Scouring the city for some sublime bakeries

The smell of freshly baked bread right out of the oven is for many the smell of home.

Tired of buying the same kind of bread at Shanghai supermarkets? Mass produced bread may be consistent in terms of quality, but can be boring.

Artisan bread, on the other hand, is baked with fine ingredients and without preservatives. Such bread has become more popular in recent years. Though each loaf tends to cost more many people prefer the natural taste.

Here's a guide to bakeries that craft artisan bread in Shanghai.

Farine

This little French bakery on Wukang Road is one of the most popular in Shanghai. Even on weekdays the cozy shop is crowded with customers buying bread and desserts.

The name Farine is French for flour and the bakery makes various breads, cakes, tarts and other bite-sized treats.

Many fans of the bakery claim the baguettes and croissants are the best in town.

Farine's menu also includes gluten free orange cake and a selection of good sandwiches.

The store also serves fresh coffee, espresso and tea and is a good place to enjoy a coffee break or weekend brunch.

Recommended: baguettes, butter croissants, lemon or raspberry tarts

Average price per person: 60 yuan (US$9.7)

Address: 378 Wukang Rd

Opnening hours: 7am-8pm

Johan

This is one of the most interesting bakeries in Shanghai as it's a blend of Japanese and French styles. All breads are handmade and baked daily with fresh ingredients.

The baguettes are lighter and fluffier than usual.

Try the Mentaiko baguette, which has two layers of marinated pollock roe. It's got a strong kick to it, but fish fans may just love it.

The bakery also has special seasonal breads. In the past they have sold buns stuffed with sautéed potato, enoki mushroom and smoked duck, or bread layered with broccoli and smoked salmon.

You can find bite-sized cheesecakes, pineapple buns and chocolate croissants.

Recommended: chocolate sauce swirl buns, Gugelhupf, sea salt crust rolls, red bean buns, garlic baguettes

Average price per person: 25 yuan

Address: B1 West Gate Mall, 1038 Nanjing Rd W.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Brioche Doree

This bakery now has two locations that offer good quality homemade loaves, baguettes, croissants and brioches. It's also known for great quiche.

The French bakery originated in Brest, France, in 1976 when Louis Le Duff opened the first outlet. Now it's the second largest coffee bakery chain in the world with more than 80 shops.

Brioche Doree also serves sandwiches, pizzas, healthy salads and coffee.

Recommended: baguettes, brioche chocolate and brioche red bean

Average price per person: 50 yuan

Address: 7 Donghu Rd or 98 Yanping Rd

Opening hours: 7:30am-9pm

Jen Dow

This vegetarian bakery behind Jing'an Temple is part of the Jen Dow Vegetarian restaurant from Taiwan. All bread is labeled with all ingredients so those with food allergies or strict requirements can make an informed choice.

The bread is made with all-natural ingredients. The yeast is also natural.

The most popular item is purple bread, which is made with purple rice, walnuts and grapes.

Recommended: purple bread, purple sweet potato bread, brandied grape walnut

Average price per person: 20 yuan

Address: 151 Yuyuan Rd

Opening hours: 11am-9pm