盖碗茶
西安的老人爱喝盖碗茶，一边聊天一边品茶。
Elderly people in Xi'an love drinking lidded bowl tea while chatting and savoring the tea.
A traditional Chinese tea served in a lidded bowl, typically consisting of tea leaves, rock sugar, and dried fruit, popular in Northwest China.
盖碗茶的做法很简单，先放茶叶，再加沸水冲泡，最后盖上碗盖焖一会儿。
The method for making lidded bowl tea is simple: first add tea leaves, then pour boiling water to steep, and finally cover the bowl with the lid to let it steep for a while.
Often associated with Shaanxi and Gansu provinces; the lid helps retain heat and aroma.
Pro Tip
Serving etiquette
When serving 盖碗茶, the host typically pours the tea into a small cup for guests, leaving the lid slightly ajar to indicate the tea is ready to drink.
Word Origin
The term combines '盖' (gài, lid), '碗' (wǎn, bowl), and '茶' (chá, tea). The lidded bowl design originated in Northwest China, particularly in Shaanxi, as a practical way to brew tea while socializing.
Usage Notes
盖碗茶 is often served in social settings, such as tea houses or family gatherings. The lid is used to stir the tea leaves and control the strength of the brew.