Andrew U, Tea Master of Galaxy Macau and National Tea Sommelier Champion, shares with you his passion for Chinese tea culture through innovative brewing methods and a curated selection of the finest teas from different Chinese regions.
Macau's Tea Culture Unveiled
Since its discovery in China thousands of years ago, tea has been an integral part of Chinese life and culture. To celebrate this long-standing heritage and enrich your dining experience, Galaxy Macau's award-winning tea experts fuse wellness, culture and tea appreciation into one delightful journey; while innovative brewing methods and an ingenious blend of eastern and western tea traditions exemplify Macau’s unique place in history and world gastronomy.
Champion of the 2018 National Competition for Tea Sommeliers. Well-versed in Chinese tea traditions and constant explorer of new brewing techniques.
Champion of the National Competition for Tea Sommeliers – Greater Bay Area; represented Macau in the 2023 National Competition for Tea Sommeliers.
In the tea houses of the north the beverage serves as a catalyst for social gatherings and is an integral part of folk culture.
Listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, the unique and refined ritual of Kung Fu Tea is a testament to Chiu Chow people's love for tea.
The unique Cantonese "yum cha" culture turns tea appreciation into a social occasion where exquisite and delicious dim sum is shared with loved ones.
A tea trading post in the 17th century, Macau continues to play a special role in promoting tea culture, with influences from the East and West.
The color and flavor of the brew are determined by various factors. Aside from the tea variety and geographical conditions in which the tea is grown, the processing method also plays a crucial role. Depending on the degree of oxidation, Chinese tea can be classified into six categories: green, yellow, white, oolong, black and post-fermented, and each comes with different health benefits.
Green Tea (unfermented)
Benefits: Packed with antioxidants; clears the mind; good for the skin
Examples: Dragon Well, Bi Luo Chun
Yellow Tea (lightly fermented)
Benefits: Nourishes the spleen, stomach and lungs; lowers blood sugar level
Examples: Jun Shan Silver Needle, Mengding Yellow Buds
White Tea (very lightly fermented)
Benefits: Nourishes the lungs; removes toxins; reinvigorates the senses
Examples: Silver Needle, White Peony
Oolong Tea (half fermented)
Benefits: Aids digestion; lowers blood sugar level
Examples: Anxi Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dancong
Black Tea (fully fermented)
Benefits: Aids digestion; lowers blood sugar level
Examples: Jin Jun Mei, Lapsang Souchong
Post-fermented Tea
Benefits: Aids digestion; breaks down fat
Examples: Ripe Pu-erh, Liu An
The enticing aroma of roasted oolong is enhanced by fragrant osmanthus and sweet, zesty fingered citron.
Aged mandarin peel from Xinhui adds depth and fruitiness to mellow white tea.
The distinct aroma of American ginseng comes through the mellow blend of post-fermented tea and pine needle tea.
Also known as "fisherman's tea", the post-fermented Liu An is packed with health benefits, while chrysanthemum and monk fruit offer extra flavor.
Hailed for their effectiveness in treating respiratory diseases, fritillary bulb and loquat also make for a soothingly delicious drink.
Award-winning tea master Andrew U will collaborate with a different master chef of Galaxy Macau to present a tasting experience like no other, joined by an outstanding team of tea masters from the Tea Art Professionals' Association of Macao with traditional calligraphy and Chinese string instrument performances.