Have you ever had a ‘date cake’? If not, it’s definitely worth the long Beijing commute to try. And if you have, it’s still worth it. There’s a small, family run shop (more like window space), with two ovens that makes amazingly delicious date cakes in Wudaokou (五道口). Yes, cakes made with date fruit. The two small ovens bake cakes nonstop, one pan at a time. It’s the only item the shop sells and without fail, there’s always a line.
The little shop on the north side of Chengfu Lu, about 5 minutes walk directly west of the Wudaokou subway stop is called 糟糕王 (Zao Gao Wang), which translates literally to “Date Cake King.” That it is exactly what this shop is: the King of Date Cakes. With the sign stating “买一斤送半斤.” 斤 (jin) is the Chinese measure for .5kg. The sign says “buy .5kg and get .25kg free.” .5kg is currently 8.8RMB. That’s right $1.30 for fresh baked, moist, and delicious date cakes! My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
You’re probably thinking, “What could be so special about $1.30 worth of cake?” Not to mention, it’s made of dates. Well first, it’s not the typical westerners idea of a sweet birthday cake. It’s more like a brown-sugar angel cake. It’s not super sweet, but instead there’s just a hint of honey-like sweetness or maybe it’s the brown-sugar. They use real dates in their product; I’ve encountered a seed or pit more than once baked into the cake. I can’t say I’m a date fan, but the cake is just cooked perfectly and it’s addicting.
With nonstop making of date cakes, the Date Cake King shop opens at 11am each day. You’ll often find old ladies buying their share and 2 bags full of freshly baked date cakes! Go early to avoid the rush hour lines after work and in the evenings.
