favorite.
On a lesser but important note, Vivian and Fiona spoke fantastic English which was good as nothing was lost in translation. Before we left, Vivian booked us into a local lunch spot which was great as I don't speak Cantonese.
This was by far the best tourist stop that my wife and I made on our trip to HK and would highly recommend it to others looking for a real piece of HK culture and hospitality. If you're open to change and wanting to broaden your horizons and wanted to try a more sophisticated version of what you have had before or break away from the usual earl grey tea bag with milk or the 'sometimes' herbal mint mix (which I don't mind now and then), then the Mingcha tea matching experience is the Hong Kong must see.
Thanks for impressing us!
It wasn't what I expected when our friend Anna booked us into a tea house in Hong Kong this week.
I had a preconceived vision of going to something like a tea ceremony where we perch on cushions and pass around cups of standard jasmine tea. Instead, we experienced a connoisseur tea matching session.
On the day, Sally and I arrived mid morning and were greeted by Fiona (assistant) and we taken upstairs into the warehouse conversion tea room. We thought that the location added an element of mystery and 'cool' to the experience... something that is familiar to us (Inner Melbourne's best cafes and bars are famously disguised). After a casual introduction and a welcome tea (orchid in cocktail glass) we were greeted by Vivian and over the next two hours she expanded our preconceived knowledge of tea to a greater level of understanding and appreciation. Correct tea preparation and service including temperature & infusion time, plus tea types and food matching were advised while we worked through the range of teas. This tea house experience reminded me of a premium wine appreciation course in regard to its subject depth mixed with a casual ambiance. The time flew by and by our last tea and the tasty dessert we were able to leave the session with a clear acknowledgement of what teas we liked (and why) from our tasting notes. We chose and bought some teas that really impressed us.. with White peony supreme being our mutual favorite.
On a lesser but important note, Vivian and Fiona spoke fantastic English which was good as nothing was lost in translation. Before we left, Vivian booked us into a local lunch spot which was great as I don't speak Cantonese.
This was by far the best tourist stop that my wife and I made on our trip to HK and would highly recommend it to others looking for a real piece of HK culture and hospitality. If you're open to change and wanting to broaden your horizons and wanted to try a more sophisticated version of what you have had before or break away from the usual earl grey tea bag with milk or the 'sometimes' herbal mint mix (which I don't mind now and then), then the Mingcha tea matching experience is the Hong Kong must see.
Thanks for impressing us!
Written 17 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Brenda and Sally,
As I am writing this, I hope you are still enjoying White Peony Supreme that you bought from us!
Thank you for your time to share your experience in great details and while I was reading your compliments, I really burst into tears... We met for the first time and now we become friends. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the baby soon...
Best,
Vivian
Written 23 June 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Frederik G
6 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
I wanted to buy some Chinese tea and expected to find a small shop in a mall, shopping center etc. What I got was so much more. Vanessa took me through different teas throughout my tasting. She asked what I liked and she tailored the tasting to my taste.
I learned a lot and I'd definitely recommend this place to whomever has the slightest interest in tea or Chinese/HK culture in general.
I learned a lot and I'd definitely recommend this place to whomever has the slightest interest in tea or Chinese/HK culture in general.
Written 27 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Frederik
Thank you for visiting our tea house and putting the review for us.
MingCha is helping people come closer to tea using open approach. Hope you find your favorites and enjoy tea in your life!
Looking forward to seeing you again!
Best regards,
Tomoko
MINGCHA
Written 27 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Konsta S
1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Friends
Went with my girlfriend and our friend expecting to find a good tea shop. What we got was a great tea tasting, a wonderful chat with Vanessa and Vivian, great insight on different tea types and one of the best experiences of our trip.
One shouldn't go to Hong Kong without visiting Ming Cha.
One shouldn't go to Hong Kong without visiting Ming Cha.
Written 24 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Konsta S,
Thank you for visiting our tea house during your stay in Hong Kong and putting the review for us.
We are helping people come closer to teas and understand the tea.
Hope you could find your favorite teas during tasting experience at that time.
Looking forward to seeing you again!
Best regards,
Tomoko
MINGCHA
Written 27 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel T
12 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
I first visited MingCha in 2013 when I was on a tea expedition in Hong Kong. I found MingCha on tripadvisor and paid a visit to its teahouse, not knowing what to expect. My first impression of Mingcha was that it was located in a very interesting place - an old factory building which was very different from the other tea shops in Central. I was fortunate that day to meet Vivian and Tomoko, who introduced me patiently to their entire tea range. I fell in love with the jasmine blossoms tea at the first taste. I remember drinking cup after cup of tea and having a wonderful conversation which stretched far longer than I expected my first visit to last. It was a very memorable first experience indeed.
I have visited Mingcha on every visit to Hong Kong thereafter - I always feel that the teahouse is an oasis from the busyness of Hong Kong island. It is a place where I am sure I will enjoy warm hospitality, quality tea, and good friendship. Vivian and Tomoko from Mingcha have become good friends and make every visit to Hong Kong worth it - and as they say, good tea is indeed best enjoyed among friends.
I have visited Mingcha on every visit to Hong Kong thereafter - I always feel that the teahouse is an oasis from the busyness of Hong Kong island. It is a place where I am sure I will enjoy warm hospitality, quality tea, and good friendship. Vivian and Tomoko from Mingcha have become good friends and make every visit to Hong Kong worth it - and as they say, good tea is indeed best enjoyed among friends.
Written 21 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tanxien,
Thank you for your supporting us every time. As you said, we are in located interesting and hidden area. But let people away from busy area and be relaxing with fine teas more ;)
Jasmine Blossoms which you like connects the world, connect us !
Appreciate your kind review for us. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Best Regards,
Tomoko
MINGCHA
Written 27 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
You can go to their website and the workshops are located under 'activities.'
Written 2 September 2017
Can one make reservations for the tea tasting or is it only for the workshop?
Written 9 December 2016
Hi Prashant,
Most people book our tea tasting and pairing workshops using our online platform. However, you can also use this platform to book tea tasting (just specify tea tasting in the form) and our team will follow up with you.
Tea Tasting will be guided by MingCha Ambassadors and each visitor will choose one tea from our tea selection. Our ambassador will brew the tea in multiple times for you to let you understand the aroma and taste profile of the tea; and she will also share interesting stories of the tea and brewing tips with you. You can enjoy tea in a relaxed and casual way.
Our tea tasting workshop is designed for those who would like to have an overview of tea including the history, origins, botany, classification, production processes. Guided by our Tea Master, 4-5 kinds of tea will be covered and let you take a closer look at each tea using our senses-opening approach; plus you will have a chance to brew yourself and others tea. You will be able to find the right teas for yourself.
Hope you find the above information useful. Look forward to meeting you at our tea house soon.
Vivian
Founder
MingCha
Written 6 April 2017
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