New Taiwan Bakery Introduction
In 2014, the movie KANO achieved a remarkable box office performance of 340 million TWD. In the same year, Lu Ya-Ling, who worked as a Japanese translator at a photonics company in Zhubei, ended her career abroad after more than ten years and returned to Chiayi City to help her elderly father manage the family shop. The New Taiwan Pastry Shop can be traced back to 1901 during the Japanese colonial period, when it was operated by Yoshida Hidetarō under the name "Hinata-ya." At that time, it was the designated snack shop for the Crown Prince of Japan during his visit to Taiwan, and the appearance of Hinata-ya was recreated in the movie KANO. After the end of the colonial period, Lu Fu took over the shop, officially renaming it "New Taiwan Pastry Shop," and specially invited Japanese wagashi master Shinmi Koichi to guide the operations with the aim of recreating Hinata-ya's pastries, including Shinpoku yokan, Japanese steamed buns, and snowy cakes. Each item continues the care and craftsmanship of Japanese artisans and carries the historical stories of Hinata-ya. The current New Taiwan Pastry Shop is managed by the second generation, Lu Kun-Chang, father of Ya-Ling, who upholds Lu Fu's spirit of "staying true to the original flavor and adhering to nature." They introduced traditional mochi made without preservatives and filled with rich ingredients, allowing customers to enjoy three fillings at once: red bean, peanut, and sesame. Adapting to modern eating and consumption habits, they have improved traditional large cakes into exquisite gifts, making it possible for everyone to take home a pastry that contains historical flavor without waiting for specific festive occasions. Since its founding in 1946, the New Taiwan Pastry Shop has witnessed 71 years of Taiwan's historical changes. Regardless of how the external environment changes, the only constant at the New Taiwan Pastry Shop is the spirit of mutual support and cooperation among family members. This unwavering affection for flour, home, and Chiayi City is passed down from Lu Kun-Chang to his daughter Lu Ya-Ling, continuing to warm the hearts of those around the fountain square. Recommended dishes: Traditional mochi, snowy cakes.
