Zheng is a new restaurant in The Hague’s Hofkwartier, at the location which used to house the Chinese-French fusion restaurant HanTing Cuisine, run by Chef Han Ji and hostess Ting Ji. Everything at Zheng evolves around the age-old Chinese rituals, art, culture and health.
Imperial Banquet
Zheng will take you along to the Empire of China, where, once upon a time, the day after New Year, the most important officials were invited for an extensive Zheng banquet. The restaurant’s name was also derived from this. This imperial banquet was an impressive spectacle, with the table brimming with 120 luxurious spices and different drinks, all served in accordance with ancient ceremonies. Certainly a feast for the eyes and the palate. This was the Chinese Chef Han Ji’s ultimate inspiration, who has given this imperial feast a contemporary interpretation.
12 chapters
Zheng is therefore a nod to the Chinese (food) culture and the age-old traditions and rituals. The four main Chinese cuisines are presented during the evening. A ceremonial menu consisting of 12 chapters, with 3 or 4 dishes per chapter, is served.
Each chapter focuses on a different cooking technique, for example ‘steaming’ or the Chinese fondue and Chinese barbecue. Spicy and umami flavours have been given a lead role to play in the proceedings. Each chapter also focuses in on an art object, culture and health. The concept will be explained before the start of the meal. You will also be given the opportunity to order appropriate drinks for each part of the meal, with various different types of drinks being served. You naturally also have the option of going for an alcohol-free variant.
Qing Dynasty
Zheng’s interior was also inspired by the rich Chinese culture. The imperial yellow and blue tones and decorations which refer to Qianlong, the sixth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. This closely links into the city of The Hague, where both the government and the Royal Family reside. The Chinese rituals, the different dinner services and art objects and the choice of dishes which appear on the table, combined with the extraordinary flavours and ingredients, have turned Zheng into a unique restaurant.
Location
Restaurant Zheng is located in the Prinsestraat in The Hague’s historic Hofkwartier. This authentic shopping street can be found between two of The Hague’s iconic city centre places, the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Paleistuin (Palace Gardens). This is definitely the place to be in The Hague for the fashion conscious, with an abundance of trendy fashion and accessory stores, designer stores and art galleries. In addition to the varied supply of shops, this street is now also increasingly being regarded as an avenue culinaire. The restaurants are a delicious combination of trendy and authentic, with Italian, French, Californian and Asian cuisines forming just some of the possibilities.
Accessibility
The Prinsestraat is located in the centre of The Hague, which is easily accessible by car as well as public transport. The Q-Park Torengarage is within walking distance from the Prinsestraat. Those preferring to make use of public transport can take the tram from The Hague’s Central Station. You will find yourself right in the middle of the characteristic Prinsestraat in a less than two minute walk from the Noordwal stop.
