The term "grandpa style" originated in online English-language tea forums in the late 2000s, coined by tea writer MarshalN to describe how older generations across China drank their daily brew. Rather than setting up elaborate trays for formal tastings, people in offices, train stations, and park benches simply carry a tall glass jar or porcelain thermos containing loose leaves and hot water.
In China, this is not considered a separate, codified ceremony; it is just how people drink tea. It forms the backbone of the Chinese everyday tea ritual. While high-end tea houses showcase theatrical multi-step infusions, everyday tea consumption prioritizes convenience, hydration, and prolonged enjoyment. You will see taxi drivers in Chengdu with double-walled glass tumblers nestled in cup holders, and university professors in Hangzhou lecturing with a mug of green leaves sitting beside their notes. It represents tea as a living staple rather than a museum artifact.
