FROM THE EVENTS TEAM OF Z&Y PEKING DUCK • Z&Y RESTAURANT
San Francisco’s Chinatown has long been a cultural and culinary landmark, but at Z&Y Peking Duck and our sister location, Z&Y Restaurant, we are offering a dining experience that goes far beyond the plate.
Under the expert direction of Executive Chef Lijun Han—whose distinguished career includes cooking for Chinese presidents and international dignitaries—our restaurants have built a reputation as the city’s premier destinations for authentic Szechuan and Beijing cuisine. We believe that true hospitality engages all the senses. That’s why we are so proud to pair our award-winning, expertly crafted menus with two of China’s most captivating, historic performances: Kung Fu Tea and the ancient art of Bian Lian (Face Changing).
Here is what you can expect when you join us for an evening of authentic food and unforgettable entertainment.
The Breathtaking Art of Kung Fu Tea (Gong Fu Cha)
If you have never witnessed a traditional Kung Fu Tea ceremony, you are in for a true tableside spectacle. Known historically as Gong Fu Cha, this highly specialized tea service is far more than a beverage pouring—it is a fluid, meticulously choreographed martial arts dance.
Our master tea pourer utilizes a traditional copper kettle featuring an extraordinary three-foot-long spout. With years of specialized training and absolute precision, the master pours steaming tea into your cup from dynamic, seemingly impossible angles. It is a highly visual, mesmerizing tradition of Chinese hospitality that is incredibly rare to find in the United States, making it the perfect centerpiece for a celebratory dinner or a memorable night out with friends.
Bian Lian: The Magic of Face Changing
The cultural immersion doesn’t stop with our tea service. Guests visiting our original Z&Y Restaurant location on Sunday evenings are treated to an exclusive, live Bian Lian performance.
Bian Lian, translated to “face-changing,” is a revered dramatic art form rooted in ancient Sichuan opera. During dinner, our resident skilled performer, Liu, navigates the dining room to the rhythm of traditional Chinese music. With lightning-fast agility and masterful sleight of hand, he swaps brightly colored, dramatic masks in the blink of an eye. It is an astounding display of illusion and cultural storytelling that delights audiences of all ages and leaves the dining room buzzing with energy.
Expertly Paired Cocktails (Without the Headache)
A world-class meal requires a world-class beverage pairing. To perfectly complement the complex, fiery spices of our Szechuan dishes and the rich, delicate crispness of our Peking Duck, our mixologists have introduced an exciting new beverage menu.
We are thrilled to offer a new lineup of non-alcoholic and low-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails designed to cool the palate and enhance your meal. Enjoy our refreshing Guava and Mango Refreshers, or opt for the light buzz of our Soju-based Lychee Mojitos and Mango Daiquiris. These thoughtful additions allow you to fully celebrate the evening with vibrant, layered flavors, ensuring you wake up the next day feeling great.
Plan Your Experience
Ready to treat your senses to an unforgettable evening? We invite you to immerse yourself in the rich culinary and cultural traditions of China. Both of our theatrical dining experiences are available weekly in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Kung Fu Tea Master Schedule
(12:00 PM – 9:00 PM):
- 📍 Z&Y Peking Duck (606 Jackson St): Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
- 📍 Z&Y Restaurant (655 Jackson St): Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
Bian Lian (Face Changing) Performance:
- 📍 Z&Y Restaurant (655 Jackson St): Sundays at 8:00 PM
