Wu Wei Tea – What a tea-tillating scoop!
Located at one of the charming heritage shophouses at 31, Lorong Prangin, Wu Wei Tea offers creamy and smooth tea-based ice creams as well as handcrafted brews. Its ice cream flavours are divided into three main categories – tea-based, nut-based and fruit-based, allowing patrons to explore a variety of refreshing options. This unconventional tea house has found a way to marry the timeless elegance of tea with the playful delight of ice cream – an unexpected, yet harmonious combination.
For many, tea transcends mere beverage status – it is a way of life and a cultural symbol for various communities. At Wu Wei Tea, this philosophy permeates every aspect of the experience – from the rustic décor to the dim lighting that beckons patrons to slow down and savour its artisan offerings.
The company name Wu Wei Tea (五味茶城) translates to "Five Flavours Tea City". The five tea flavours are bitter, sweet, pungent, sour, and salty, all of which are thoughtfully incorporated into their creations.
Interestingly, when spoken with a different inflection, "wu wei" also sounds like "non-doing" or "effortless action", concepts regarded as some of the noblest forms of action in Daoist philosophy. As the Dao De Jing states, "The Way never acts yet nothing is left undone", illustrating the paradox of wu wei as a practice of aligning with the natural flow of life rather than resisting or controlling it.
The art of tea-based ice cream and more
While ice cream in a tea house may seem unorthodox, Wu Wei Tea transforms this fusion into a nouveau experience. Through extensive research and development, they have perfected the art of combining tea with low-fat cream to make low-sugar ice cream, testing the texture and taste repeatedly to ensure the highest quality. The homemade ice creams, crafted from pure tea leaves, come with a guarantee of no artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners. As one of the friendly staff members remarked, “The natural purity of the tea leaves ensures a genuine taste devoid of artificial additives; both flavour and colour are true to their essence". This commitment to authenticity results in refreshingly genuine flavours.
At any given time, Wu Wei Tea offers twelve rotating flavours. The classic tea options include Japanese Hojicha, Pu-erh, Black Tea and the ever-popular Jasmine as well as its signature Da Hong Pao. For those desiring non-tea alternatives, options like watermelon or mango sorbet, onde-onde, mixed berries yogurt and black sesame are available, though the allure of the tea-flavoured creations is hard to resist.
If you find yourself uncertain about a flavour, do not hesitate to ask the friendly staff for a small taste to guide your choice. Every palate is unique and it is worthwhile to go for flavours that captivate your fancy.
Our order began with a double scoop of Jasmine and Black Tea. The Jasmine, with its delicate floral notes and light sweetness, quickly became a favourite, vanishing from our cups all too soon. The roasted aroma of the Japanese Hojicha offered a rich, nutty undertone without a hint of bitterness – providing a grounding contrast to the earthy notes of the Pu-erh, which left a slightly milder impression. The Da Hong Pao, however, required a moment of reflection; its flavour revealed layers of ripe stone fruit, complemented by a soft, milky sweetness that lingered long after the last spoonful. The crispy charcoal cone offered an enjoyable textural contrast to the smooth ice cream.
Scoops of history
Let us pause to consider two fascinating highlights in the history of ice cream, which some historians trace back to ancient civilizations. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), a golden age in Chinese history, records mention an early frozen treat – fermented water buffalo milk heated with edible camphor, cooled and then poured over ice. While this may not resemble the ice cream we know today, it demonstrates an early human desire to savour chilled creations.
Fast forward to the 17th century and the story of ice cream took a new turn in Europe. In 1686, Sicilian-born Francesco Procopio Cutò moved to Paris and opened "Le Procope", the city’s first café and ice cream parlour. YouTuber Max Miller from Tasting History notes, “... and he kicked off an ice cream, or crème glacée, craze in France". Since then, ice cream parlours and shops have evolved dramatically, offering an array of ice cream flavours – from sweet to savoury – that we have come to adore today.
Some of the best ice cream parlours in the world include Gelateria Dondoli (San Gimignano, Italy), Berthillon (Paris, France), Gelateria dei Neri (Florence, Italy), Gelateria dei Gracchi (Rome, Italy), Gelupo (Soho, London) and Salt & Straw (Portland, USA). These modern-day ice cream parlours, alongside global franchises like Mövenpick, Baskin Robbins and Häagen-Dazs, as well as innovative creations like those found at Wu Wei Tea, represent the evolving yet timeless appeal of ice cream.
A tranquil escape
Returning to Wu Wei Tea, the rustic interior is bathed in soothing white and green hues, accented by wooden furniture and potted plants, cultivating a tranquil and understated charm. As you step into the lofty shophouse with a dark timber ceiling, a brightly lit glass display freezer reveals the twelve ice cream flavours on offer. Beyond it, a sleek concrete counter showcases the brewing of tea, presenting a modern take on the traditional Chinese teahouse.
For tea lovers, Wu Wei Tea is far more than just an ice cream shop. Its curated selection of loose-leaf teas is freshly brewed to order, served in clay teapots with dainty cups, starting at RM9.90. For those seeking a refreshing alternative, cold brew tea options are also available for RM16.90.
At Wu Wei Tea, each scoop of tea-based ice cream embodies the concept of "wu wei", or effortless action. This delightful fusion invites you to relax and savour the flavours without feeling rushed. In this charming tea house, taking a moment to enjoy a treat becomes a gentle practice of aligning with the natural flow of life, much like the philosophy of Daoism suggests. Whether you seek a sweet indulgence or a moment of tranquillity to escape the tropical heat while exploring the vibrant streets of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wu Wei Tea provides the perfect space to realign and reconnect with yourself.
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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved
2 October 2024
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Wu Wei Tea @ George Town
31, Lorong Prangin, 10300 George Town, Penang
Open: Mon, Wed–Fri: 1.30 pm–11.00 pm, Sat & Sun: 1.30 pm–12.00 am, Closed on Tuesdays
T: +6017-898 6935
Wu Wei’s prices are refreshingly modest for the quality offered:
• Single scoop: from RM8.90 (various prices for different flavours)
• Double scoop: from RM16.90
• Charcoal cone: RM2.00
• Waffle: RM11.00
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Wu Wei Tea @ Bukit Mertajam
44, Tingkat, 1, Jalan Arumugam Pillai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Open: Wed–Fri: 2.00 pm–11.00 pm, Sat & Sun: 1.30 pm–12.00am, Closes on Mon & Tues
PS: Pets are always welcome!