Bread And Butter: Beijing Bakeries Worth Waking Up Early For!
Northern Chinese people are known for their fondness for flour, and Beijing residents have a particular affinity for the pastry. From traditional pastries, such as the Rolling Donkey (a dessert made with sticky rice, red bean paste, and soy powder) and beef tongue biscuits, to the currently trendy canelés and bagels, each of us has that one, special pastry that will always doom our low-carb diet to failure. People from elsewhere may not know that when it comes to baking our city has so much more to offer than 稻香村 dàoxiāngcūn , and most have likely not taken the time to explore the baking wonderland that is Beijing! Allow me, then, to show you around, and give you a hint of the fantastic treats in store for you, if only you know what you're looking for!
Xinqiao Sapporo Bakery
If you were to ask local Beijingers which one of the thousands of western-influenced bakeries in the city holds almost the same time-honored reputation as 稻香村 dàoxiāngcūn for traditional pastries, most would probably name Xinqiao Sapporo Bakery. Back in 1985, the bakery was one of the pioneers in selling bread and pastries on open shelves. For many kids born in the 80s and early 90s, it is Xinqiao Sapporo Bakery that provided their first impression of western bakery culture, and the bakery continues to serve Beijing almost 40 years later. Xiangqiao Sapporo's signature pastry is a croissant filled with fresh whipped cream, and they also have many offerings that use a sugar substitute, for elderly patrons, or anyone looking to decrease their sugar intake.
Xinqiao Sapporo Bakery 新侨三宝乐面包店
东交民巷2号
No.2 Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District
Dotcom Bakery
Just off of Xiaoyun Food Street, not far from Kakikopi, Dotcom Bakery is known for the unusual and adventurous flavors they bring to their bread. Where else are you likely to encounter, for example, mango chess, wine-preserved fig, or flaxseed sweet potato? The staff here clearly enjoy experimenting with the ingredients they have on hand, and the results are always amazing. The only downside? Most of these delicious and inventive treats are very often sold out before noon!
Dotcom Bakery 古点面包
霄云路15号
No.15 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District
Gontran Cherrier
Founded in Paris in 2010 by noted baker Gontran Cherrier, this international, upscale bakery brand has finally made it to Beijing. To make things even better, you don’t have to have a high-paying job to be able to enjoy their fabulous treats . The prices are quite affordable. You can get a number of items for only around RMB 20 each, including butterfly cookies and baguettes. To get your hands on one of these masterful creations, make your way over to Chaoyang Joy City. In my opinion, the baked goods at Gontran Cherrier are worth every fen.
Gontran Cherrier
朝阳北路朝阳大悦城2F-72
2F-72, Chaoyang Joycity, Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District
Da Giuliano
If, instead of just munching on a chunk of bread for days, you'd much rather have a plate of diverse delicacies, then this lovely bakery hidden in the embassy district just might be your new favorite. Éclairs, doughnuts, mousses, tarts, cakes... If the devil should ever open a bakery, the shelves would surely recall those at Da Giuliano, which are always filled with the most decadent of temptations. It is no wonder, then, that so many people are willing to break a sweat in the gym seven days a week just to have an excuse to take a bite of their pastries. Da Giuliano also has an outdoor seating area, which is ideal for relaxing on late spring and early summer evenings.
Da Giuliano
三里屯北小街1号
No.1, Sanlitun North Alley, Chaoyang District
Le Grenier a pain
An renown French bakery that also serves Palais de l'Élysée got a quite localized name in China. The founder of Le Grenier a pain is Mr. Micharl Galloyer, who is the member of Relais International Dessert Association, teacher at France’s Ecole Nationale Superieure de Patisserie, and was awarded with Palmes Academiques, France’s highest academic honour. This bakery excels in any French and French influenced pastries. And they have some rare kinds that you may not be able to find in other places, like the flat coissnant.
Le Grenier a pain 正本原 zhèngběn yuán
王府井大街王府中环四层
4th floor of Wangfu Central, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District
Gulou Steamed Bun Store
When we talk about bakeries, we are not speaking purely about nicely decorated, western-inspired ones. The long lines in front of local steamed bun stands are a testament to the special place these down-to-earth, unassuming spots hold in the hearts (and stomachs) of local residents, and Gulou Steamed Bun Store is one of the most prominent. Their red bean paste steamed bun is a must-try, and you probably won’t find a steamed bun with the same amount of such smooth, naturally sweet red bean paste filling anywhere else. And if sugar is not your arch-enemy, their 糖三角 táng sānjiǎo Sugar Triangle is also worth a bite. Or three...
Gulou Steamed Bun Store 鼓楼馒头店
鼓楼东大街139-1号
#139-1 Gulou East Boulevard
Gongmenkou Bakery
A long-time rival of the Gulou steam bun store, Gongmenkou Bakery is famous for their steamed twisted rolls, and sticky rice buns. The star of the house is the 八宝粘豆包 bā bǎo zhān dòubāo Eight Treasure Sticky Rice Bun, which resembles an onigiri made with the ingredients of the well known Eight Treasures Porridge. If you are into nuts like me then this may be your new favorite snack! True Beijingers usually don’t buy pastries individually, but instead purchase a large number of them by weight, and that's exactly how you should approach making your purchases at this treasure of a bakery. Gongmenkou has multiple locations now, but their original store, located on Xiangchang Road near the Temple of Heaven, is the only one equipped with a kitchen. This means that if you're after the freshest buns they have to offer, then the original location is the place to go!
Gongmenkou Bakery 宫门口馒头
香厂路1号
No.1 Xiangchang Road, Xicheng District
Rice Zone
Who said a good pastry can only be made from wheat flour? Rice Zone, a unique bakery run by a Korean baker in Wangjing, is here to challenge all your rice flour stereotypes. Unique ingredients make the bread at Rice Zone a bit lighter, chewier, and more tender than bread made with wheat flour. This special type of bread is best enjoyed on its own, since rich jams or peanut butter may overpower the delicate aroma of the rice. Rice flour can also claim another win: bread made with rice flour are some of the few options for people who are following a gluten-free diet.
Rice Zone 乐食尊纯米面包房
望京园608号楼一层156
#156, 1st floor Bldg.608, Wangjingyuan, Chaoyang District
Rye Valley 黑麦谷 鲁斯兰俄式面包坊
We all know the influence that Russia has had on Beijing, including when it comes to culinary matters. Even today, many people still crave the iconic Russian rye bread 大列巴 dà liè bā. This brick-like chunky bread gained fame for its dense and filling texture, rich flavor, and long shelf life. Rye Valley offers a number of Russian-inspired pastries, as well as, as their name suggests, assorted rye flour options. Once you've got your bread, all that's left to do is open a bottle of kvass or vodka, kick back, and let your mind drift down the River Volga...
Rye Valley 黑麦谷 鲁斯兰俄式面包坊
万柳东路25号万泉商务花园底商
Ground floor vendor at No.25 Wanliu East Road, Haidian District
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Images: Corresponding bakeries, Gontran Cherrier, 什么值得买, Sohu, WF Central, Yoho Mars, Dianping, Hooos, 163
