The Leavened Life: Beijng's Best Bakeries

Last year, we had the category “Best Bread” which Beijing staple Comptoirs de France took home the prize for. This year, we broadened the category to “Best Bakery,” but the results remained unchanged. Beijing spoke, and Comptoirs de France prevails as the emperor of the oven in the public eye. Contenders Kempi Deli and South German Bakery came out of the fray with the second highest marks.

The three winners are all long-standing fixtures in the Beijing bakery world, pulling ahead of newer arrivees on the scene. Familiarity breeds comfort for some, and that seems to be crucial in the vote for the loaf. The more recent players are not to be dismissed though. For those with a taste for cakes and sugar-laced bites, Guomao nominee The Sweet Spot should also have garnered some votes. I’m not the wisest with dietary decisions and savory usually loses out in competition with confections, but I have on good word that their spit-roast chicken sandwich is a must as well.

Our Editors’ Pick this year for Best Bakery is Gang Gang Delicatessen south of Chaoyang Park. Originally from Tianjin, the their wares are best known by way of the beloved Central Park fixture, Pekotan. With a new independent shop recently opened in Beijing, we’re expecting Gang Gang to quickly become favorite in the capital. Keep your eyes out for the full review in next month’s issue.

Finally, if you’re still displeased with the carbohydrate selection in this city and want to try your own hand at it, check out Haw Berries & Kumquat’s excellent guide on everything you need to know about the trials, travails and paths to success for making bread in a country deprived of the beautiful tradition of a good crust and crumb.

BAKERY NEW 

Best

Comptoirs de France

Outstanding

Kempi Deli, Kempinski Hotel Beijing

South German Bakery

Photo: Cat Nelson