by David Lewis
At the University District’s new Oh Bear Cafe & Teahouse, you won’t see any of the usual stylistic design choices of a Chinese joint: no paper lanterns, hand fans, dragons, Buddhas, or lucky cats with upright waving paws. Only teddy bears. Teddy bears everywhere. The cafe’s signature sweet and savory crepes are even served in teddy-bear-shaped cardboard crepe holders.
Part of it is that Oh Bear is actually Taiwanese. Historically, the bulk of Seattle’s Chinese immigrants came from Taishan, a rural, mountainous, primarily agricultural region in China’s southern Guangdong province. And the cuisine the people brought with them reflected their farming and working-class backgrounds: high-calorie, large portion, family style servings—what non-Asians typically think of as “Chinese food.” It’s hearty and delicious, and you’ll find it served at most Chinese restaurants on Beacon Hill and many in the International District.
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