Baker & Spice Opens a Second Bakery at Sanlitun Taikooli
Taking over the place formerly occupied by the lovely Colibri Café, Baker & Spice has an addition to the first location at Grand Summit, which won them our Outstanding Bakery award in 2016. It might have been a blessing for people who had to stay in Beijing during the national holiday. But it might also be a punishment for us as well, that we've been rejected by them twice – once, when we ran into the place on accident and were told it would be officially open the next day, and the second time, when we were still too early and it was not open until 10am – unlike their other outlet at Grand Summit, where the early birds can be rewarded with some breakfast and a quick cup of joe at 8am. In this instance, the early bird doesn't get any worm or coffee to go with it.
Oh, lovely breads and pastries...
After a short wait outside, those poor huddled masses stuck in the city for the holiday were finally allowed into the bakery. Just like at the other location, you will feel familiar if you go to Wagas often – there are loads of freshly baked pastries, breads, and cakes. You could also order brunch (RMB 46-88) by 11am, such as scrambled egg with bacon and Brie tartine, or fried mushroom & Feta tartine, cheese omelet, eggs benedict, powerhouse salad, bagels, a brunch plate, and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich).
The brunch plate (RMB 88) with a cup of flatwhite
To recover from the grueling wait outside, we opted for the brunch plate (RMB 88), which included scrambled eggs, two slices of bacon, mashed avocado, corn fritters, stir-fried mushrooms and kale, and a small cup of fruit with yogurt. We especially liked the steaming hot sweet corn fritters, which were savory and soft, and would be perfect for a hangover breakfast. The fruit cup was also covered with coconut chips to provide more texture. The portions were all quite large, too – it might not be the healthiest option on the menu, but it was so delicious.
They also provide coffee, juices, and soft drinks. Unlike their sister location with a large shelf of wines in the middle, this location manages them in a low-key shelf at the door. The music was quite noisy during our visit, so much so that people had to speak loudly to hear each other, and the staff was a bit slow with the items, but we are sure the wrinkles will soon be ironed out. All in all, it’s the quality food and coffee that matters, right?
Baker & Spice
LG1, Sanlitun Taikooli North, 19 Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District (6462 8760)
朝阳区三里屯北路19号三里屯太古里北区LG1层
Photos: Tracy Wang
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