Most of us are looking at another week spent quarantined at home, longing for the day when our lives can go back to normal. I for one like to look at the silver lining, and for a foodie, that means delivery from my favorite restaurants. Frankly, it seems like a no-brainer. Getting your comfort food delivered during a time like this can be just the pick-me-up you need to add a bit of normalcy to your day.

Many of Beijing’s favorite restaurants amongst expats have been creating new menus and delivery methods to get food from their kitchen to your table as fast as they can. Here a few comfort food delivery deals to get your week started in a tasty fashion.

Annie’s Italian Chef Starter Pack

From Feb 23 to March 31 they’re offering 20 percent off their “Annie’s ingredients selection package”. The package lets you try your hand at cooking up some Italian classics.

There are six items in the package, all of which have been reduced by 20 percent:

• Aceto Balsamico di Modena Etichetta Platino (250ml), originally RMB 136
• Creamy Modena balsamic vinegar (500ml) originally RMB 98
• Filippo Berio extra virgin olive oil (750ml) originally RMB 96
• Anrini Modena balsamic vinegar (500ml) originally RMB 58
• Divella spaghetti #8 (500g), originally RMB 18
• Parmesan cheese (240g), originally RMB 80

Or, for those who want to just skip to the eating part and leave the cooking to the professionals, Annie’s will still be delivering their entire menu. Order directly from their WeChat account (anniesbeijing).

The Bake Shop

The Bake Shop now delivers carbo-loaded brunch sets! We’re in quarantine and, let’s be honest, it really doesn’t matter whether it’s the weekend or not. When you’re quarantined at home, any day is good for brunch.

They now offer four types of brunch sets (for 2 or 4 people) of either bagel and locks or freshly baked San Francisco style sourdough. And if that’s not enough to satisfy your belly, each set comes with their freshly baked giant scones.

For those who just want freshly baked bread and bagels, the Bake Shop will continue to deliver these carb-y delights every day as long as your order meets the minimum spending of RMB 68.

Scan the QR code to order directly through their mini-program.

Hulu Delivery

Keeping with the Hulu way of always staying new and fresh, Hulu Delivery has added three new dishes in their Asian Corner including a tofu pumpkin salad, gong bao chicken with rice, and Thai coconut chicken curry with rice.

On top of their new Asian Corner additions, Hulu will continue to serve up different three-course weekly set lunch options for RMB 98.

Photos: Annie’s, Hulu, The Bake Shop, unsplash

Having won over Sanlitun patrons with their wholesome baked goods and perky coffee, There Will Be Bread is hoping to find similar success in a far less central location.

While their second branch in the northeastern suburb of Shunyi may seem very far afield compared to the location of their buzzing Xingfucun hub, this suburban venture makes sense from the moment you arrive. With its comparatively abundant seating (good luck trying to pull up a chair in their chock a block Sanlitun digs by the way), and the downright gargantuan ovens and other hardware clearly visible from the picture windows of their open kitchen, the new There Will Be Bread feels like a major upgrade.

This new location is quieter and airier than their chock-a-block Sanlitun location

Owner Ling Ling explained that she and her team sought out a bigger location which would allow larger ovens so they could work on new bread and expand their inventory, they want to start offering challah buns. We especially recommend the RMB 22 cinnamon croissant (pictured at top), complete with a crispy and buttery exterior, and encases a cushy warm cinnamon roll swirl within, melding French and American traditions with aplomb.

The cafe has won over many patrons with their wholesome baked goods and perky coffee

The Shunyi set will surely be happy to have a quality bakery like There Will Be Bread nearby, whose quality items far outpace the dull chains that otherwise dominate the area, and even central Beijingers should be rooting for the baker to thrive so that even more branches of this top-notch brand open up around Beijing.

READ: Farina is a Sweet Treat for Bakery Fiends at The Crib

There Will Be Bread (Shunyi)
Daily 10am-8pm. Rm 102, 18 Yufeng Road, Shunyi District
顺义区与裕丰路18号交叉口东北200米

This article first appeared on our sister site, the Beijinger. See more stories by this author here.
Photos: Kyle Mullin

We are continuing our comprehensive list of WeChat contacts you need to follow. We all know that there is literally no limit to what you can find through this essential app, but here a couple of our favorites that we think you should know. So without further ado, here’s part two!

Cheese

Got some cheese cravings? This guy delivers cheese to your door. Free shipping on orders above RMB 299. Add him on WeChat: CheeseGouvernor

Bakeshop

This shop bakes delicious bread, bagels, and cookies. We have to say that their chocolate cookies are to die for. Add them on WeChat: thebakeshop

Post Cards

I have seen many self made cards but MoniKards makes the cutest ones in town. For some original mail make sure to add her on WeChat: Mnka_LeBrn

Dresses

Need a fabulous dress for a gala? This lady has the goods. Have a look in her shop and try on some wedding gowns while you are there. Add her on WeChat: 532667243

Tours

Do you have family coming over that want to see the sights? Don’t want to join them? Or you have yet to see the wall. Mister Dong is not cheap but he speaks great English and is very pleasant to spend the day with. Add him on WeChat: Tom105780102

Books

This is one of my favorite stores, featuring kids books galore and there are always special deals for multi buys. Perfect for gifts and story time. Add on WeChat: dianayi2009

Cakes

I have tried and tested this amazing bakery and their celebration cakes are masterpieces that look amazing. Add on WeChat: forcakecom

Water

Feeling thirsty? This water company had great and most importantly safe water for adults and babies. Need some boxed MaiAqua water? Add them on WeChat: maiaquaservice

Wax

Don’t feel like leaving your home with a mustache? This lady comes to your home and takes away all of your unwanted hair. She is fast and clean. Add her on WeChat: anniewax111

TCM

My first Traditional Chinese Medicine session was with Shelley and she is great. I have even returned often since. She speaks English and her expertise comes highly recommended in the expat community. Add her on WeChat: 13439386197

Hair Dresser

Again a very highly recommended contact in the expat community. This hair expert is not only a joy to be with but does wonders with your hair. She sure fixed mine after I had done a bad job trying to do it myself. Add Pamela on WeChat: kassydihairstyle

Shunyi Sausage

Live in the Shunyi area and need some sausage and other meats? Balmain Gourmet delivers, and meats even arrive in a box with cold packs to keep it fresh. Add on WeChat: 18600039708

Hats

We are blessed with a famous hat lady that resides in Beijing. She not only has a fabulous hat shop but also does hat making workshops. Do you need a hat for a fancy party? Add Elisabeth Koch on WeChat: amazinghats

Bags and Shoes

Need some great shoes or a fancy bag? I have bought my share off this lady. Look forward to having your newsfeed flooded with footwear. Add on WeChat: emma_choi123

Creams

Creams for very special people, these potions smell delicious and this fabulous lady has a cream for every occasion. Add on WeChat: franhanshing

Housing Agent

Janice is another gem in Beijing, she has helped us countless times. She is a great agent who is never to busy to help. Add her on WeChat: cc839782787

Picture credit: pixabay and vendors

I heard about WeChat three hours after arriving in Beijing. I thought, Tthis is a unnecessary app. I have Whatsapp, I don’t need WeChat.” Boy I was wrong! We all need WeChat, my life has been so much easier since I got WeChat and I wish the rest of the world would get WeChat too.  I have made many, many friends though WeChat. I have had many questions answered, many shopping experiences, and also great services at home. Here I’ll share some of my favorite WeChat contacts. Do you have any great WeChat contacts?

Bread

Bread for life not only makes amazing tasting bread and cakes, this organization creates work for disabled orphans. Don’t just eat any bread, eat bread for life and do some good. Add on WeChat: BreadofLifeBakery

Nails

I adore going to get my nails done at the salon. But now that I am a working mother I have less time to do so. This is my favorite couple, they come to the house, and do amazing pedicures and manicures. Nails that are salon worthy, English speaking, clean, honest and their prices are fair. Add on WeChat: ZXF19930710

Wine

I am not a wine connoisseur but love a glass, or two. This lady will listen to your wine taste and send some bottles to your home. I actually live very close to her warehouse so when I ordered on a Friday night I received 3 bottles of wine chilled within 2 hours. What a great surprise. The best part? she added a wine opener. Add on WeChat: fanigurevich

Creams

I have many favorite skincare contacts, but I just ordered some hand creams here and I am hooked! Shangrila Botanicals, Add on WeChat: 15601193751

Sausage and Meats

Andy is the sausage guy to add if you have meat cravings. The chorizo sausage is to die for; combined with eggs, it’s the perfect breakfast. Add on WeChat: andy706588

Life coaching and Mindfulness

These two ladies are my tickets to sanity in Beijing. They do personal life couching and mindfulness sessions. add them to start living to your full potential. For life coaching add Carnissa WeChat:BerryThoughtfulLife and for Mindfulness add Nathalie WeChat: nathaliedorbes

Nut Butters

These two girls are breaking new grounds with their nut butters and just a short wechat away. Nut butter delivered to your front door. Add on WeChat: NAKEDnutbutters

Pollution Masks

This mask is a must have in Beijing. kids masks and adult masks are available. Preston is the fasted ever in delivering the goods, one very polluted day he even personally delivered a mask to my home. For a safe breathing experience in Beijing. Add him on WeChat: 18515359601 

Balloons

Have a party but don’t want to blow up the balloons? This contact is the answer. Balloons delivered to your door on the day of the festivities. Add on WeChat: balloons88

Salmon

Have a yearning for smoked salmon? This trusted viking will get some salmon delivered to your door. Add him on WeChat: viking-salmon

Coconut Yogurt

These yogurts are a sure delight and can be delivered to your home. For lactose intolerant these are the greatest. Add on WeChat: yeyo-yogurt

Yoga at Home

Get your yoga on in the comfort of your own home. Or find out where he teaches yoga . Add this yogi for more information on WeChat: helloleo1234

Kids Entertainment

If you are looking for some entertainment for the toddlers and kids, get this lady into your home. Or follow her to one of her musical movement sessions. Add her on WeChat:Ilovematisse102

Doula and Baby Slings

This mother is passionate about childbirth and having a doula can be a great experience for your birth. She can care for mothers after birth as well. This all-rounder also makes baby slings. Add her on WeChat: alessia_chizzoniti

Photographer

These are two of my favorite photographers in Beijing. Perfect for family shoots or other great things that need to be put in a picture to never forget. Add on WeChat Dave: dlhzao or this other fabulous photographer Chiara: chiarayeph

Housing Agent

I have met my share of house agents and this one is one in a million: fair, honest and hard working. His name is Frank and he found us a home. Add on WeChat:13910813378

Make up

Need some fabulous make up done for a event? This amazing artist is a gem and will make you look the prettiest you have been. Add on WeChat: frau_romanova

Arts and Crafts

Need to get your kids busy? Don’t know where to buy arts and crafts supplies in Beijing? No problem, this innovative mother has all the goods. Add her on WeChat: Gemma Jiang

Photos: pixabay, courtesy of the vendors,  chairmanmigo.com

Tous les Jours 多乐之日 is the French-Asian bakery, serving a selection of bakery goods and beverages made with high quality ingredients from South Korea. Beginning with its launch in the United States in 2004, and then arriving in China in 2005, they now have several stores around Beijing. I like the range of products in their Indigo Mall store, where the bread is right-out-of-the-oven fresh because it’s made on the premises. Their sandwiches and some of their other products are similar to Paris Baguette. My favorite foods from Tous Les Jours are the walnut brioche, English muffins, raisin walnut loaf, and garlic rusks.

Brioche is a pastry of French origin. It is made in the same basic way as bread, but its high egg and butter content give it the rich and tender texture of a pastry. Brioche should be light and slightly puffy, with a golden crust. Often cooked with fruit or chocolate chips and served as a pastry, or as the basis of a dessert. The walnut brioche RMB 14 at Tous Les Jours ticks all of the boxes that a good brioche should. It is incredibly light and fluffy, packed with chopped walnuts and sweet sour cranberries. Glazed with egg wash and sugar which gives it a wonderfully sticky crust. It is delicious served just as it is, alongside a really good cup of coffee.

An English muffin is a small, round yeast-leavened bread which is commonly sliced horizontally, toasted, and buttered. It’s the perfect bread for a breakfast sandwich filled with crispy bacon, sausage, or fried egg. English muffins are also the base ingredient in the traditional American brunch dishes Eggs Florentine and Eggs Benedict. They need to be light, with a good rise, and soft in the middle. The muffins at Tous les Jours are very good indeed, albeit a little expensive at RMB 12 for one muffin.

The raisin and walnut loaf RMB 28 has big juicy raisins and sultanas, and crunchy pieces of chopped walnut. Baked with whole wheat flour, it’s soft inside yet with a lovely thick crust. The slices are cut on the thick side too. It tastes delicious topped with a mild and creamy hard cheese. Alternatively, toast it and spread with salted butter, or smooth organic peanut butter. I always have a bag of Tous les Jours crunchy garlic rusks in the cupboard. They come in a 110g re-sealable bag for RMB 13. You can snack on them straight out the bag, or top them with something Mediterranean like olive tapenade or sun-dried tomatoes. My favorite way to enjoy them is to float them on top of a home-made soup. They go particularly well with a thick, rich onion soup or a creamy chicken soup.

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Debbie Tingzon (Flickr), Sally Wilson

For a while after its opening, Le Baker’s cake display cabinet was rather bereft of cakes. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Now you can drool over their superb range of fresh hand-made cakes. Choose from cheesecake, tiramisu, black forest gateaux, chocolate cake, fresh fruit cake, a chocolate or honey roll or lemon tart.

If one slice just isn’t enough, most of their cakes and tarts can be purchased whole to take away. If you need one for a birthday or some other celebration, they are happy to decorate with wording of your choice. Prices range from RMB 28-42 per slice or for a small individual tart, with whole cakes and large tarts RMB 160-290.

The lemon tart is the best I’ve tasted in Beijing. The pastry is thin and incredibly crisp and the filling is deep and wonderfully sharp. It’s big though, so a good option for sharing. The cheesecake is light and creamy with a hint of subtle vanilla. The biscuit layer is crumbly, buttery, but not too thick, exactly how a cheesecake should be. Devour it there and then, or take it home and serve with a raspberry coulis for a delicious dessert.

A new addition to their range is a chocolate praline éclair. The choux pastry is crisp, light and filled with a beautifully rich chocolate and praline cream. Decorated with a scattering of chopped hazelnuts, this is one perfect pastry.

Le Baker has a wonderful selection of traditional and artisan breads and pastries. Small dishes filled with samples sit next to many of the products, so you can try before you buy. Breads include country loaves, olive ciabatta and focaccia. They have a range of sliced loaves, which are great for toasting. Their bacon bread makes the perfect accompaniment to a chunk of cheese and a glass of red. The bagels are dense and very chewy, which may not suit everyone’s taste. They come in a range of flavors, including a raisin and walnut version which is a filling breakfast option.

The croissants (¥14-18) are a delight, crisp, flaky and with the right amount of butter. Variations include a white chocolate croissant and there’s an almond one too. Both are very sweet, so if you prefer, you can stick with the more traditional pain au chocolat.

For the kids, there are some cute animal shaped biscuits, crisp gingerbread men cookies, and light and fluffy madeleines. You can also stock up on olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey.

The café is a lovely space to sit and unwind, catch up on e-mails and enjoy lunch. They serve a small selection of sandwiches and salads, to accompany their range of coffees, (the Caramel Macchiato is a real treat) and teas, which include Rice Green Tea, Ceylon and Oolong, but no English Breakfast Tea.

Le Baker for me is far superior to other bakeries in Beijing and I’m so happy it doesn’t involve a trek to the city to enjoy it.

Le Baker, Cathay View Plaza, No 2A Xiang Jiang Bei Lu (8430 8602 / 1820 100 5999) 香江北路甲2号观唐广场内
Email: service@lebaker.com.cn

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos by Sally Wilson