The Whole Wheat

One of my most favorite things in Korea were the tea shops. The first one I went to proved to be the loveliest of the ones I chanced upon – however the free flying parrots in the second made for an interesting visit!

I found the tea shops I visited in a neighborhood of Seoul named Insadon. This was the quaintest spot full of fun shopping, restaurants, and of course – tea! There is one main street which is closed to cars on the weekend, but off the primary street are many walkways lined with shops. It was late afternoon when I ventured down this walking alley:

I’m not even sure how I knew I was headed the right way (can you read those signs??), but somehow I found myself inside a warm and inviting tea house! There was a traditional table available where you sit on a pillow or mat on the floor with a short table in front of you. I ordered a green tea and this was my table after I was served.

I found the traditional way of pouring and drinking the tea to be a real joy. In the back there was a thermos full of hot water. First I was told to pour the water into the small bowl with a spout. This measure just the right amount for the tea pot. Next, using the little bamboo spoon, I measure out a small amount of green tea from the pot with a lid, into the tea pot. After this it was ready for the water which I poured in from the spouted bowl. Quaint no? After steeping a few minutes it was ready to enjoy! Then I added more tea leaves and steeped another pot!

The snacks in the back were very interesting – they were not sweet, but had more of a sesame savoriness to them. The three poofy ones were almost light as air – a bit chewy & crunchy. The white bar looking snack was actually a sesame flavored gelatin type snack. I noticed it was very popular and I did enjoy it though the flavor was very subtle. I cannot really remember the orange snack but I know I ate it first!

Read part 1 & part 2.