Eggstatic for Egg Tarts: Some Eggcellent Varieties to Try in Beijing
The egg tart. This custardy treat with a flaky crust isn't just limited to the plain old egg variety. While we do admire the original, there's a lot more to this treat to be had in Beijing. Here are a few spots to go eggstatic for egg tarts.
Tart
Nestled in the heart of Beijing, there's a quaint little bakery that has perfected the art of the egg tart. Going beyond the normal variety, they've got a lot of Beijing-inspired flavors to choose from, from the rich and nutty combination of sesame paste and hazelnuts (RMB 13) to the tangy sweetness of a tanghulu-inspired tart (RMB 15). And if you're feeling adventurous, don't miss their king-size egg tarts in both classic and durian flavors (RMB 21).
Tart 塔挞
2101, 1/F, Bldg 2, Courtyard 8, Gongtibei Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工人体育场北路8号院2号楼1层
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 135 2274 0845
Dainty Bakery
Dainty Bakery is a treasure trove of baked goods, offering a wide range of delicious treats. However, it's the egg tarts that steal the show, particularly the Shaoxing wine-flavored variety (RMB 19.8). These tarts boast a surprise combination of flavors, with chunks of raisin pulp adorning the top and a base infused with rice wine. It's an unexpected twist that adds a boozy touch to the traditional pastry. Who knew an egg tart could hold such a surprise, right?
Dainty Bakery
B1/F,Chaoyangbei Lu, Changying Tianjie East district, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳北路龙湖长楹天街东区负一层
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 136 2113 7962
The Diner
Unlike the quaint egg tart bakeries mentioned earlier, this spot is a Western restaurant and bakery that stands out for its dessert offerings. Surprisingly, one of the top recommendations at this establishment is a delightful treat – a large caramel-flavored egg tart( RMB 68). This oversized delicacy is akin to a pizza, with a thick, sweet, and non-greasy egg filling. Dianping users have raved about the charming wavy edges of these egg tarts, which add an elegant touch. For those seeking a smaller portion, the restaurant also offers half-sized tarts to take home.
The Diner
159 Andingmennei Jie, Dongcheng District
东城区安定门内大街159号
Hours: 10.30am-midnight
Phone: 165 0666 6618
Gaoxingyidian
At this bakery, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by their take on the classic egg tart. They offer a delightful twist known as the cookie egg tart, or 盘挞 in Chinese. This variation elevates the traditional treat by combining a crunchy, sweet cookie crust with a creamy egg custard filling. With a range of flavors like chocolate, blueberry, plain, and durian, the chocolate option comes highly recommended. This bakery is also renowned for its delectable chocolate desserts, like the chocolate pie (RMB 30) and luscious chocolate pudding (RMB 12).
Gaoxingyidian 糕幸艺点
Rm 50, 1/F, Bldg 11, 113 Yaojiayuan, Qingnian Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区青年路姚家园113号11楼1层50室
Hours: 10am-10.30pm
Phone:183 5539 2513
Strasbourg
If you're a fan of egg tarts, then Strasburg should definitely be on your radar. They offer a dessert that bears a striking resemblance to an egg tart – but an egg tart this is not. Indeed, the name of this treat says as much: "I am not an egg tart" (RMB 18). It's a take on the Baumkuchen cake, a German specialty that's beloved in Japan for its distinctive ringed pattern symbolizing prosperity and longevity.
Despite its cakey origin, this dessert shares a kinship with egg tarts due to its egg-based filling and soft pastry crust. To add more depth, they've incorporated a layer of cheese. Their egg tarts comes in a variety of flavors, including oreo, orange, plain, and caramel, offering something to suit every palate.
Strasburg
15 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区霄云路15号
Hours: 8.30am-11pm
Phone: 5217 2767
READ: Go To IKEA — But Not Only For The Furniture
Images: Courtesy of the venues, Wangtian
