Sunday, November 24, 2019

F Crafted Tea, Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Because not all teas are created equal!



Quick story: Two years ago, Jane Fernando flew to Hong Kong to attend a tea exhibit. In search for premium loose leaves to import back to Manila, she met a tea sommelier who introduced her to a high-end tea experience. There, she realized that not all teas are created equal. With all the milk tea brands sprouting left and right here in Manila (and all over the world), there are only a select few that offers quality and artisanal tea beverages. Fernando wanted to provide these to the market at affordable prices - and that's how F Crafted Tea was born.

"F Crafted Tea offers bespoke tea drinks at reasonable prices without compromising taste. We offer world-class high-quality premium loose tea leaves sourced from around the world," explains Fernando. While most tea shops offer just black and green teas, F Crafted Tea adds more to its menu with over 20 tea sources across the globe ranging from green, white, black, and herbal teas.

In fact, I was surprised when I saw white tea on the menu because I don't think I've ever seen any tea shop with that offering. I remember learning about teas before and white tea is supposed to be healthy as it is minimally processed. It's rich in antioxidants, can lower the risk of heart disease and cancer, and even help you lose weight! Not to mention, it's pretty rare, too.

Aside from white tea, three other tea types dominate the F Crafted Tea menu: French Rose, Highland Oolong, and Jasmine Green Tea. "We also offer other tea variants like Butterfly Pea, Rooibos, Thai Black, and Canada Mixed Berries Fruit Tea." It all sounds so good, especially the last one. Apparently, it comes from the Northern woods of Canada and is a blend of mouthwatering and refreshing mixed fruits like Hibiscus, apple pieces, rosehips, elderberries, orange peels, strawberry, raspeberry, cornflowers, and marigold flowers with lush natural flavors that produce a beautiful ruby red brew. I wish I knew about it earlier so I could've tried it! Oh well, there's always a next time. I'm pretty sure I'll find myself at Ayala Malls Manila Bay some time in the near future anyways.

Another one is the Lattea Latte - a kind of perk-me-up drink with less caffeine but with the same amount of antioxidants. It contains black tea, broken cocoa bits, almond brittle bits, coffee beans, and freeze-dried yogurt pieces.

Their tea baristas handcraft each artisanal brew for a bespoke experience, tailoring every cup to the customer's preferences. F Crafted Tea uses a cocktail technique to shake each tea to accentuate the delightful floral aroma and create a lighter, frothier taste.

But here's my favorite thing about F Crafted Tea: they have Hong Kong Bubble Waffles on the menu!! So yes, they've got your food and drinks covered!

You can choose from original, chocolate, or matcha and customize with ice cream and assorted toppings like marshmallows, oreos, and choco chips; or go for their pre-selected combinations like Strawberry Mallows, Matcha Red Bean, and my favorite, Almonds and Cream.

They also have a wide assortment of cakes and breads for you to order in case you get hungry or want something to munch on while you enjoy your tea. 
I personally enjoyed the fact that we got to sit down and chat with F Crafted Tea's ambassador, Janeena Chan. I've seen her on TV and witnessed her host some events, but it was really nice to get to know her on a more personal level.
She ordered the French Rose Black Milk Tea which she really liked as it wasn't too sweet and you could really taste the French rose in there. So make sure to try that on your visit! ;)
The event was pretty chill overall, it was really just hanging out with friends and getting to meet new people while trying out artisanal drinks from F Crafted Tea! We were also able to make our own bath salts and massage oils with Our Stories! Super Tita mode! I love it!

Must try: Aurora Grape Slush (Northern Lights), Strawberry Matcha (my personal favorite), French Rose Black Milk Tea, Mixed Fruit (F Crafted Tea's signature drink)!
P.S. Gift boxes of premium loose tea leaves are available in the shop for guests to purchase and bring home. If you're still on the lookout for gifts to give away this Christmas, this might just be it! ;)
F Crafted Tea is a local artisan tea shop with brand partner based from Hong Kong under Jrink and Tea Express Bar by JRINK that promotes premium high quality loose leaf teas curated from different parts of the world like Canada, Thailand, South Africa, and China. It's the new brewing place for tea lovers and adventurous drink explorers looking for artisanal tea with a wide variety to choose from.

Visit F Crafted Tea on the 4th level of newly opened Ayala Malls Manila Bay (inside Japan Fudo Street)
In photos: Owner Jane Fernando with F Crafted Tea's Ambassador Janeena Chan; The Hungry Chef Nathaniel Uy and Bettina Bacani
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