This Chinese teahouse-gallery is unique in Boston. A cozy space on the corner of Shawmut and Dwight street in the South End, the Qingping gallery teahouse invites visitors to savor Chinese sweets, unique teas, and some very original art. When you find the place, you will know it by the faded Chinese lantern hanging over the weathered wooden doorframe.
I met some friends there one Saturday afternoon and the eight of us took up the entire backroom. A comfortable sectional surrounds a coffee table. There is also a Chinese-style tea table and chairs available for seating.
You are surrounded by dark, evocative artwork. The menu invites the guests to discuss art and we certainly did. I am not sure whether the exhibits rotate, but I think the owner may be the artist.
The owner -- if that is who served us -- is an attractive young Asian man with a good sense of humor. I wish we had gotten a chance to discuss "art" with him, as the menu suggests!
The menu included a variety of teas, served with a tray of hard candies. I shared a pot of lychee tea with two friends, which cost 9$ with free refills. I also ordered a small moon cake, a Chinese pastry stuffed with lotus paste. It was served with spicy wasabi peas.
The bathroom is one of the coolest places, an art installation of itself. After drinking a few pots of tea, you will no doubt have to visit the facilities anyway. It is entirely unique, down to the fish tank and waterfall.
After this experience, I felt as if I had stumbled on a hidden gem of Boston.