Abstract

The lotus, Vietnam’s national flower, symbolizes purity, resilience, and nobility in Vietnamese culture. This article examines West Lake lotus tea as a distinctive element of Ha Noi’s culinary culture, with particular attention to the traditional methods of quick scenting and scenting with lotus stamens. Tea drinking has long been a refined cultural practice among Vietnamese people, encompassing the preparation and serving of tea, the setting in which it is enjoyed, and the conduct of tea drinkers. Producing West Lake lotus tea requires meticulous craftsmanship, from selecting tea leaves and lotus flowers to scenting, preservation, and serving. By exploring these practices, the article highlights the cultural significance of West Lake lotus tea and its continuity in the traditional and contemporary life of Ha Noi.

Keywords: Ha Noi culture, lotus, lotus-stamen-scented tea, quick-scented lotus tea, West Lake.