Sanlitun | Rumi

Kick off your baklava grand tour at this Sanlitun stand-by. Like everything else about Rumi, the baklava (¥24) is simple, straightforward and made with careful attention to detail. Despite the baklava’s unadorned presentation, its flavor is sophisticated, with the sweetness of the filling in a delicious tug of war with the pastry flavor of the filo dough, all topped off with the traditional Persian dash of rose water. While the filo isn’t overly tough, it doesn’t yield easily to the tiny two-pronged fork provided with the dessert. Switch to a full-sized utensil for easier consumption.

Find it: Intersection of Gongti Beilu and Third Ring Road, Opposite Zhaolong Hotel, 工体北路和三环内, 兆龙饭店对面, Tel: 8454-3838

Sanlitun | Turkish Mum

Just down Gongti Beilu from Rumi, this favorite of the Turkish community serves the best baklava (¥15) in the city. Delivered in small, easy-to-consume cubes, it is the only baklava we tried that was delivered to the table warm. It doesn’t overwhelm with sweetness on the first bite, and in fact, it seems a bit pastry-heavy at first. However, with each subsequent nibble, the nutty filling gradually asserts itself, resulting in a pleasant mix of flavors that doesn’t wear out its welcome after the first couple mouthfuls.

Find it: 3-3 Gongti Beilu, opposite Zhaolong Hotel, 工体北路3-3, 兆龙酒店对面, Tel: 8532-3979

Yonghegong | Argo

Just down Wudaoying Hutong from Vineyard Café, this newcomer to the Beijing dining scene strikes a bit of a discordant note with its stab at recreating the atmosphere of an Aegean seaside eatery in the depths of a hutong. Don’t despair lest you miss out on the polite, efficient service that whisks to your table a delicious order of baklava (¥28) drenched in sweet syrup and whipped up by a genuine Greek chef. Before you turn to dessert, do your taste buds a solid and try some of the best hummus (¥28) in the city.

Find it: 59 Wudaoying Hutong, 五道营胡同59号, Tel: 8403-9748

Matt Schrader