I will be the first to admit that I am not an expert on this subject, and will not even attempt to explain the various teas from Jasmine to Dragonwell.
What I would like to mention in this post, is our own master of this classic Chinese beverage, and he is none other than Mr. Kenry Peh, from Pek Sin Choon.
For those who frequent bak kut teh outlets, you will have no doubt have tasted the teas from this tea house. I have, and have noticed their simple but effective packaging over the years.
My dad would always make the tea from the little paper wrapped packets of tea leaves during our Sunday breakfasts years ago when we had our bak kut teh at Rochor market.
The fragrance and lightness of this beverage would always diffuse the oil from the pork ribs and pork knuckles, and elicit a wonderful and refreshing aftertaste.
 |
| Mr. Peh making a fresh pot of fragrant tea |
Kenry's forefathers built this tea business and has been around since the mid 1920s, and he is carrying on the family business in the best way possible. Supplying to almost every bak kut teh owner in Singapore, he has since expanded his tea tradition to the best hotels here as well.
Recently, Kenry worked with Man Fu Yuan from InterContinental Hotel to supply a very unique brew of what is known as the Five Elemental Tea as an exclusive to the reputable Chinese restaurant.
This was done in conjunction with the total makeover and renovation of this much elegant restaurant, and it goes to show how important Chinese tea and Kenry's contribution is to Chinese cuisine at the highest level.
 |
| Kenry's Tea Culture on Display at Man Fu Yuan |
Despite his successes, what struck me most about Kenry is his unassuming and very down to earth nature. He embodies the spirit of the greatest of Chinese businessmen. that of humility.
Every Wednesday morning, Kenry hosts a breakfast at a notable bak kut teh place in Sin Ming, where his friends and associates gather to enjoy a breakfast of great food and wonderful tea.
This is done to keep the spirit of camaraderie alive and kicking, and more importantly, to cultivate an understanding of what is truly great about all things Chinese, culturally and otherwise.
As National Day arrives, we should not only celebrate this nation's birthday and independence, but we should remind everyone that national pride is also about preserving our Chinese heritage.
And Kenry Peh is a living example of a great tradition that needs to be preserved for future generations to come.
Written, filmed, edited and directed by SilverTunes Productions.
Shot and edited entirely on Apple's Iphone 4 in Man Fu Yuan.
No dragonwell tea was harmed in the shooting of this video.
"Jasmine" written and performed by Ian Low.
interesting people
ReplyDelete