Alesia Studies the Art of the Soufflé in New 77 Theater Space

Alesia is likely already known to residents of Dongzhimen for its French pastries. Now, their new location by the 77 Theater expands on their baked goods selection, importing them from the original store as well as perfecting a series of onsite-made sweet soufflés.

For the uninitiated, a soufflé is a fluffy, egg-based dish, usually baked in a large, flat-bottomed bowl. It can be a savory meal in itself if made with ingredients like cheese, chicken, or shrimp, but Alesia has always specialized more in satisfying snacks than sit-down meals. Accordingly, their ovens host the sweeter variety of the dish, making this an attractive spot for people browsing the art and events on offer elsewhere around the 77 complex.

Served with a small side of fruit and a scoop of cookies and ice cream, these made-to-order soufflés are worth the wait (and at RMB 68 a piece, they had better be), as a painting on the wall aptly states: Le soufflé ne n’addend pas! Ce sont les invites qui attendant le soufflé! – Soufflé doesn't wait! Guests wait for the soufflé!

The pumpkin soufflé has the effect of digging into a luxurious pumpkin pie, with any excessive sweetness balanced out by the egg. The strawberry variety (pictured at top), meanwhile, is identical in texture but tastes much more like a traditional dessert, though one that is likely to taste less out of place once spring rolls back around. Until then, we envisage that many a dessert-lover will be smitten with the new hearty options on offer as well as the bakery favorites that helped put Alesia on the map in the first place.

Alesia La Boulangerie Française 
77 Meishuguan Houjie, Dongcheng District
东城区美术馆街77号

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Images: Joey Knotts