Livin' In The Chonx

Xing Ba Ke 星巴克
• 18-35 RMB
When you’re trying to save money, the packets of instant Maxwell House may be acceptable. But when you’re trying to save your sanity, Starbucks is probably the closest you can get to a genuine Latte (in Chongqing). Complete with familiar options from home like Caramel […]

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Shang Dao Ka Fei 上岛咖啡
• 25-60 RMB (Food is also served here)
This is a popular chain from Taiwan. Many locals prefer it to Starbucks because you can order food in addition to coffee and smoking is not prohibited. The atmosphere is designed to allow you to lounge around with friends […]

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Jie Ke 街客
•    3-6 RMB
This chain specializes in milk tea, fruity beverages, and smoothies.  One big plus is their menu is in Chinese and English, removing the guesswork.  Their signature pearl milk tea is considerably better than what the random street stands sell, perhaps because they use real milk instead of creamer powder.  The coconut […]

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Wan Hao Tian Dian Mian Bao Fang 万豪甜点面包房
The key to enjoying the decadent Western desserts at the Marriot is coming after 6 in the evening when everything is discounted to half price.  Don’t be too late, many people, including the locals appreciate a good bargain.  The tiramisu, german cheesecake, and mango mousse are popular choices, […]

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Ka Dun Er 卡顿尔
Located on the corner of the Maison Mode Department Store (美美) in Jiefangbei, this eye-catching bakery is owned and operated by a pastry chef from America. Inside the store are towering cake displays like the ones found in bridal magazines. Just about anything you select here will be slightly different […]

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Considering how difficult it is to find real cheese let alone cream cheese in Chongqing, it should come as no surprise that cheesecake is a bit of a rare find. However, it does exist, and that velvety, decadent taste is closer and more affordable than you might think. Calorie counters avert your eyes, […]

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Chinese cakes are different from your standard cakes back home in a couple of ways. First the inside of the cake is usually a spongy, light cake like Angel’s food cake. Usually this part of the cake is not flavored, but there might be a layer of cream in the middle and sometimes […]

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Bai Shi Wei Tai Guo Yu Chi 百世威泰国鱼翅
• 50-100 RMB/person
Update: This restaurant will be moving/closing? in the next couple months!  If anyone knows of another Thai alternative, do let us know! [thanks Sharleen for the heads up]
Located upon the upper levels of one of the ritziest department stores in the city, everything […]

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Quan Ju De 全聚德
• 100-150 RMB/person
The most famous Beijing Duck restaurant has opened a beautiful branch in Chongqing’s Hong Ya Dong. Besides having the chance to taste authentic slow roasted Beijing duck, this restaurant has a couple of advantages over the original Beijing counterparts. First, the view overlooking the […]

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Huo Guo 火锅
So you’ve decided your stomach is finally strong enough to handle the infamous hot pot. Or perhaps the Dean of the Foreign Languages Department just called and they’re taking you whether you like it or not. Here are some tips for the uninitiated that should hopefully make your first hot pot experience […]

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