A gesture often associated with Chinese dim sum culture is that of the person being served tea lightly tapping their fingertips on the table. In Japanese, this is referred to as "Koshirei" (叩指礼), while in Chinese, it is sometimes written as "Koushuli" (叩手礼). Here, we will categorize and explain the verifiable information versus the widely told folklore.
What is Koshirei/Koushuli?
An introduction to "yum cha" (morning tea) culture by the Guangzhou Municipal Cyberspace Administration introduces "Koushuli" as a gesture of gratitude performed by tapping the index and middle fingers lightly on the table. This is one example of a practice surrounding morning tea in Guangzhou. In official Guangzhou City materials, "Guangfu Yum Cha Customs" are recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, with "Kouchali" (tea-tapping etiquette) listed as one of these customs. It is natural to view this not as a rigid rule applied to every tea table in China, but as a gesture that may be perceived differently depending on the region and context.
Reading the Qianlong Emperor Story as Folklore
The origin of the tea-tapping gesture is often attributed to a story where the Qianlong Emperor, visiting the Jiangnan region incognito, poured tea for his attendants. Source materials themselves present this story as a "tradition." Therefore, this article does not treat it as a historically verified origin, but rather as one of the narratives that has been passed down in connection with dim sum culture.
Avoiding Rigid Rules for Finger Use
Explanations regarding the specific method of tapping or which fingers to use based on one's relationship with the server can be found; however, these details cannot be established as universal rules applicable in every setting. For those attending for the first time, it is also a form of consideration to respect the flow of those around you rather than attempting to force a specific form.
Tea Utensils and Gestures of Gratitude are Different
The tea-tapping gesture is a way to express gratitude, not a specific technique for using tea utensils. For the process of transferring tea leaves into a teapot or gaiwan, a tea scoop, such as the Golden Toad | Copper Tea Scoop, may be used. The role of the tea scoop is detailed in our guide on using tea scoops to transfer tea leaves into a teapot.
