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 Macchiato and Mocha Cappuccino, or some rarer choices like Green Tea or Red Bean Frappuccino. Settle into one of the comfy lounge chairs and slowly sip away the afternoon in one of the few non-smoking environment in China. There are currently four locations in Chongqing. All locations offer free wireless internet.

• Jiefangbei (2 locations): First location attached to Wang Fu Jing Department Store. Second location on the uppermost level of Hong Ya Dong
• Shapingba: Attached to Wang Fu Jing Department Store
• Jiangbei: Attached to Paradise Walk

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 from dawn to dusk (provided you keep spending money of course). There are five locations around town—a couple are a bit out of the way.

• Jiefangbei – two locations, one near Wangfujing, the other near Jiaochangkou
• Tian Xing Qiao – Shapingba area; Phone: (023)6530-2198
• Yangjiaping – near the center of the walking street
• Jiangbei – north of the Chongbai Plaza

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 milk with sweet honey beans is also worth trying.  Just avoid the coffee drinks.  For about the same price you can get a much better (less watered down) coffee at McDonald’s.  There are locations in all the major walking street districts, just keep an eye out for the big orange sign.

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, but no matter what you choose, it’s bound to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Bus Tip: 较场口
Light Rail Tip: 较场口 (Jiaochangkou) Take the Marriot Exit.

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 from the typical desserts found at local bakeries–it must be the Western touch. The cookies come highly recommended.

Bus Tip: 临江门
Light Rail Tip: 临江门 (Linjiangmen) Exit D (the Liberation Monument exit).

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, here are the places to look…

Rosa’s Bakery – Luo Sha Dan Gao 罗莎蛋糕
Among the wide selection of baked pastries and desserts, Rosa’s offers cheesecake by the slice in two flavors, original and blueberry for 10 RMB/slice. Here are the two main branches:
• Shapingba – located next to Carrefour facing the train station
• Jiefangbei – located on Ba Yi Road (八一路), between Snack street and Jiaochangkou.

Angel’s Kiss – Tian Shi Zhi Wen 天使之吻
An entire bakery devoted to cheesecake. They carry an incredible variety of cheesecakes from light cheeses blended with fruit to heavy New York style cheesecake for 10-15 RMB/slice. It would take weeks to try all the flavor combinations, a delicious challenge if there ever was one. This is also the best place to order whole cheesecakes for special occasions like birthdays. These range from 80-200 RMB (similar to Ganso bakery prices).
• Shapingba – located across the street from Wangfujing, on one of the corners around the San Jiao (三角碑) traffic circle.
• Daping – Located next to Parkson’s Department Store.

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 fruit. Second, they use a very light whipped frosting and decorate with fruit and delicate flower shapes or fanciful animals. A lovely change from the heavy butter frostings and marzipan they use to decorate in the West. Here are the three most popular bakeries in Chongqing, each has dozens of locations throughout the city.

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