Liudaokou Café Twin Windmills Gives Students Their Sugar Fix

Away from the hustle and bustle of Wudaokou, situated behind Beijing Forestry University is Twin Windmills, a small, quaint café that offers scrumptious handmade cakes (RMB 19-40), cookies, and cupcakes (RMB RMB 19-25). It’s name is derived from Amelie, and draws from the modern French classic, striking a cozy feel not unlike being in your own living room, and has a small library to boot. There are other ways to describe it as well: a quiet place to study without much distraction, or a student hangout spot away from more conventional choices like Bridge Cafe or Lush in Wudaokou.

My favorites are tiramisu in a bottle, which is hands-down too delicious for words. The chocolate Hokkaido fromage is also good, mainly because it just melts in your mouth thanks to its fluffy texture and perfect blend of chocolate yogurt cheesecake and smooth ice cream. I was also a fan of the various assorted cookies on display, such as the blueberry yogurt cheesecake, which has a chocolatey bottom and topped with sweet jelly. Then there’s the lemon cake, which is rich in frosted cream and mildly sour in taste.

I was told that the chocolate truffle is popular among patrons, but it leaves a bitter powdery aftertaste, so it’s best to eat alongside something a little sweeter. There’s also a green tea crepe which is light, pancakey, and creamy, and oddly doesn't taste like green tea at all. The cherry cheesecake has a hard thick surface that contrasts nicely with the sweet jam topping. The durian cheesecake, unfortunately, wasn’t to my liking because, well, it tastes like durian.

Other than cakes and cookies, Twin Windmills also offers sandwiches (RMB 15) as well as various juices, and coffee that’s freshly brewed and blended (RMB 20-31) and comes specially selected based on past customers reviews.

An interesting quirk is that if there are no seats available, then you get a 10 percent discount on your order.

They also take orders for birthday cakes and cupcakes, but you must call a day in advance.

So, if you find yourself in the Liudaokou area, do stop by to enjoy Twin Windmills' friendly service and a range of sugary delights that are sure to appease all the sweet tooths' out there.

Twin Windmills Café
Daily 9am-11pm. Liudaokou, Jingshuyuan Road, 110 Hanting Building 2, Haidian district (8236 5783)
北京市海淀区六道口静淑苑路翰庭小区底商110
WeChat: 双风车咖啡馆 (if you subscribe you get a free mug)

Photos courtesy of Twin Windmills, Lita Faletau