Steep

Step inside Steep and you’ll find yourself in a minimalist wonderland tucked into Chinatown’s Mandarin Plaza. The all-white interiors and monochrome furniture give the space an almost gallery-like quality, but don’t let the sleek aesthetics fool you—this is a place that takes both tea and comfort food very seriously. By day, it operates as a serene teahouse and lunch counter; by night, it transforms into Steep After Dark, a moody lounge serving innovative tea-infused cocktails.

The food here is a rotating celebration of Chinese and Taiwanese comfort classics done exceptionally well. The Hainan chicken stands out as a must-order, featuring generous portions of tender poultry paired with beautifully made sauces and a unique ginger scallion sauce that’s coarser and more textured than the typical fine paste. It’s the kind of nourishing bowl you crave when you need something to restore your spirit. The silky noodle soup crowned with three types of pork and the garlic beef tongue with microgreens are equally satisfying.

What sets Steep apart is its dual identity. During the day, their extensive tea selection is genuinely impressive—the staff is happy to guide tea novices through the options. When evening rolls around, the cocktail program shines with creative concoctions like a chrysanthemum vodka drink brightened with cucumber and sesame oil, or a black tea whisky that gets its kick from housemade Sichuan peppercorn syrup. You might even find yourself sent off with a complimentary cup of high-grade green tea as a parting gift.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful solo lunch, a nourishing bowl of something restorative, or inventive cocktails in an intimate setting, Steep delivers on all fronts. It’s a rare find that successfully bridges the gap between refined teahouse and creative cocktail bar while never sacrificing quality in either domain.