Where to Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix in Beijing

Living in Beijing, I can't help but feel like I've missed out on the whole pumpkin spice latte (PSL for short) phenomenon. Since Starbucks first introduced the PSL in 2003, pumpkin spice has spiralled out of control, to the point where it pops up in everything from soy milk to cookies to hummus. There aren't quite as many options in Beijing, but a few of our favorite venues have cottened on to the trend and started pushing out different pumpkin spiced desserts, and even a PSL or two. Basically, that's all you need to know. 

Gung Ho! Pizza's Pumpkin Spice Egg Tarts (RMB 25)
Fresh off their victory in the Pizza Cup, the creative geniuses at Gung Ho! have combined an American holiday treat with a classic Chinese dessert to come up with pumpkin spice egg tarts. Available in store or for delivery, the tarts are served warm topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Savory eaters might want to try their holiday turkey pizza, topped with roast turkey, spiced pumpkin, mashed potato, and cranberry sauce. We're not sure about the sense behind mashed potato on pizza (or cranberry sauce for that matter), but we trust the Gung Ho! guys.

Juice by Melissa's Pumpkin Spice Latte (RMB 40) and Pumpkin Spice Juice (RMB 60)
One of the only places in town serving an actual PSL, Juice by Melissa make theirs with organic espresso, almond milk, pumpkin puree, and a secret mix of spices. Their pumpkin spice juice combines pumpkin, carrot, apple, pear, ginger, vanilla, and cinnamon for a very warming flavor. They also mix that pumpkin spice juice with rum for a tasty and potent cocktail that is buy-one-get-one free on Thursday ladies' nights. 

Sweet Tooth's Pumpkin Cheesecake (RMB 35/slice)
When it comes to desserts, pumpkin isn't just for pies. Sweet Tooth have a range of pumpkin desserts (pumpkin choc chip muffins anyone?!), our favorite of which is the rich and silky pumpkin cheesecake. It may not be pumpkin spice exactly, but combine a slice of the pumpkin cheesecake with their chai latte (RMB 35) and you're almost there.

Pantry's Best Salted Caramel Pumpkin Mousse Cake (RMB 199/6-inch cake, RMB 299/8-inch cake)
Again, this one is not strictly pumpkin spice, but I mean, come on, salted caramel pumpkin mousse cake?! Get in my face. Layers of pumpkin and salted caramel mousse sit atop a base of rich chocolate cake, topped with shards of pumpkin seed-studded chocolate. A truly gorgeous looking thing. Pantry's Best's cakes are also available to order through their WeChat account @ Pantrysbest.

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Email: robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com
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Photo: Wikipedia, courtesy of the restaurants