Parisian Baguette Sold in Beijing

Located in the northwestern part of Beijing, the Zhongguancun area is known as a crowded mart for high-tech shopping. Since Beijing was awarded the hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games, more and more buildings have been under construction there, and a great number of shops opened their doors in this busy area.

Paris Baguette is located in one of the newly-built local shopping malls, away from the main traffic-jammed roads. This is where local connoisseurs buy their French baguette and pastries.

Delicious-looking breads, cookies, and cakes are displayed in the brightly-lit windows. Surprising fact: according to a (very polite) shop assistant, the Paris Baguette brand actually originated from… South Korea.

The shop offers 5 types of items: French bread, pastry, toasts, doughnuts, and sweet bread. Their prices range from RMB 4 to RMB 15. I was recommended a kind of pastry named Raisins Pastry selling for RMB 7.5. Paninis and sandwiches offered on the glass shelves are priced RMB 12 to RMB 18.

Exquisite cakes are Paris Baguette’s star products: Chocolate cake, Fresh Cream cake, Short cake, and others. Prices range from RMB 70 to RMB 140. Short cakes looked especially tasty, and would sell for RMB 12 to RMB 20. Among the main flavors: green tea, tiramisu, chocolate mousse.

Paris Baguette also offers a Walnut Pound Cake (RMB 60), and a Mango Cheese Cake (RMB 35) shaped in a rectangle.

Because the brand is international, the shop assistants can speak simple English. Delivery service for orders of at least RMB 50 starts at 8 am and goes until 8 pm. The shop offers a sort of a terrace in summer, and a place to eat indoors.

What I appreciated:

Familiar Bread Panini, Strawberry Piece Cake

What customers appreciate:

Authentic taste, enjoyable atmosphere