Hidden away in the cafe-laden alleyways of Zhongshan is an all black standalone lodge that houses, rather unexpectedly, a casual contemporary tea room and shop. “You drink coffee, I drink tea my dear,” the entrance proclaims loudly, echoed on the branding throughout the shop. And perhaps even stranger, the shop, which comes off as a decidedly Taiwanese gaze on European aesthetics, seems to have roots in Germany.

Admittedly, the space is set up a bit confusingly for a first time visitor. Upon entering the space, you’re in a curated retail shop, filled with candles and kitchenware and lifestyle accessories. The checkout counter also functions as the counter for the tea house where you can grab cold brewed teas and cakes from the pastry case to go. On the other side of the sheer curtains behind the wall of retail shelves is a seating area for the dine in service. Here, along the soft light of the wall of windows, is where you can sit down and order a pot of tea from their lengthy selection of loose leaf teas (black, green, white, herbal) and food (savory and sweet). The food is vaguely western: pastas, salads, dutch baby pancakes, brunchy plates and afternoon tea sets. Nothing particularly stand out, but a reliable choice for a tea break in the neighborhood.