Craf-tea: An immersive tea masterclass at Ming Pavilion

Ming Pavilion, the Hokkien restaurant at Island Shangri-La, unveils Craft-tea, a new monthly masterclass series designed to deepen appreciation for the rich traditions of Chinese tea. Going beyond its gourmet offerings, Ming Pavilion invites guests to explore the full art of tea under the guidance of its resident tea master.

Each session offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the culture and history of Chinese tea, alongside hands-on brewing demonstrations and preparation techniques. Guests will learn the foundational principles of tea craftsmanship, from cultivation and terroir to the orthodox methods of withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, as well as fermentation and ageing processes—key factors that influence the flavour and quality of the brew. The experience is completed with guided tastings, featuring tea paired thoughtfully with Ming Pavilion’s Hokkien dishes.

The series launches on May 19, 2025, with a focus on three prized green teas: Ming Qian longjing, Taiping hou kui and Gardenia Green. Designed for both enthusiasts and novices alike, Craft-tea offers an immersive journey into Chinese tea culture, empowering participants to become true connoisseurs in their own right.

(Photo: courtesy of Ming Pavilion)

The 90-minute tea appreciation masterclass will be held in the garden-inspired main dining room at Ming Pavilion. The session begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of tea, before delving into the historical origins, cultural significance and intricate craftsmanship behind the monthly featured teas.

At the heart of the experience is an interactive appreciation segment, where participants will learn brewing methods through live demonstrations and hands-on practice. Guided tastings will follow, with each tea thoughtfully paired with dishes created by Ming Pavilion’s chef Jack Lam Yeung to highlight complementary flavours. To conclude, participants will receive a certificate of completion, along with curated teas and teaware to continue their tea journey at home.

To learn more, click here.