Chinese tea ceremonies date back as far as 1,200 years. In its early years, tea drinking was exclusive to the royalty and elite. However, since then these ceremonies have become the focal point of social conversations, family gatherings, religious occasions and weddings in China, where tea drinking is a celebratory event. Careful attention is paid not just to its preparation, but also to the presentation of the tea. Born into this heritage in Hong Kong, Emily Kung-Quance and Rita So, co-owners of Chinese Tea Culture Canada Inc., knew they had a rich tea tradition to represent and uphold.
Living in Toronto, Emily and Rita’s mission was to revitalize this ancient Chinese tradition within their own community and introduce it to the modern generation in Canada. Together they launched Chinese Tea Culture Canada Inc. in 2007. “Both of us share a common love for good Chinese tea and the art form of Chinese tea preparation,"says Emily, who is also the host of ceremonies at their tea presentations. "We felt the need to improve the availability of quality Chinese tea in North America, and most of all represent the art of Chinese tea drinking. Quality is number one when it comes to making a great cup of tea. We take pride to be the ambassador in sharing the Asian culture and art form of Chinese tea.”
