21Cake
These cute cubist creations use only fresh New Zealand cream, Swiss chocolate and American hazelnuts in their search for confection perfection. Go retro with the Black Forest, or try the Nut Job, which is filled with rich choc-hazelnut goodness. If a birthday is on the way, forget slaving in the kitchen and get a giant birthday cake delivered (RMB 168 for 15x15cm). Delivery only; order five hours in advance.
Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Rm 1002, Bldg 9, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (400 650 2121, order@21cake.com) www.21cake.com
廿一客, 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外Soho9号楼1002室
Bento & Berries
A combination of bakery and deli-takeout, this airy and modern cafe has a little something for everyone. B&B’s latest draw card are their new cakes made from Italian ice cream (RMB 85), available in chocolate, vanilla, green tea, mango and strawberry.
Mon-Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun 7am-7pm. 1/F, Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6561 8833 ext 45)
缤味美食屋, 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心饭店1层
Awfully Chocolate
Not a child in Beijing can resist a chocolate cake from this aptly named store. A study in sweet simplicity, these cocoa-rich cakes come in a trio of flavors – plain chocolate (RMB 140), chocolate and banana (RMB 170) and chocolate rum and cherry (RMB 180). If chocolate isn’t for you … best try somewhere else.
Daily 10am-10pm. 05A, B1/F, Raffles City, 1 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng District (8409 8452, beijing@awfullychocolate.com.cn
东城区东直门南大街1号来福士购物中心B1层05A
Kempi Deli
Don’t be fooled by the name. This deli borders on being a bakery, filled as it is with wonderful breads, giant cookies and some of Beijing’s best cakes. Try the blueberry cheesecake – it’s so seraphic you’d sell your soul for a second helping. Faultless classics. Discounts after 8pm (9pm weekends).
Daily 7am-10pm. 1/F, Kempinski Hotel, Chaoyang District (6465 3388 ext 5741) 凯宾美食廊, 朝阳区凯宾斯基饭店1层
Sugar Bar
This sweet delight serves up fresh cakes from their in-house bakery daily. RMB 24-28 will get you a slice of exquisite marble cheesecake, white forest cake or lemon meringue. Kids can enjoy a hot chocolate, while parents can sample one of the many coffee varieties available. If it’s a post-dinner treat you’re after, cakes are half-price after 8pm.
Daily 11am-11pm. 1949 – The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu (behind Pacific Century Place), Chaoyang District (6501 1949) 糖吧, 朝阳区工体北路4号院 (盈科中心南面) Tom O’Malley
