How to Start Your Tea Journey as a Beginner

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the world of tea—with its ceremonial terms, tools, and seemingly complex steps—you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: tea brewing is neither complicated nor expensive. In fact, one of the most beautiful things about tea is how accessible it is. With just a few simple tools and a curious spirit, anyone can begin their tea journey.

1. Start with the Basics: Choose One or Two Teas

As a beginner, you don’t need to try everything at once. Begin with two types of loose-leaf tea—perhaps a classic Japanese Sencha and a Chinese Oolong. This allows you to explore differences in flavour and aroma without feeling overwhelmed.

✨ Gohobi Tip: Loose-leaf teas offer a much richer experience than tea bags, and you’ll notice subtle layers of flavour.

Explore our tea leaves collection

2. Invest in Simple, Quality Teaware

You don’t need a full tea ceremony set to start, but having one or two thoughtfully made items can elevate the ritual. Consider:

• A Kyusu or Gaiwan for brewing
• A ceramic or porcelain teacup to enhance aroma
• A tea strainer if you're using a teapot without a built-in filter

Explore our tea cups and gaiwan collection.

3. Learn the Brewing Basics

Different teas need different water temperatures and steep times. Here's a general guide:

• Green tea: 70–80°C / steep 1–2 mins
• Oolong tea: 85–90°C / steep 2–3 mins
• Black tea: 90–100°C / steep 3–5 mins

Use filtered water if possible for a cleaner taste, and avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.

Read our blog posts on the hot brew and cold brew method. 

4. Make it a Ritual, Not a Routine

Tea is about more than just drinking—it’s a mindful pause in your day. Light a candle, put your phone away, and simply sit with your cup. Savor the aroma, the warmth, the stillness.

✨ Gohobi Idea: Try journaling during tea time, or enjoying it quietly before starting your workday.

5. Explore and Evolve

Once you’ve developed a taste for a few teas, you can branch out into:

• Pu-erh and fermented teas
• Herbal and flower infusions (like chrysanthemum or osmanthus)
• Regional styles and seasonal blends

Visit local tea shops, attend tastings, or follow tea creators online. There's a whole world to discover.

Begin with Intention

Your tea journey doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be personal. Start small. Let it evolve naturally. At Gohobi, we believe that tea is not just a drink, but a way of living more slowly, more beautifully, and more mindfully.