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!

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. 

Dotcom Bakery

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.

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.

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. 

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...

Images: Corresponding bakeries, Gontran Cherrier, 什么值得买, Sohu, WF Central, Yoho Mars, Dianping, Hooos, 163