1. Why are dim sums inextricably associated with tea?
In China, home of the first three millennia of tea history, tea was first used as a medicine; then, as an upper-class indulgence being the favourite beverage in the imperial courts. Today, it is a household staple. Teas are paired with sweet or savoury, steamed or fried dim sums, congee (rice stew), Jasmine tea eggs and in case of modern Yum Chas (tea houses) especially in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, the elaborate Roasted-Steamed Duck takes centre stage.u00a0Dim sums are intrinsic to tea pairings compared to the above options as they are convenient finger food, can be filled in with ingredients like chicken, treated pork, shrimp and greens, be it in steamed buns or steamed/fried options. I prefer it since it doesn’t overwhelm the tea flavours sampled during a tea ceremony that includes at least five teas.

Radhika Batra Shah Tea connoisseur