Tea and Antique, known for its authentic Chinese home-style cuisine, opened in Bedfordview in December 2022. This month, they’ve opened their second branch in Parkmore, Sandton, after a whole lot of pleading from loyal Sandtonite customers who wanted something closer to home.
The husband-and-wife team, Jonsen Wang and NiNi Zhao moved to South Africa from China. Jonsen ran an antique shop in Qingdao, Shandong, and you’ll see his influence in the beautiful antique decor scattered through both restaurants – ornate wooden cabinets filled with delicate sculptures and fine pottery.
NiNi is from Xi’an, Shaanxi, a city that served as a capital for thirteen dynasties over three millennia. “We opened Tea and Antique hoping to create a 'window to China' — a place where people can experience real Chinese food and culture,” NiNi says. “For some, it’s a taste of something new. For others, it’s a way to relive their travels to China.”
Tea and Antique specialise in traditional home-style Chinese cuisine. Don’t expect pretty plating. The focus is hearty portions and dishes that taste like home for NiNi and Jonsen, with the occasional twist. One of their most popular dishes is the stewed oxtail rice, slow-cooked to fall off the bone but completely different in flavour compared to classic South African oxtail. When I asked Jonsen what spices he uses, he laughed. “Eighteen different ones! Oxtail isn’t commonly eaten in China, but it’s my favourite meat here in South Africa. I like it, so it’s on the menu,” he says.
The interior is warm and inviting, described by NiNi as a “living tea museum – a place where every guest feels like an old friend, and where the service is thoughtful and genuine.” Tea is indeed a centrepiece, and the chilled, sweetened jasmine tea is perfection. Teas are served with little placards that denote their properties – I’m assured that the jasmine tea is meant to “maintain the body’s immunity, refresh your mind, and alleviate liver fire.” Along with helping my fiery liver, it was a lovely accompaniment to the ultra spicy Shaanxi sour and chilli noodles.
Glancing around, you’ll see traditional Chinese elements alongside a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Soft woods, neutral colours, classic Chinese paintings and handcrafted ornaments. The teapot displays are particularly beautiful. “We’re not just serving meals — we’re sharing stories, traditions, and tea knowledge. Our team introduces the origins of dishes, explains brewing methods, and connects guests with the meaning behind each bite or sip. It’s not just a meal, it’s a cultural journey,” NiNi says.
Popular as both a lunch and dinner spot, it’s worth experiencing both for the varied ambience. Lunch tends to attract the business crowd, keen on a tastier option than a food court visit, whereas dinner time will find friends and families clustered around their tables. Their food is available on Uber Eats and Mr D, but ordering in means missing out on the atmosphere and tea rituals.
If it’s your first visit, try their oxtail, beef soup dumplings, and prawn noodles. Their tea recommendations change seasonally, with refreshing cold teas in the summer and Fuding White tea in the winter. I’d advise ordering one of each.
Since they’ve only just opened, they’re settling into the new space, but as summer rolls around, they plan on seasonal ‘surprise’ dishes and drinks: limited items to keep things fresh and reward their loyal customer base.
Visit Tea and Antique at their Parkmore branch (107 Elizabeth Ave, Parkmore) and their Bedfordview branch (11 Park Street, Bedfordview). Both branches are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10h30 to 20h00.
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