A Few Spots To Grab Food and Drink Around Shichahai, Pt. 2

Katie Coy | Oct 5, 2023 10:30 am | Add a comment | 516 reads

Following on from our part one of places around Shichahai to grab food and drink, we have our part two of recommendations that we think are worth checking out.

Please bear in mind that as it’s the National Holiday some places may be closed, so it’s best to check ahead to make sure they’re open.

4Corners

Hidden away behind Houhai is 4Corners, a charming little bar that serves up a range of Vietnamese cuisine along with a few Canadian specials. They have Vietnamese classics like banh mi, with four different fillings available: Viet Meatball, Five Spice Pork Belly, Beef and Onions, and Viet Veggie (all RMB 55), five different kinds of pho (RMB 60-100) and other small bites. For the Canadians among you, they also do Poutine (RMB 60) and Montreal Style Smoked Meat Poutine (RMB 85) plus a range of flatbreads (RMB 60).

4Corners
27 Dashibei Hutong, Xicheng District
西城区大石碑胡同27号
Hours: 5pm-1am (closed on Mondays)
Phone: 137 1826 0316

The Roots (谷雨酒吧)

Not to be confused with Mediterranean restaurant The Roots, this Houhai bar is Beijing’s only reggae-themed bar. Here they’re known for their notoriously strong cocktails – the Zombie (RMB 120) is a must-try – and of course reggae music, with regular live music at the venue. If you’re a cat lover, they normally also have a few of them running around looking for some attention.

The Roots Reggae Bar (谷雨酒吧)
6 Houhai Nanyan, Xicheng District
西城区后海南沿6号
Hours: 2pm-5am
Phone: 185 1917 6489

REDBOAT

One of Shichahai’s newest spots having only opened up around July, REDBOAT is a tea and coffee shop specializing in Beijing-flavored drinks. Ones to watch out for are the Matcha and Sesame Butter Smoothie 抹茶二八酱冰昔 mǒchá èrbā jiàng bīngxī (RMB 36), which takes matcha and combines it with Erba, a traditional Beijing sesame paste. and the Osmanthus Almond Tofu Milk Tea 桂花杏仁豆腐奶茶 guìhuā xìngrén dòufu nǎichá (RMB 33), which turns the classic almond tofu dessert into an osmanthus-infused drink. Of course, if you’re looking for something a little less experimental they also have a range of classic coffees (RMB 20-23), fruit teas (RMB 28) and mixed juices (RMB 33).

REDBOAT
14 Yindingqiao Hutong, Xicheng District
西城区银锭桥胡同14号
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 176 0094 1868

Tangfang Coffee 糖放咖啡 (Houhai branch)

One of the best parts about Tangfang Coffee’s (also known as Sugar Bar) Shichahai branch has to be its stunning rooftop with beautiful views right across Shichaihai and the drum and bell towers. Now, despite the name, don’t just think of this as a coffee shop, because although they serve up some excellent brews, including a range of pour-over coffees (RMB 48-80), they also have some delectable cocktails and mocktails on the menu too that are perfect for sipping on the rooftop as you watch the sun go down. Our personal recommendation has to be the aptly named Morning of Shichahai (RMB 78) made from cucumber and lime-infused gin, lime juice and elderberry syrup.

Along with cocktails they have quite a few beers on tap, including some Jing-A beers, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth they have a handful of desserts. Come colder weather there's also plenty of space inside, with a warm wooden interior complemented by traditional paper lanterns and large windows, meaning you can still enjoy views of Shichahai.

Tangfang Coffee 糖放咖啡 (Houhai branch)
3/F and 4/F of of Qingyun Lou Restaurant, 22 Qianhai Dongyan, Xicheng District
西城区前海东沿22号（庆云楼饭庄3层4层）
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 136 9310 6282

The One

This coffee shop has some of your usual coffee offerings, including some recent trendy beverages like an Oat Latte (RMB 45) and Coconut Latte (RMB 45), however, one creation that caught our eye was the Arctic Ocean Americano (RMB 40), which puts a Beijing twist on the popular soda Americano. They also have a few cold brew options (RMB 58) as well as tea (RMB 45-78), juice (RMB 35-45), and a few bottled and draft beers (RMB 38-38) if you’re looking for something stronger. Inside, the decor has a vintage shop type vibe with mismatched chairs, cabinets and bookcases filled with an assortment of knick-knacks, plants and the odd cat or two.

The One
2 Houhai Nanyan, Xicheng District
西城区前海南沿2号
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 166 1986 8909

Zone

Another spot with an impressive rooftop – there are no shortages of great rooftops around Shichahai – Zone serves up a variety of western and Chinese food and drink. They have everything from salads to pizza to 炸酱面 zhájiàngmiàn (noodles with fried bean sauce) and more. They also have a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, including a pretty impressive wine selection.