Le Cordon Bleu: A Fragrant Encounter

Our Reflections on Collaborating with Le Cordon Bleu

We had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, welcoming students from across Asia for a deep dive into the world of tea culture. From Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippine and Malaysia, these aspiring culinary professionals came together not just to learn, but to experience tea—curiously, respectfully, and wholeheartedly.

For us, this was far more than a teaching session. It was a vibrant cultural exchange, where passion and tradition met across borders.

With their refined palates and strong culinary backgrounds, these students brought sharp insights and meaningful questions into the room:

– Why does tea from different origins taste so distinct?

– How do we evaluate tea with the same precision as fine wine?

– Is there a terroir in tea, just like in viticulture?

As we guided them through the nuances of tea—its craftsmanship, its regions, its evolving flavors—something remarkable happened. Their eyes lit up, not just with understanding, but with genuine wonder. For many, it was the first time tea had stepped out of the shadows of casual beverages and into the spotlight as a profound cultural art form.

They began to see tea not as an afterthought to a meal, but as a story of land, weather, hands, and heritage. In their words, “We never knew tea could be this complex, this beautiful.”

This experience reaffirmed something we deeply believe:Tea is not a distant, exotic symbol. It is a language the world is ready to speak—if we are willing to tell its story.

We are especially proud that Malaysia’s tea culture is gaining recognition among the next generation of global culinary talents. As a tea house devoted to both tradition and innovation, we see collaborations like this not just as opportunities to teach, but to connect. To build bridges between cultures, and to gently invite the world to sit down, slow down, and savor something timeless.

We look forward to many more of these exchanges. Because tea, in its purest form, has always been more than a drink—it’s a gentle art of presence, appreciation, and shared humanity.