In Asia, especially in Vietnam, sharing a good cup of tea is how many great conversations start. This practice showcases the hospitality and sincerity of the host. It’s also about creating a special moment where people can relax together over a delicious brew, let their guard down, and open up about life. That’s exactly the vibe that “Đỗ Trà” is going for. They’re this cool tea brand in Da Nang that’s all about bringing the magic of Vietnamese tea ceremony to tea enthusiasts, both locals and visitors.
A Calm Oasis with an Excellent View
Located on the first floor of the renowned Chicland Hotel, Đỗ Trà is like a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling tourist hub on Vo Nguyen Giap Street. This elegant tea store offers two distinct spaces for tea lovers, a cozy indoor setting and a breezy outdoor area, catering to different preferences for privacy. Here, customers can sip premium tea while taking in breathtaking views of lush coconut groves, sparkling turquoise waters, and the pristine white sands of My Khe Beach, just a two-minute walk away.
Impressive Architecture Embraces Tea Culture at Đỗ Trà
The architecture of this tea store harmoniously blends traditional and modern design elements, using high-quality wood as the main material. As customers step inside, they are greeted by an entrance framed with lush bamboo plants, offering a refreshing sense of coolness and a connection to nature. These bamboo walls are a familiar image to Vietnamese people. They symbolize simplicity and sustainability, echoing the tea store’s spirit and hope towards its products.
Wooden shelves on both sides, with a clean and simple design, showcase an array of tea canisters and tea sets crafted by renowned Chinese artisans. Each section of the shelving is meticulously arranged into small, organized compartments, allowing visitors to easily admire the elegance of these products, including the historically significant and intricately patterned Longquan celadon or Jingdezhen porcelain. This thoughtful arrangement enhances the store’s orderly and tranquil atmosphere.
In the main room of the tea shop, there is a large table where customers enjoy tea under the instruction and shared information of Đỗ Trà’s tea masters. There is also an inner room, ideal for private, important gatherings such as partner meetings, family discussions, and more.
At Đỗ Trà, the furniture is as exceptional as the tea. The tables and chairs are crafted from rare, exquisite woods like red rosewood and mahogany. But their beauty goes far beyond their durability, rich grain patterns, and deep, luxurious hues. “The true quality reveals itself when you experience the furniture firsthand. Run your hand over the smooth surface, settle into a chair, and you’ll understand. The light, elegant lines of the wood, combined with its subtle natural fragrance, create an instantly relaxing atmosphere for our customers,” explains Mr. Binh, the tea master and manager of Đỗ Trà.
What makes these pieces even more special is the use of the mortise-and-tenon technique. “This method allows skilled craftsmen to interlock wooden joints without the need for nails or screws, a process that requires incredible precision and patience,” he continues.
Magical Varieties of Premium Tea from Vietnam
Along with various types of Chinese green tea such as Longjing and Tieguanyin, Đỗ Trà also offers a wide range of high-quality Vietnamese teas from ancient Shan Tuyet (Snow Mountain) trees in the highlands of northwest Vietnam. These include Shan Tien, Bach Tra (White tea), Mong Rong (Dragon Claw), Hong Tra (Black tea), and Luc Tra (Green tea).
“Among our distinguished collection, we are especially proud to offer a truly historic tea, Bach Tra (White tea). This particular tea was chosen to be served during the landmark meeting between Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Chinese President Xi Jinping, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between two nations with rich, storied tea traditions” Mr. Binh shares with enthusiasm.
White tea is a true delicacy of the highlands, harvested in the magical moments of early spring. “We harvest these tea buds as they emerge, plump and vibrant, in the warm spring sunshine, with mist still clinging to the mountain peaks. As you can see, these special leaves are adorned with a layer of silver-white fluff. I could say that this is the hallmark of this prized highland tea,” he explains while gently showing a dried bud, letting the light catch its delicate fluff.
“After the rinsing step, the second infusion reveals a delicate, light yellow liquor. Look closely, and you’ll spot tiny, soft fluff floating in your cup, a mark of this tea’s quality,” Mr. Binh says, pointing to the cup. The first sip of Bach Tra brings a gentle sweetness that subtly emerges and then blooms on the palate. A pleasant, lingering sweetness follows, inviting another sip. This natural sweetness isn’t overpowering but rather a soft whisper that enhances the overall tea-drinking experience.
The Art of Tea Crafting at Đỗ Trà
To produce dried tea, fresh tea leaves undergo a series of carefully managed preliminary steps and processing stages. Thus, there is an essential step before truly savoring a cup of tea. “Before enjoying a delicious cup of tea, it’s important to “tráng trà” which means rinsing the tea leaves and warming the tea set. Rinsing not only helps to remove impurities from the surface of the leaves, but it also softens them and allows them to expand beyond their initially dried shape,” Mr. Binh explains softly while pouring the hot water into a glass teapot.
“If you skip the rinsing step or fail to preheat the teapot, the water temperature will drop significantly when poured directly into the teapot. This can prevent the tea from steeping properly and reaching its full flavor potential.” Only when the water is at a boiling point of 100°C can it deeply penetrate the tea leaves, breaking down the chemical compounds and releasing the tea’s distinctive flavors and aromas for tea lovers to fully enjoy.
“There’s an old saying,” Mr. Binh shares as he carefully pours the high-quality tea into cups. “The first time you share tea with us, you’re a stranger. The second time, you’re a friend. And the third time?” He pauses, a bright smile spreading across his face. “You’re family!” His words capture the core values of Đỗ Trà. This lovely tea shop is a place where visitors can leisurely select their favorite tea, enjoy meaningful conversations with tea masters, and immerse themselves in a friendly, natural atmosphere. Therefore, connections are established and a sense of belonging blossoms, adding an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits Đỗ Trà. With each carefully brewed teacup, Đỗ Trà not only ignites a passion for tea but also nurtures relationships, builds community, and helps unfold new inspired stories in Da Nang.
Đỗ Trà
Address: 210 Vo Nguyen Giap, Da Nang
Hotline: +84 869 298 088
Email: Danang.dotra@gmail.com
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/dotradanang.artist
