I experienced some unusual cravings in the early days of this pregnancy, namely dried seaweed, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, sparkling ginger ale and chilled Tsingtao beer -- admittedly only the occasional half glass or stolen sip of the latter.

Since then, I've found the aroma of fresh bread that floats out on to the streets from some of the wonderful cafes and bakeries around town draws me in like a stray cat to a fish market. And it seems to be be happening more and more frequently. Short of walking around with a peg on my nose and blinkers on, I've had to succumb.

When we arrived in Beijing at the beginning of 2006, it was particularly tricky to find a decent loaf of 'western style' bread downtown that wasn't ridiculously sweet or dry. I remember being delighted at the sight and smell (aaaah, deep breath) of the freshly baked loaves for sale at the Kempi Deli (Kempinski Hotel).

By the end of our first month, I had made another discovery at the German Bakery (Lucky Street) and then at Schindler's around the corner from that (both of their multigrain loaves, in particular). And, Mrs Shanen's bagels at Jenny Lou's.

But soon after I made new Asian food discoveries and sort of just went off the doughy stuff, switching to a more cereal orientated breakfast, a lunchtime bowl of veggies with noodles or rice, pancakes and pickles, jiaozi or baozi.

Now while I still enjoy all of that, I have made so many new discoveries in the bakery department recently -- luckily at a time when I don't have to worry too much about my size -- I thought I'd share them:

• Pekotan (Central Park): country bread
• French bakery (corner of Friendship Store): farmer's loaf
• Le Petit Paris (Sanlitun Lu): cereal bread and olive focaccia
• Comptoirs de France: English toast bread and rustic mediterranean baguette
• Organic Farm Shop (Palm Springs): multigrain bread

And don't even get me started on the pastries!