Search for a gaiwan - 0 for 3 at my local asian markets

[just mǐ]

Well, phooey.
I thought I'd see if I could find a gaiwan here in town instead of ordering one online. Tried em all, no luck. I guess its back to the vendor reviews
Has anyone had great success/failure on similar errands?

[debunix]

Where are you?

My nearest asian groceries do not have them--or at least, not an abundance of them--but the tea shop has plenty.

[Mr. Usaji]

Yeah, where are you?

I've looked around several Chinatowns that I happened to visit along the east coast (US), and gaiwans seem to be pretty rare. I wonder if Chinese-Americans actually use gaiwans that much, since they're not so convenient for everyday tea drinking, especially the small ones.

What I did see a lot were big mugs with lids on them--almost every store has those, but I'm not sure how they're used, because the lids are clearly not meant for filtering leaves.

If you can't find one, you might just want to order one online. There are American online stores that have them, so you don't have to ship it all the way from China.

[debunix]

... I wonder if Chinese-Americans actually use gaiwans that much, since they're not so convenient for everyday tea drinking, especially the small ones.....

I just want to dispute the contention that they're not so convenient for everyday use, as I sit here at work, waiting impatiently for my next (12th? 15th?) infusion of lovely Jin Xuan green tea from Norbu, brewing up in a gaiwan. I love my gaiwans, and most use the small ones that hold 60-75 mL, and could be quite content if all my other pots except the kyusu for sencha disappeared tomorrow.

[Poohblah]

I think gaiwans are very convenient. There are plenty at my local tea shop; I have to restrain myself from spending too much on their gaiwans.

P.S. Dragon tea house probably has the best selection of gaiwans online if that is where you must buy.

[Mr. Usaji]

Well, gaiwans are convenient if you have an electric kettle next to you at all times, so you can keep re-infusing. And you probably have to be a Very Serious Tea Person to practice gong fu style brewing all the time.

I use my gaiwan for tasting more interesting tea, but for regular drinking of boring tea (and sencha) I make a mug-full at a time with only 2-3 infusions (now using my glazed kyusu). But I'm not that serious about tea.

To stay on topic, I will add that you may have better luck finding a gaiwan in one of those stores that sells dishes and random tacky housewares (if you've been to Chinatown you know what I mean), not grocery stores. On the east coast there aren't really tea stores, except Ten Ren. Actually, you could check Ten Ren for a gaiwan, if you're near one.

[debunix]

It's true that the electric kettle within reach is wonderfully convenient, and I do feel like I'm in a bit of a tea paradise with my Pino at the ready, but even with the gas stove and the simple kettle the gaiwans were very handy. They just feel so right in my hand, the way any good tool does that makes a task many times simpler.

[britt]

I never thought gaiwans were very convenient and I actually hated using them until I got a decent, complete set with cups and a fair pitcher. This one also has a better lid fit than my other ones so it pours much better. It's also much easier getting the tea into the pitcher than aiming for small cups. For green tea this set is all I use now and I no longer consider it to be an uninviting chore to make green tea in a gaiwan. I can certainly understand those who don't like using them as I didn't either.

[pb2q]

Look over this post.

[Geekgirl]

Online is probably your best bet, but be sure to go with a trusted seller, because the capacities are often mis-stated.

I just purchased this gaiwan http://shop.luhyutea.com/Ru-Yao-Ceramic ... -R3311.htm from Luh Yu teashop, and while it is nice, the actual size is 180ml, which is twice the size I normally use. I would return it, but it's such a pain to get it repackaged, then to the P.O. (by bus or walking.)

*Update on this: Luh Yu Tea responded to my email regarding the capacity of this gaiwan (less than 12 hour response time.) They've offered an exchange or refund if I want it, as well as covering my return shipping expenses. Very professional.

[TIM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqrKlsVU ... re=related

Nice way to see how people drink tea in the 30s

[Proinsias]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqrKlsVU ... re=related

Nice way to see how people drink tea in the 30s

Nice way to spend an hour and a half too. Great movie.

[Geekgirl]

Thanks for the movie.

[the_economist]

hi all, i'm kinda new to this site and what a great discovery it is

im in the market for a plain white gaiwan for functional day to day use but being in Chicago,i doubt i can find a decent one at a retail shop.

i've been hunting online and these three appeal most to me at the moment. can anyone in the know give me some comparative evaluation of their quality and functionality?

EDIT["..." Links Removed! Just realized why I couldn't post URLs after reading the rules on new members! Sorry!]

Therefore, i shall instead give the vendor names and the title of the listing:

Dragon tea house - Zhen Chang Shun 100ml
Luhyu - Ivory White Ceramic Gaiwan 75ml
Tea Gallery - Small White Gaiwan 60 ml

and of course the tea gallery white gaiwan (small) which was reviewed.

Thanks in advance!

P.S.: Ip Man is a great movie!
P.P.S.: for some reason i can't put URLs in.

[puerhking]

I was able to find a nice one at my local asian grocery here in Kansas City. There is also a teahouse in town that sells them and yixing for quite a bit more. Im suprised you can't find anything in Chicago.