Unleash Your Inner Glutton Inside: Beijing's Most Delectable Baked Goods

Get ready to put on a little weight (call it insulation) for the winter season. When it’s a bit chilly out, why not walk over to your neighborhood bakery for some oven-fresh delights, or even better, have them delivered right to your doorstep. Recently, Beijing’s cakes, breads, and pastries have been causing a stir amongst foreigners and locals alike. Agenda has found the perfect baked goods shops in Beijing for you to indulge in. But be warned: after diving into the city’s best bakeries, don’t be surprised if your cravings for baked yummies only increase!

Awfully Chocolate Chocolate lovers have finally found their place with this cake shop. Their philosophy is simple and unique: focus on quality, not variety. Their mouth watering chocolate cakes are rich in flavor, yet moist and light. Take your time and try all three of their specialties: original chocolate cake (RMB 139), banana chocolate cake (RMB 168) and rum and cherry chocolate cake (RMB 178). Daily 10am-9pm. Rm 108, Bldg 2, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (5820 5826) 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场2号楼108

Bread of Life Bakery Homemade baked goods from their house to yours. Bread of Life Bakery creates jobs and a good working environment for older, disabled orphans who bake and sell their own homemade breads, pies, specialty cakes and cinnamon rolls. The funds will allow wheelchairs and other orthopedic equipment to be purchased or repaired for children all over China. For more information check out their website. To order please call Cheryl at (031 6608 3407). www.breadoflifebakery.org

CCSweets 喜喜饼房 Offering artisanal cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, CCSweets is the labor of love for Carol Chow. “CC” can stand for cupcakes, cake and cookies, chocolate and caramel, ice cream, candy or custom created sweets. Carol uses only the best gourmet, imported ingredients to make her cupcakes, cakes and cookies. Her cupcakes are not too sweet in taste but they will add some sweet memories to your celebrations. CCSweets also custom designs cupcakes, cakes and wedding cakes to order. Check their website for details and rotating flavors. Daily 10am-6pm. Central Park, Tower 11, Shop 109, CBD, Chaoyang District. (6533 6973, 13901168097) 朝阳区朝外大街6号，新城国际T11.109店 www.ccsweets.cn

Comptoirs de France 法派 Its original branch near Guomao long established, this French delight has spread its sticky fingers and now has multiple locations throughout Beijing. Part owner and production manger Philippe Ancelet has channeled his passion and expertise for pastry making into creating this haven of decadent delights. The bakery serves up a range of homemade ice cream, cakes, pastries, bread and chocolates. There is more than enough choice to satisfy both the sweet and the savor-tooth’s out there. Voted “Outstanding Sandwiches” in the Beijinger’s 2010 Reader Restaurant Awards. Daily 7am-830pm. 1/F, Bldg 5, Hairun International Apartment, 2B Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (5135 7645) 朝阳区将台路乙2号海润国际公寓商业5号楼1层

Homaroma 幸福坊 Homaroma is the first China-based bakery to join the international “baked from scratch” community. They are a group of bakers from around the world who don’t take any shortcuts or use any mixes. Homaroma freshly grinds their nut flours each day; they use fresh fruits, natural flavors and colors. Natural baked goods rang from nut cakes, light cheesecakes, tarts, cupcakes, and cookies. No processed ingredients or food additives are used during preparation. Free delivery within 3 kilometers, otherwise a taxi fee (departing from Gongti Beilu) is charged. Daily 24 hrs. Chaoyang District. (15201173409 Eng), (13522267314 Chin). 朝阳区

Kempi Deli 凯宾美食廊 You can savor your sweet tooth with a gift from Kempi Deli, located inside the Kempinski Hotel. This deli is more than just your average deli; it also offers a selection of velvety cakes, chocolates, and freshly made sandwiches at Western prices. Tourist and business types come to the Kempi for European style baguettes, pastries, and coffee. Made to order cakes are also available. After 9pm all baked goods are 50% off. Daily 7am-10pm. 1/F, Kempinski Hotel, Chaoyang District. (6465 3388 ext. 5741) 朝阳区凯宾斯基饭店1层

The Fig Tree Located in the heart of the CBD, The Fig Tree provides the finest pastries and specialty cakes available in Beijing, as well as pastry making classes for both enthusiasts and professionals. The Fig Tree sources the best ingredients and equipment and shares secrets of the trade with their students so they can bake and make pastries successfully at home. RMB 350 gets you a two-and-a-half hour baking lesson with Cordon Bleu trained and certified pastry chef, Lin Zhong, leads her team in Beijing to share her passion for perfecting the art of pastry making. Cakes can be ordered bespoke for all occasions, at prices ranging from RMB 150-1,000 depending on the ingredients, intricacy and size. 202, Bldg A, Chaowai Soho, Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (13910566742) 朝阳区朝阳区朝外大街朝外Soho702室A座

Lollipop Bakery All the way from London, the Lollipop Bakery brings authentic cupcakes with moist rich cake and fluffy frosting to Beijing. Their cupcakes are freshly baked every day and decorated with a swirl of butter creme frosting. At the Lollipop bakery they are meticulous about every last detail, from the handmade sugar flower atop each cupcake to the beautiful, iconic boxes. Cupcakes can be customized for special occasions, and can be ordered by phone, email or online via their website (please note that 24-hour advance notice is required). Available at Crepanini, Fisheye Café, and Secrets from Africa, Chaoyang District. (13552772683) 朝阳区可百尼尼，鱼眼咖啡和亦有售

Pekotan 配口堂 Conveniently located in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District, this cafe features a deli counter, a butcher, fresh bread, and a great selection of international wines. A sibling of Japanese-run Italian cuisine Beijing institution Le Café Igosso (now Kitchen Igosso), Pekotan is a hybrid bakery/deli/grocer that aims for the stars. The onsite bakery produces a delicious array of freshly baked baguettes, rolls, and pastries. Pekotan’s regulars praise these artisan baked goods as among the freshest available in Beijing. Besides the bakery, Pekotan also makes sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, and salad items at decent prices. Daily 7am-10pm. Store 21-22, Bldg 12, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6533 6605) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号新城国际12号楼21-22号

Pie House 派悦坊 Word of mouth is helping Pie House grow from a pie-hungry American’s dream to a Beijing expat household name. Born of American pie enthusiast Mark Huetsch’s inability to bear a pie-less lifestyle in Beijing, Pie House delivers rich, heavenly pastry free within the Fourth Ring Road or to Wudaokou. Their pie lineup includes pumpkin, French cream, key lime, and blueberry (RMB 149-249), and extends to mousses and tartlets. Each pie is filled with gooey, warm fruit deliciousness. Delivery only, order five hours in advance. Daily 9am-9pm. Wudaokou, Haidian District. (5166 4464) 海淀区五道口