Eighty Degrees – Issue 03

Snow Shan – Vietnam’s Wild Tea Tradition

We journey into northern Vietnam to rediscover Snow Shan, a tea tradition rooted in misty forests and ancient trees.
Explore how these wild-harvested leaves rival more famous teas from across the border — and why this heritage deserves global recognition.

Fuchsia Dunlop on Tea and the Chinese Table

Renowned culinary researcher Fuchsia Dunlop shares her insights on how tea and food interact across Chinese culture.
From street stalls to banquet halls, she explores tea’s subtle but essential role at the table.

Europe’s Tea Habits & the Opium Wars

From elegant drawing rooms to revolutionary politics, we examine tea habits in Europe and trace their connection to one of history’s most violent trade disputes: the Opium Wars between Britain and China.

Chengdu’s Old Teahouses – Still Pouring, Still Respected

Explore the cultural legacy of Chengdu’s teahouses, where society, politics, and leisure have overlapped for generations.
Find out how these venues continue to preserve social importance while adapting to modern China.

Drinking Through the Russian Revolution

What was tea’s role during times of political upheaval?
We drink through the Russian Revolution, examining how tea became a silent witness — and sometimes a fuel — for change.

From Bangkok to the Shire Highlands

• Stroll through Bangkok’s colourful tea scenes, where tradition meets modernity
• End up in Malawi’s Shire Highlands, uncovering a tea origin often overlooked but rich with potential and resilience