(City Weekend)
Updated: 2008-01-18 10:14

A new addition to the bread shop wars is Cafe 85C (from Taiwan). Teeming with customers, a beehive of frenetic activity, the aroma of baking bread and sweet smells fills the air.

There are an array of offerings which present a feast to the eyes and are agreeable to the pocket book (ranging from RMB3.5-7). We tried the pizza slices on thin sliced crispy bread covered with sauce, onions and green pepper (RMB6) which were appealing, filling and tasty either hot or cold. The garlic bread (RMB3.5) was plump, delicious and extra garlicky. There is one drawback though.

The menu and all bread descriptions are in Chinese, so either bring a Chinese friend to interpret or just be adventurous and let your foodie instincts dictate your choices. Better yet, have a tea, one of the coffee specialties or a smoothie for only RMB12 accompanied by one of their fancier deserts.

The yummy blueberry cheesecake was creamy and laced with a subtle blueberry sauce, though could do without that extra squirt of lemon juice. Chocolate lovers should skip the mocha chocolate cake (way too bitter), and the slightly dry tiramisu. Your best dessert bet is the mini strawberry tower, a Chinese version of real strawberry shortcake (RMB12) which was delicious.

Cafe 85C
Add: 600 Weihai Lu
Tel: 021-6218-7693