Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China

October is well under way and, here in Sweden at least, that means winter is just around the corner. Our nights are already longer than our days, the mellow fruitfulness is fast giving away to a few brown leaves on bare tree limbs and waking up to a frost covered lawn is becoming the norm. Although it has been a remarkably mild autumn so far, like it or loathe it - and there are plenty on each side of the argument - snow and ice will soon be our daily fare. Welcome, Father Winter!

On the positive side however, the big news this month is that Yocha’s long-awaited lunch menu has arrived! As we mentioned in an earlier newsletter, for anyone wanting a quick, healthy, yet delicious lunch at a reasonable price, look no further than our authentic baozi, tofu and salad. In line with our goal of introducing elements of Asian culture to Scandinavia we are offering you the chance to enjoy a typical Asian lunch of baozi (traditional pork filled steamed bun) accompanied by Japanese tofu, crisp cabbage salad with edamame beans on the side, all served with a green tea genmaicha. A new option for those tired of Uppsala’s usual lunch offerings, these authentic Asian lunches are not only lovely to look at and eat but also far healthier than burgers and pizzas! And of course, there’s a vegetarian option with mushroom filling!

YOCHA Lunch & Snacks, photo by @sandrafoodandtravel

And more good news, this time for music lovers! From next week, Friday 21st October, something very special will be happening once a month at Yocha Studios. Following the success of her performances on Uppsala’s Kulturnatten, our own resident gu zheng player Jiajia will be entertaining customers with her unique renditions of traditional Chinese tunes on this ancient instrument. What better way to enjoy authentic Chinese tea and snacks than accompanied by authentic Chinese music?

Guzheng played by Jiajia

In many parts of Asia, October is the month in which the ‘Double Ninth’ festival takes place. This festival marks the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, October 4th this year. Known in China as 重阳节 Chóngyáng jié, traditionally it was a day to balance the excess of yang, as in yin and yang. However, in more recent times it has become a day to pay respects to elder family members and in many places that includes those so elderly they have already passed on, so families will often visit cemeteries to tend the graves of loved ones. The holiday also celebrates the chrysanthemum flower which is often associated with funerals and death in Asia, much like the lily in the west. In fact in Japan the festival is known as the Chrysanthemum Festival (菊の節句, Kiku no Sekku) - although the Japanese now actually celebrate on the ninth day of the ninth month in the western calendar, or September 9th. So, if you have an elderly relative or friend (preferably one that has not yet passed on) who likes tea and original Asian artefacts, why not show them some respect with a visit to Yocha studio for a taste of real Chinese tea, original Asian snacks and an authentic Asian atmosphere!

Bowls with chrysanthemum pattern in YOCHA

Of course, it is also that time of year again - when Hallowe’en fans start looking forward to their annual fix of horror, gore and spooks (or if they’re a bit younger sweets, candies and spooks). And this year Yocha Studio will be joining in the fun! Well, to the extent that we’ve teamed up with Uppsala City! for their ‘scariest pumpkin competition’. From 29th Sept. to 3rd Nov. you can vote for the Uppsala business with the scariest/prettiest/coolest pumpkin by taking a picture and emailing it to info@uppsalacity.se. Look out for ours - prizes too!

As usual, if you can’t manage to make it to our physical tea shop here on Kunsängsgatan for lunch, why not make a virtual visit to our online store at  www.yochastudio.com. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to offer you a virtual lunch but there are plenty of original Asian design items on offer to brighten up your autumn - who knows, you might find the perfect gift for that respected elderly relative!

Till next month, have an auspicious autumn!

The Yocha Team.

Mino Ware Bowls Set in YOCHA STORE