Jiangmaitang is the Perfect CBD Work Lunch Spot
Walking into Jiangmaitang, you'll be immediately hit by what has to be one of the most comforting smells in the world: the smell of freshly baked bread. Aside from the welcoming smell, you are met with a bright, sunlight-filled interior and a display of delectable looking baked goods.
Located in Central Park, just north of Guomao, this French-style cafe and patisserie is a perfect lunch spot for anyone working around the CBD area. There isn’t a huge amount of seating so if you’re going during lunch hour you might not be guaranteed a table, however when I went arrived at 2pm there were only a handful of people present.
Jiangmaitang catches plenty of sunlight
I immediately wanted to try this cafe when I saw that they had quiche on offer, always a rarity to find it in Beijing I normally just make my own. Unfortunately on the day I visited they were sold out of quiche, but luckily I'd already eyed up a backup option in the form of a salmon panini for RMB 55 (RMB 45 without a side salad).
The salmon panini was delicious
Along with salmon, the panini had mascarpone, mozzarella and leek, and instead of being served in traditional panini bread, it came in a halved French baguette, freshly baked in-store. I love salmon and the addition of the leek worked wonderfully, while the bread had the perfect crunch to it. The "side" salad that was served with the Panini was one of the largest side salads I've ever seen, much more than the usual sprinkling of leaves on the side you get at many places.
I also ordered an iced Americano for RMB 30 and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the coffee for a cafe where coffee isn't their specialty. All in all, it was a top quality meal and I'm already making plans to go back and hopefully try the quiche.
Now that is one big side salad!
As well as paninis and quiche, they also serve sandwiches, salads, pastas, French specialties like croque monsieur and a whole range of bakery items like croissants, cakes etc. If you go earlier in the day, they have a brunch menu and also have a daily special.
For an afternoon snack, I also brought back some little walnut brownie squares (RMB 8) for the Beijinger editorial team which were a big hit. My personal preference is for brownies with a little more gooeyness, but they had a good level of sweetness to them and the walnut added a nice bit of extra flavor and crunch.
Some delectable bakery items on sale
All the staff at Jiangmaitang were very attentive and friendly, they also all seemed to speak English which can be a relief for those who normally order by saying "zhege". One more thing to mention is that if you fancy having a roast dinner, you can order a Sunday roast from them.
For top quality baked goods, a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere and decent coffee, Jiangmaitang should be added to the top of your list for cafes to visit!
Jiangmaitang 讲麦堂
Unit 102, Tower 20, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie,Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号新城国际20号楼102底商
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Images: Katie Coy
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