Concrete Playground

This simple shop front on George Street is deceiving. Take away teas can be bought from the counter downstairs but, if you make your way upstairs, a whole new experience awaits you. Super cheap meals, adventurous Taiwanese desserts and a ridiculous range of teas are on offer in this laid back dining room.

Begin with the teas, the raison d'être of the establishment. For a cold tea, opt for Black Milk Tea with QQ ($6.5/$7.50). This 'bubble tea' includes tapioca pearls - here called 'QQ', meaning 'chew-chew'. If you'd prefer a hot tea, try Osmanthus Oolong ($5.50/$6.50), a traditional blend where oolong tea is scented with osmanthus flowers. For a delicious pot, try fragrant and calming Lavender ($8.50). And if the menu simply seems too overwhelming, ask the staff for recommendations: they'll be happy to help.

In terms of food, start with the Dumplings with Tea Flavour (10 for $8.80) to share. From there, favourites include Taiwanese Spaghetti with Tea Flavour ($7.80), a classic spag bol with a twist, and Tea Flavoured Pork with Rice Noodles ($8.80), rich broth with hunks of pork, noodles, hard boiled eggs and vegetables. For dessert try one of the crushed ices, like Crushed Ice with Peanut and Milk ($7.50), or perhaps a Green Tea Flavoured Sponge Cake ($4.50) for the less brave.

The highlight of Ten Ren is clearly the tea, so don't be shy to stop by simply for drinks with friends. It's the perfect way to test for your favourite before buying up in bulk downstairs. And with over two hundred drinks on the menu to choose from, this might take a few visits.