Chew on This: Discovering Beijing's Best Pretzel Spots
We've got a serious soft spot for pretzels. There's this irresistible allure to that salty, chewy goodness that's a match made in heaven when dunked into cheese sauce or simply enjoyed with a nice cold beer. What follows is a list of our favorite spots in the capital for these lovely twisty bread things.
Brotzeit 博璨德国啤酒餐厅
Brotzeit, a classic German eatery, holds a reputation for their mammoth-sized XXL pretzel sandwiches. These pretzel sandwiches are all about options when it comes to fillings, too. They've got everything from 'Say Cheese' to 'Sausage', 'Mixed Ham and Cheese Pretzel', and even a 'Currywurst' flavor, there's a pretzel for every palate.
In addition to its pretzel prowess, Brotzeit is also celebrating its 8th anniversary this weekend. To mark this occasion, they're hosting a grand German buffet on Saturday, Sep 2 (RMB 288 per person). This provides an ideal opportunity, not just to relish their famed pretzels, but also to delve into an array of delicious German cuisine and beer. So, why wait? Brotzeit beckons!
Brotzeit 博璨德国啤酒餐厅
F109,1/F, Guanshe South, Diplomatic Apartment, 19 Dongfangdonglu, Chaoyang district
朝阳区东方东路19号外交公寓官舍南区1层F109
Hours: 11am-11pm
Phone:8531 5166
There Will Be Bread 面包会有的
The Pretzels (RMB 18) at this eatery showcase a texture reminiscent of delicate puff pastry rather than the traditional chewy pretzel shell, making them more palatable to those who prefer something a little lighter. For an added kick, they're adorned with a distinct Sichuan sauce known as 怪味酱 guàiwèi jiàng, a bean-based concoction that imbues the pretzel with a fiery dimension.
There Will Be Bread 面包会有的
19, Taikooli South District, Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路三里屯太古里南区19号
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 166 0134 8819
JM Sweetie Cake 简沐面包房
What sets this bakery shop apart is the distinct appeal of their pepper-infused offerings, a favorite among customers for their bagels, croissants, and other baked delights. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that their Pretzels (RMB 30), accentuated with, you guessed it, a hint of pepper, are equally lauded. The pepper lends an understated fragrance that complements the savory pretzel shell.
JM Sweetie Cake 简沐面包房
101, Floor 1-2, Bldg 3, Courtyard 2, Jiangmidian Street, Tongzhou district
通州区江米店街2号院3号楼1至2层101
Hours: 9am-8pm
Phone: 185 1388 7048
Banshanwai 半山外
Banshanwai, known for its toast bread, also boasts a lineup of pretzels. Customers can indulge in an array of intriguing flavors, from the traditional cheese and German sausage to red beans. With the onset of autumn, Banshanwai introduces an unexpected, yet delightful seasonal treat -- the Chestnut-Flavored Pretzel (RMB 31).
No stranger to innovation, Banshanwai continues to push the boundaries of pretzel flavoring. The previous autumn saw the introduction of a Tea-Egg-Flavored Pretzel. While it's uncertain whether this distinct flavor will reappear in their pretzel roster this year, Banshanwai continues to pique curiosity with their inventive culinary creations.
Banshanwai半山外
B26, Ground Floor, Yintai Mall, Chaoyang District
朝阳区银泰中心in01地下一层B26
Hours: 7am-10pm
Phone: 187 0152 3613
South German Bakery 德南面包房
The South German Bakery is a hidden gem when it comes to pretzels. Imagine the classic German pretzel - a beautiful twisted knot of dough, boasting a dark brown hue. Its surface is crisp, but break it open to reveal a soft and fluffy interior. This is the kind of pretzel you can expect at this charming spot.
Yet, what truly sets them apart is a distinct creation of theirs - a Pretzel (RMB 16) adorned with a lavish coating of grilled cheese. Its exterior is perfectly crisp, exuding a milk scent that's hard to resist.
South German Bakery 德南面包房
6 Chaoyangmenwai Street, Bldg 26, Floor 103, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号院26号楼1层103
Hours: 8am-9pm
Phone: 132 6185 2716
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Images: courtesy of the venues, Dianping, Canva
