Papabubble is heaven-on-earth for anyone with a sweet tooth. Upon walking into any of their stores in Beijing, customers will see walls lined with bags of lollies and tables stacked with hard candies.
Papabubble was founded in Barcelona, Spain in 2004. According to the brand’s official website, their goal was to “[recover]the ancient artisanal candy-making process.” There are currently three Papabubble
locations in Beijing: one at Indigo Mall, one in Sanlitun, and one at 798 Art District.
Upon stepping into the Indigo Mall store, we’re greeted by friendly faces, and the sugary smell of candy envelops us. Across from the entrance, behind the register, is where all the magic happens: kids can get their hands dirty at the Papabubble workshop and make their own lollipops or hard candy without worrying about time.
We get the chance to make a lollipop. First, the staff heats up the candy so that it becomes soft and easy to mold. The next step is to roll three pieces of candy into long strips and stick them on top of one another. After flattening them, I roll them into a single long stick-like shape, which allows me to then slowly curl the candy into the rough shape of a lollipop. Next, I use a molding tool to smooth everything out and make it look more like a lollipop. Lastly, the stick goes into one end of the candy and voila! I have myself a finished lollipop. The process is fairly simple and the end result is very satisfying.
The recommended minimum age for Papabubble’s candy-making workshops is 3 years. The activity can be booked for birthday parties; prices vary depending on how many guests there are and how long the party lasts. Though catering and cakes aren’t available, Papabubble allows and in fact encourages guests to bring their own food.
Staff members can lead and supervise the kids as they make candy, leaving grownups free to take pictures or leave the store for a quick break. That being said, Papabubble does encourage parents to make sweets with their kids as a bonding experience.
Papabubble can also tailor party themes to the birthday boy or girl and even incorporate the theme into the candy. For example, there was once a Doraemon party with Doraemon-themed sweets. However, keep in mind that themed decorations and tools cost extra.
Papabubble’s goal is to make people happy and bring sweetness to everyone’s lives. For kids, eating and creating candy is the dream. If you’re ever in need of a sweet party, Papabubble is the place for you and your kids!
Papabubble 爬爬步步
1) Indigo Mall Shop: Daily 10am-10pm. L2-72, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8420 0109) 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港2层L2-72店铺; 2) 798 Shop: Daily 10.30am-6.30pm. Zhong Yijie (across from UCCA), 798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5762 3049) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区中一街（尤伦斯艺术中心对面）; 3) Sanlitun Shop: Daily 10am-10pm. S1-18, Taikooli Sanlitun North Village, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6416 2467) 朝阳区三里屯路19号S1-18
This article originally appeared on page 18-19 of the beijingkids August 2015 issue. Click here to read the issue for free on Issuu.com. To find out how you can get your own copy, email distribution@truerun.com.
Photos: Christian Neoh
