Dong Oil Tea

Dong Oil Tea

　　The Dong people do not have the habit of sipping tea for leisure, but they have a custom of eating oil tea all year round. Fragrant and sweet, oil tea refreshes the mind, invigorates the spirit, and also helps to eliminate damp heat while preventing colds and diarrhea. It has almost become a daily necessity in the lives of the Dong people. When guests arrive, the hospitable Dong families will definitely serve them oil tea.

When the Dong people eat oil tea, the host and guests all sit around the table or stove, and the hostess prepares the tea. The first bowl of oil tea must be served to the eldest person or honored guest at the table as a sign of respect. Then it is served in turn to the other guests and family members. After receiving their bowl of oil tea, no one should start eating immediately but should place the bowl in front of them and wait until the host says “please go ahead,” after which everyone lifts their bowls together. Only one chopstick is used when eating oil tea. After finishing the first bowl, you simply hand your bowl back to the hostess, who will then arrange the bowls on the table or by the stove in the order of seating and refill them with tea and ingredients. 　

Each time oil tea is prepared, each person should eat at least three bowls; otherwise, it is considered disrespectful to the host. After eating three bowls, if you do not wish to have more, you need to place your chopstick across your bowl as a signal that you’ve had enough. Otherwise, the hostess will keep serving you more oil tea to enjoy.