International Tea Day at Yugen Tea Bar

Melbourne is Australia’s coffee capital. But what about its leafy sidekick? Yugen Tea Bar opened in South Yarra last year with an ex-Vue de Monde tea sommelier at the helm serving more than 40 teas from around the world.

And to celebrate International Tea Day, the cafe is hosting a series of tea-centred workshops, kicking off on Wednesday May 18.

Here’s the tea. The first workshop, called Tea 101, will be an introduction to the world of tea: from its origins and types (green, white, oolong, red and dark), to the varying processing methods. You’ll get to taste six different single-origin teas from five countries, paired with sugary refreshments supplied by Yugen’s pastry team.

You may have participated in something similar to the next workshop, only with wine. It’s a tea and cheese pairing night, a love affair that you probably weren’t expecting.

The third session is a lesson in pairing the Japanese staples of tea and sake. Four different types of each will come out in varying temperatures and vessels, putting your tastebuds to the test.

Lastly, on International Tea Day (May 21) itself, there will be a six-course Japanese dining experience, paired with either tea or a cocktail made from Animus Distillery’s tea-infused gin.

Tickets available through yugenteabar.com.au.