The courtyards of a homeland ripple through memory like the flavors of Huizhou cuisine, while the stillness of a dark slate sea reflects the expanse of the surrounding nature.
Project Name: Meng Du Hui Restaurant
Studio Name: Tanzo Space Design
Location: Wanshou Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Area: 1600㎡
Design Period: November 2022
Completion Date: March 2023Opening Date: December 2023
Chief Designer: Wang Daquan
Design Team: Jin Ping, Ma Hongxu, Zhang Xiangrong
Lighting Design: PROL Lighting
Landscape Design: Wild Green Botanic Garden – Zhang Xiaoguang, Yu Yan, Wang Yue
Floral Design: Xixi
Construction Company: Beijing Huanrun Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.
Copywriting: NARJEELING
Photography: TOPIA Commercial Photography
In December 2023, situated on the southern grounds of the Wanshou Hotel, Meng Du Hui: New Huizhou Cuisine unveiled its doors to diners. This culinary haven, brought to life by TANZO Space after four months of meticulous architectural renovation and spatial reimagining, is rooted in the traditions of Huizhou cuisine. It redefines those traditions with a contemporary twist, creating an extraordinary gastronomic journey through the essence of Huizhou’s courtyards.
The Culinary Essence of Meng Du Hui
Drawing inspiration from the Book of Jin, which speaks of Huizhou people being well-acquainted with partings, the restaurant embodies the resilience of a community that ventured far and wide, carrying Huizhou’s natural riches—bamboo, tea, wood, and herbs. Centuries ago, the Huizhou Opera troupe brought this cultural essence to Beijing, evolving into the famed Peking Opera. Today, this intertwining of Huizhou and Beijing traditions is reflected in both the restaurant’s flavors and atmosphere.
The menu highlights seasonal, health-conscious dishes crafted from fresh mountain and lake produce, with 70% of ingredients flown in daily from Anhui. Signature offerings like three stones of Huizhou, Wen Zheng bamboo shoots, and Dao Ban Xiang draw food enthusiasts eager to experience authentic Huizhou flavors.
Designing Beyond the Plate
Designer Wang Daquan, along with the Meng Du Hui team, explored Anhui’s villages in search of inspiration. Their journey uncovered the contrasts between Beijing’s grandeur and Huizhou’s understated charm, shaping a design that bridges past and present, city and nature. Meng Du Hui reflects a slow, thoughtful design narrative, weaving traditional heritage into a contemporary space that resonates with authenticity.
A Seamless Fusion of Boundaries
At Meng Du Hui, the boundaries between indoors and outdoors dissolve, offering guests a serene escape within the bustling city. As visitors approach, the restaurant reveals itself gradually—a circular opening in a screen wall frames glimpses of the interior, while reflections playfully blend light, shadow, and nature.
Upon entry, water features and a simple pavilion greet guests, blending seamlessly into the surrounding greenery. This layered composition mirrors the interplay of traditional Huizhou and Beijing’s contemporary architecture. The pavilion, embodying “outward adaptability with inward authenticity,” sets a poetic tone for the journey within.
Interiors Rooted in Huizhou Aesthetics
Inside, courtyards, latticed windows, and corridors evoke Huizhou’s architectural heritage. Flowing water, natural stone, and the interplay of light and shadow invite nature into the space, creating a dialogue between urban modernity and pastoral tranquility. The design emphasizes openness, encouraging guests to experience a sense of timelessness.
On the ground floor, large bamboo groves reflect on a glass ceiling, creating a harmonious blend of nature and modernity. The serene space is further enriched with textured materials like gray bricks, wood, and paper, all evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Upstairs, a tea room offers a peaceful retreat. Visitors ascend steps lined with green bricks, entering a space where time and space seem to pause. Traditional baskets on display shelves and sunlight filtering through latticework evoke Huizhou’s ancient charm, providing a contemplative end to the journey.
A Culinary Experience Rooted in Heritage
Meng Du Hui’s narrative captures the essence of Huizhou’s cuisine—rooted in a deep respect for ingredients and the art of slow cooking. Just as Huizhou merchants once relied on slow-boiling techniques during their long voyages, the restaurant reflects this enduring dedication to time and care, evident in both its flavors and design.
Timeless Design, Lasting Memories
Today, Meng Du Hui is a sought-after dining destination, often fully booked during holidays. Visitors return not only for its authentic Huizhou cuisine but also for the serene atmosphere that merges nature and design. The restaurant’s poetic beauty and delicate balance between the city and the countryside leave a lasting impression, offering guests a moment of inner freedom and connection to tradition.
