My Tea Journey

Judy Zhu is a second-generation tea master proficient in tea judging and both Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies (Chado, 茶道). As a National Certified Senior Tea Artist and Advanced Tea Taster, she is passionate about sharing the mindful tea culture of East Asia and promoting healthy tea knowledge worldwide. Beyond the world of tea, Judy is a serial entrepreneur and an active investor in tech startups.

Beginning with her early experiences aiding in the family tea stores in southeastern China and extending to her travels across more than 30 countries on 6 continents to explore tea culture and learn from a diverse array of tea masters, Judy's profound journey in the world of tea has spanned over 20 years.

For 9 years, Judy immersed herself in Chinese tea culture, gaining extensive knowledge of Chinese tea varieties, traditions, and the Chinese tea ceremony (ChaDao, 中国茶道). She became a passionate advocate and shared her expertise through over 300 workshops overseas, promoting the art and knowledge of Chinese tea culture. Further enriching her expertise, she dedicated three intensive years to mastering the Japanese tea ceremony ( Chado, 日本茶道). Now while remaining committed to her ongoing Chado training, Judy also shares her knowledge as a Chado lecturer for beginners in her spare time.

Alongside her entrepreneurial pursuits, Judy serves as a judge for the Great Taste Awards—the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme—where she has participated in evaluating nearly 1,000 teas from around the globe, bringing both precision and cultural insight to the judging process each year. She also serves as the board member and treasurer of Tankokai UK, an association affiliated with Urasenke, one of the Japan’s oldest and most prestigious tea schools. Judy collaborates with fellow tea practitioners to showcase the art of Japanese Chado in diverse settings, including corporations, universities, embassies, and museums.

CONNECT