Beijing, a city celebrated for its ancient history and majestic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, holds a delicious secret in its bustling hutongs and gleaming shopping districts. Beyond the Peking duck and steaming bowls of zhajiangmian lies a thriving, sophisticated dessert scene that rivals any global metropolis. For the traveler with a sweet tooth, exploring Beijing’s cafés is not just a culinary indulgence; it's a unique way to experience the city's modern culture, its blend of tradition and innovation, and its warm, welcoming spirit. This guide will take you on a decadent tour of the capital's must-visit chocolate and dessert spots, turning your sightseeing into a truly sweet adventure.
Just a decade ago, finding a high-quality chocolate truffle or a perfectly crafted macaron in Beijing was a challenge. Today, the city is a playground for world-class pastry chefs and chocolatiers. This boom is intrinsically linked to Beijing's status as a global tourism hub. As international visitors flock to the city, they bring with them a demand for diverse, high-quality culinary experiences. Simultaneously, a growing middle class of local Beijingers, many of whom have traveled abroad, have developed a taste for fine desserts. The result is a vibrant café culture where French patisserie techniques meet Chinese ingredients like black sesame, red bean, and osmanthus, creating a fusion that is uniquely Beijing.
These cafés are more than just places to eat; they are oases of calm and style. After a long day of navigating the crowds at the Summer Palace or the Temple of Heaven, there is no better reward than sinking into a plush chair with a rich hot chocolate and a slice of exquisite cake. They are also social hubs, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the city's contemporary vibe. Whether you're seeking a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely afternoon respite, these establishments are essential stops on any modern Beijing itinerary.
If your idea of heaven involves the deep, complex aroma of cacao, Beijing has several temples dedicated to the bean.
Awfully Chocolate Hailing from Singapore, Awfully Chocolate has built a cult following in Beijing for its uncompromising focus on all things chocolate. The minimalist décor lets the desserts take center stage. Their signature All Chocolate cake is a dense, moist revelation—a multi-layered masterpiece that is intensely chocolatey without being overly sweet. For a truly decadent experience, try their Chocolate Rum Cherry cake or a scoop of their super-rich chocolate ice cream. With locations in popular areas like Sanlitun, it’s the perfect reward after a day of boutique shopping.
Theobroma Chocolate Lounge The name says it all—Theobroma, meaning "food of the gods" in Greek, is a haven for true chocolate lovers. This lounge takes a more artisanal approach, sourcing beans from specific regions and crafting chocolate with a focus on terroir. You can enjoy a flight of single-origin hot chocolates to taste the difference between beans from Venezuela and Madagascar. Their desserts, like the chocolate tart with a hint of sea salt, are sophisticated and elegant. It’s an educational and delicious experience, showing the depth that chocolate can offer.
Beijing's patisserie scene is exceptionally strong, with talented chefs creating edible works of art that would be at home on the streets of Paris.
TiensTiens A cornerstone of Beijing's dessert scene, TiensTiens is famous for its whimsically named and beautifully constructed pastries. "The Foreigner" (L'Étranger) is a standout—a dome of chestnut cream, dark chocolate, and rum syrup that is both light and deeply satisfying. "The Worshipper" (Le Dévot) is a passion fruit and chocolate delight with a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Located near the historic Drum and Bell Towers, it’s an ideal spot to refuel after exploring the hutongs. The large windows offer a fantastic view of the old city, making your dessert break a scenic one.
Berko For those who seek the ultimate in luxury, Berko is an answer. Renowned for its exquisite cheesecakes, which are flown in from France, Berko offers a taste of Parisian chic. The cheesecake is famously light and creamy, served in elegant glass jars. Their macarons are also among the best in the city, with a crisp shell and a soft, flavorful interior. With a boutique feel and locations in high-end malls, it’s the perfect place for a sophisticated treat after visiting the National Museum or shopping on Wangfujing Avenue.
Some of the most exciting desserts in Beijing are those that creatively incorporate local Chinese flavors.
Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) – Hulu While TRB is a famed fine-dining establishment, its dessert bar, Hulu, is a destination in itself. Here, you can experience high-concept desserts that blend Western techniques with Asian ingredients. Imagine a black sesame crème brûlée, a yuzu and white chocolate tart, or a delicate jasmine tea opera cake. Located in a restored 600-year-old temple complex, the setting is as breathtaking as the food. It’s a truly special experience that connects Beijing’s past with its culinary future.
King's Joy Jianbing Gelato This might be the most unique dessert combination on the list. While King's Joy is a Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant, its street-side window offers a playful and delicious snack that has become a social media sensation: Jianbing Gelato. They take the concept of a jianbing—a savory Chinese crepe—and transform it into an ice cream cone. The "cone" is made to resemble the crispy fried cracker inside a traditional jianbing, and it's filled with surprisingly delightful gelato flavors like sesame or matcha. It’s a must-try for any adventurous foodie visiting the Sanlitun area, offering a perfect, Instagram-worthy fusion of street food and dessert.
Beyond the high-end spots, Beijing is filled with charming, independent cafés that serve fantastic desserts in a relaxed atmosphere.
Café Zarah Nestled in a hutong near the Drum Tower, Café Zarah is a beloved institution. It boasts a large, sunny courtyard—a rare and precious commodity in Beijing—making it a perfect retreat. While known for its brunch, their dessert case is always worth investigating. You might find a perfectly tangy lemon tart, a dense flourless chocolate cake, or a seasonal fruit crumble. It’s a bohemian, laid-back spot that attracts a mix of artists, expats, and in-the-know tourists. It embodies the creative, relaxed spirit of hutong life.
Füdou Small Town Tofu Pudding (Fūdòu Xiǎo Zhèn) For a truly local dessert experience that is both light and refreshing, you must try dòuhuā (tofu pudding). Füdou Small Town is a popular chain that specializes in this delicate treat. The silky-smooth tofu pudding is served warm or cold and can be topped with a variety of sweet additions like red bean, taro balls, mango, or a simple syrup. It’s a world away from rich chocolate cakes but is an essential part of Beijing's dessert landscape. It’s the perfect, healthy-ish dessert after a spicy meal, and a wonderful glimpse into the everyday sweets enjoyed by locals.
From the first sip of a meticulously crafted hot chocolate to the last crumb of a fusion pastry that tells a story of East and West, Beijing’s dessert scene is a journey in itself. It adds a layer of sweetness and discovery to the awe-inspiring historical adventure, proving that the city’s treasures aren't just found in its ancient stones, but also on its modern dessert plates.
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