"Have you had yum cha yet?" is a common greeting among Cantonese speakers. "Let's catch up over yum cha when we're free" is another polite farewell remark. For the Chinese, greetings revolve around food; as long as our loved ones are well-fed, it signifies harmony and happiness. In mid-August, Chung Wah Community Care (Chung Wah CC) organised a short 'Yum Cha' excursion. The seniors from Balcatta and Willetton Community Hubs were enthusiastic about signing up, highlighting the immense appeal of Cantonese dim sum to the Chinese diaspora.
Tea has been an essential part of Chinese life. Over the past century, it has been elevated to a unique morning tea culture, an irresistible charm for many Chinese. The morning tea culture spread to major cities in China and later worldwide. Terms like 'Dim Sum' and 'Yum Cha' have even entered the English lexicon.
Cantonese morning tea originated during the Xianfeng period of the Qing dynasty. Modest establishments known as "two-cent houses" would serve "one pot, two dishes" (a pot of tea and two baskets of dim sum) as a place for the working-class and city dwellers to rest, satisfy their hunger, and socialise. From these roots, the morning tea culture sprouted. With Guangzhou's establishment as a trading port, there was a surge in demand for high-end tea houses, especially from merchants and wealthy patrons. The unique morning tea culture thus catered to various consumption levels, becoming a mainstream product.
The allure of Cantonese morning tea that has captivated people for over a century can be attributed to the intricate dim sum. By the 1980s, there were over 4,000 types of Cantonese dim sum, hailed as the 'kaleidoscope' of Cantonese cuisine. Notable among them are the "Four Heavenly Kings" and the "Eight Great Diamonds". These 12 dishes are the heart and soul of the dim sum culture.
The seniors from our community hubs cherished the occasional opportunity to chat and bond with friends over dim sum. The tradition of "savouring tea", or enjoying the philosophy of life that comes with Yum Cha, continues to flourish and shows no sign of waning. The 'Yum Cha' excursion offered the seniors a chance to foster friendships, continue the tradition of "savouring tea", and alleviate homesickness.
Chung Wah has been servicing the WA community since 1909, dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, Chung Wah CC has over 35 years of professional care experience helping seniors and people with disability improve their well-being and better integrate into the community. In 2023, we're promoting our theme, "Embrace, Elevate & Flourish", and build a better community for all.
