By Jackie Chou, Event Planning Manager of Hakka Association of New York
At this year’s Passport to Taiwan event, we proudly showcased lei cha as the cultural highlight of our booth, successfully introducing the richness of Hakka culture to New York’s diverse international community. Through live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, more people were able to connect with this traditional ritual that combines health, flavor, and a sense of ceremony.
Lei cha, a ground tea drink rooted in Hakka daily life, is more than just a beverage — it’s a cultural expression of craftsmanship and sharing. At the event, we set up an interactive lei cha station, inviting visitors to grind sesame seeds, peanuts, and tea leaves by hand, then mix in grains and herbs to create their own personalized version of lei cha. This experience allowed people from different cultural backgrounds to not only taste the tea, but also understand its meaning and preparation process through direct engagement.
Many children took part in the experience, most born and raised in the U.S. but with one or both parents originally from Taiwan. Whether or not they had Hakka heritage, these parents were eager for their children to connect with their roots and understand the culture of their homeland — a touching gesture of love and dedication. One mother shared that her family was preparing to visit relatives in Taiwan over the summer and came to the event specifically to give her children a deeper cultural connection.
Through the process of making lei cha, we didn’t just brew a bowl of tea, we also formed new friendships. Much like in traditional rural communities where lei cha was a social activity that brought neighbors together, the atmosphere that day allowed us to relive those warm and simple moments of the past.
In addition to lei cha, we also introduced participants to Hakka migration history, language, and food culture through informational panels and conversations with our volunteers. Many attendees showed great interest in learning more — asking questions, taking photos, and actively engaging. Their curiosity reaffirmed our belief that cultural promotion is not just about sharing information; it’s about creating meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding.
The success of this event not only helped more people discover lei cha, but also opened new doors for promoting Hakka culture. We look forward to continuing our mission — finding innovative ways to let Hakka culture shine around the world.
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