Jammin’ Jam & Pretzels: South German Bakery & Café Konstanz

South German Bakery on Lucky Street

Independent bakeries filled with homemade, freshly-baked breads, pretzels, cakes and sweets are a rare breed in Beijing and I have just recently uncovered one of the best I’ve seen in Beijing.

Located on the north end of Lucky Street (across from Solana Mall on Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu), South German Bakery is reason alone to make the trip to Lucky Street, but if that’s not enough, then Café Konstanz, the German restaurant located upstairs will surely win you over.

Their set menus make a great weekend brunch alternative, including bread baskets with an assortment of their freshly baked rye bread, pretzels, whole grain bread and white rolls paired with butter, honey and the best homemade jam I’ve ever tasted.

Bread Basket

Unable to choose just one of the set menu options, we opted to just share three different breakfast menus:

Big Breakfast (RMB 72): Mixed bread basket, butter, homemade jam, honey, ham, cold cuts, salami & cheese with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon rashers.

Scrambled Eggs & Bacon Rashers

Vital Breakfast (RMB 80): Mixed bread basket, butter, homemade jam, honey, cheese, museli with milk, fresh fruits and yogurt with glass of orange juice

Muesli & Fruit with Yogurt

Luxury Breakfast (RMB 108): Mixed bread basket, butter, jam, honey, smoked salmon, ham, cold cuts, salami & cheese served with scrambled eggs & crispy bacon rashers with glass of orange juice.

Cold Cuts Platter with Luxury Breakfast

Review of Cafe Konstanz: No. 27 Lucky Street, Zaoying Lu, Sanyuanqiao (across from Solana Shopping Mall), Tel: 5867-0201

Best Part:

• Freshly baked bread (especially the rye bread) and pastries and the best homemade jam I’ve ever tried
• A great weekend brunch alternative
• A cozy space great for families or friends
• Conveniently located above South German Bakery
• Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu

Comments:

• A bit on the pricier side, but each set is more than enough food and at least you are paying for quality.
• Service was a bit slow, but they were very friendly and helpful for the most part.
• While the bread here is fantastic, I still highly recommend Comptoirs de France and their happy hour special (buy-one-get-one-free bread/pastry/dessert offer everyday after 7PM).

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 7