CUI HOUSE.

Housed in a Republican-era style building right by Green Lake, CUI HOUSE offers a polished Cantonese dining experience that feels deeply connected to old Kunming. Despite the "tea house" name, the vibe here is decidedly upscale and formal, featuring a compact, elegant dining room where coveted window tables look out toward the historic Yunnan Military Academy. The kitchen specializes in refined, light, and beautifully presented Cantonese plates alongside regional delicacies like Taiwanese smoked mullet roe served with apple and radish. It is a quiet, leisurely alternative to the busier lakeside joints, making it an ideal, if spendy, anchor for a day spent exploring the walkable Wuhua District.