Cha Bei lifestyle cafe draws queues

Macau’s first lifestyle cafe, Cha Bei, is attracting queues at the Promenade Shops at Galaxy Macau.

Founder Joanna Lui came up with the cafe concept in a bid to bridge the gap between culture, design and tea and food. It features an open kitchen and a counter at the front with seats for people who just want to eat and go. XO teas, jams and other products are on display for purchase.

Cha Bei high tea

There are no corners in the cafe, which features flowing curved walls. China teacups are displayed on the wall near the back of the cafe, and there is a swing near the door for photo opps.

To the side of the main dining area are tall, green tulip chairs from Dutch designer Marcel Wanders’ Moooi line. Like petals, four chairs make up a flower around the table.

With Western dishes featuring Chinese ingredients, the menu ranges through healthy choices, decadent pleasures and comfort food. Cha Bei salad has such ingredients as lettuce, broccoli, quinoa, green mango and toasted almonds drizzled with coconut dressing. A bisque features Boston lobster, shimeji mushroom, choy sum and golden rice, while a giant vol-au-vent stuffed with chicken, abalone, scallop, fish maw and cream sauce can be shared.

A range of teas are served in decorated china teacups on saucers.

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