A-Yu Rice Dumplings Introduction
The first shop on Jinshan Old Street specializing in "Matsu Cake" is Ayu Matsu Cake, which has stood in Jinshan for over 20 years. Ayu's mother, Kuo Li-yu, initially began making Matsu Cake to help support her family, following in her mother's footsteps. Over time, after mastering her craft, she began experimenting with transforming what was traditionally an offering for deities during festivals into a snack enjoyed year-round. Later, she introduced various flavors, moving beyond the original basic options of peanut and sesame. Ayu Matsu Cake has become a well-known souvenir in the Jinshan area, frequented by former New Taipei City mayors Chou Hsi-wei and Zhu Lilun, and is now one of the welcome gifts presented by the city government. In the early days, Matsu Cakes were larger, but they have now been redesigned into smaller, bite-sized treats that are especially popular among young people, allowing them to savor a taste of happiness.
