The place where hotpot marries teapot

Jasmine milk tea.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Odor control

At CouCou, you need not worry about ridding yourself of hotpot odor from clothes and hair either, Chang says. Particular care has been taken in dealing with this issue.

"This is crucial if CouCou is to be a refined place where you can enjoy the best of hotpot and tea drinking. After all, the very idea of having to have a shower or bath may be enough to put anyone completely off the idea."

After much research, an extra high-powered air exhaust system was installed. In addition, the ingredients of the broth are all light, free of tallow and additives and artificial flavorings, Chang says.

A service team has even been brought over from Taiwan, where, he says, service tends to be "meticulous, attentive and full of warmth".

"To me, good service means an attendant should be on equal footing to the customer, rather than putting himself or herself in a subordinate position. They need to be the restaurant's hosts and to be respected as such."

After the Sanlitun opening next month, Chang says, there will be seven more in Beijing this year, with more to follow in other cities.

"Hotpot and tea drinking are among the most social of dining formats. There is not much better you could do than combining the two."