Korea's Paris Baguette is new to Tianjin but already an established chain around the world.  Sporting Western bakery goods wrapped in a French package with a touch of Korean style, the cafe and bakery is sure to appeal to many foreigners living in Tianjin.

Paris Baguette offers a variety of baked goods, most of which would seem perfectly at home in any Western shop.  A few selections -- breads baked with pork floss, for example -- seem designed with Asian patrons in mind, but for the most part, the taste and consistency is authentic, though not exactly French.  Most of the food I've tried has been delicious, from their fumigate chicken mini-sub, to Berliner doughnuts, to kiwi fruit cups.

Prices are on the moderate side of the scale, with cakes slightly more expensive than mass-market chain Holiland and special delicacies sold at a premium price.  Both hot and cold sandwiches can be had for reasonable prices (8-20RMB), though, in keeping with French tradition, most of them feature small portions.  Drinks are pricey, however, and you might want to bring your own water if you're planning to dine-in.

The atmosphere is open and relaxed, and if there's anything to complain about, it's that the monitors loop the same Korean commercials for Paris Baguette again and again.

Paris Baguette is currently at two locations in Tianjin:  at the Magnetic Plaza shopping mall in Nankai, which draws a heavy Korean clientele, and the food court level of the new Robbins Department Store on Binjiang Road, which is more convenient for most Tianjiners.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Rollins Toasted Subs is one of the latest restaurants aimed at correct Tianjin's massive sandwich deficit.  (Damn you and your Subways, Beijing!)

In brief, Rollins is a Chinese clone of Subway but with the added attraction of a Schlotsky's-style sandwich toaster.  It offers both subs and small pizzas to customers, and seems designed to cater to Koreans and Westerners in Tianjin.

The subs are traditional meat subs on a soft sesame baguette.  During my visits I tried the Classic Italian and Classic Pizza sub.  The Italian sub was good and comparable to a Subway sandwich but the Pizza had an unusual, salsa-like sauce and no vegetables to speak of.

The main attraction of Rollins may be the price.  Unlike Subway and other Western restaurants, Rollins sells sandwiches that Chinese people can afford.  An average of 15RMB can get you a nine inch sub.  Throw in a cola or a bag of chips or cookie and the total comes to around 25RMB, a pretty reasonable lunch.  If you're a Westerner and so inclined, you might want to splurge on a bottle of Snapple, but it may cost you more than the sandwich itself.

The primary menu is Chinese but a printed English menu is available, and most of the wait staff can speak English.

Rollins (Chinese name:  罗林士) is located in the Magnetic Plaza shopping center in Nankai, next to the KFC, and within walking distance from the Olympic football stadium.

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars