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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Xiang Xie Li 香榭里·1902
•    Free Admission (but it is restaurant/teahouse); Open late
Converted from the French Naval base built in 1902, this restaurant/teahouse sits on the edge of the Yangtze.  It holds a small museum that displays photographs of Chongqing from the turn of the century.  Sit up on the rooftop balcony and take in the […]

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Shi Ba Ti Lao Cha Guan 十八梯老茶馆
• Free Admission (but they naturally prefer you to stay and have some tea); Open Late
This is the perfect place to escape from the heat of the afternoon and the commotion of the big city. Located close to the Mosque, and built upon the side […]

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