Teamergency!!!!
I’m spending a few weeks in Israel on vacation and my gaiwan just broke! Does anybody know where I can get my hands on another one in this country (specifically Jerusalem)?
Um… Good luck? I think you’ll have to live with English-style brewing for the next few weeks, or fashion your own thing out of a saucer and small bowl or teacup. If it were me, I would not waste my limited time in a place as rich in culture and history as Jerusalem…searching for a gaiwan. But that’s me.
My guess? You’ll mostly find various chai blends, English-style teas and Turkish teas in Jerusalem. Maybe not, though. I mean, maybe a family of Chinese Jews has settled there and brought Chinese tea culture to Jerusalem or something… Or a family of Ashkenazi Jewish people who are Chinese tea hobbyists, at least.
Edit: If you have any hope of finding one, I’d say it’s probably at a larger store that focuses on gourmet foods and beverages in general. Something like an Israeli version of A Southern Season, which sells gaiwans and assorted teaware, coffee, coffee-ware, and excellent wines… I doubt there’s a Chinese tea shop there, but well… I could easily be wrong.
The advantage of using a cup and saucer as a gaiwan substitute is that you get a handle to pour with and won’t burn your fingers :-)
Yeah I’m making do. I’ve been here so many times and am just visiting a school I went to for a few weeks. It was more of a disappointing shock. Thanks!
If you have an internet connection and know the local languages I would try finding a local teashop. They must have them.
Personally, I would just improvise with a cup and saucer or small sieve. But you can try Halita’Tea (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293983-d4318626-Reviews-Halitatea-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html). They serve at least some of their teas gong fu style and may be able to sell you a brewing vessel or point you in the right direction.
Enjoy your trip!
If you’re willing to risk an online purchase, there is thishttp://www.itea.co.il/en/teaware
In a pinch I have used a western mug and strainer (such as a Finium brewing basket) to steep tea gong fu style. I choose a mug where the basket will touch the bottom, allowing me to steep with small amounts of water. Even a large tea ball could do if you’re desperate.
Thanks everybody! I’ve made do. All we be right when I get back home to my yixings. :)
Login or sign up to leave a comment.