Beijing: Where to Eat: Quick Break: Green T. House

Green T. House

Art and food come together at this funky spot, the brainchild of musician and artist JinR. After spending time abroad, she returned and revolutionized the Chinese teahouse. Most are where old-timers sit around drinking green tea and chowing down on sunflower seeds; JinR’s idea is to take the concept upmarket (with one eye firmly on the expat and tourist market) featuring an array of teas, comfortable avant-garde surroundings and light music. It has worked well: she has an artistic eye for detail and an understanding that both well-off Chinese and visitors don’t have to endure a scruffy setting to enjoy authentic afternoon tea. It has proved so popular that an outpost recently opened in Hong Kong.