New Taiwan Bakery Introduction
In 2014, the film KANO achieved an impressive box office of 340 million NT dollars. That same year, Lu Ya-Ling, who was working as a Japanese translator at an optical industry company in Zhubei, ended her over ten-year career abroad and returned to Chiayi City to help her aging father manage the family store. The New Taiwan Bakery 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 store for the Japanese Crown Prince's visit to Taiwan, and the appearance of Hinata-ya was recreated in the movie KANO. After the restoration, the business was taken over by Lu Fu, who officially renamed it "New Taiwan Bakery" and specially invited Japanese wagashi master Shinmi Kouichi to provide on-site guidance. The goal was to recreate the snacks from Hinata-ya, including Shinto Yokan, Japanese steamed buns, and Floating Snow Cakes. Each item embodies the craftsmanship and dedication of Japanese artisans, with its own story from the Hinata-ya’s history. Today, New Taiwan Bakery is run by the second generation, Lu Kun-Chang, Ya-Ling's father. He continues to uphold Lu Fu's spirit of "staying true to original flavors and following nature," offering traditional mochi with no preservatives and rich fillings, allowing customers to enjoy red bean, peanut, and sesame flavors all at once. Additionally, in line with modern dietary and consumer habits, the traditional large cakes have been transformed into exquisite gifts. Now, one does not have to wait for specific festive occasions to take home a piece of history and flavor from New Taiwan Bakery. Since its establishment in 1946, New Taiwan Bakery has witnessed Taiwan’s 71 years of historical changes. Regardless of how the external environment has changed, the unchanging aspect of New Taiwan Bakery is the spirit of support and cooperation among family members. This unwavering affection for flour, for family, and for Chiayi City has been passed down from Lu Kun-Chang to his daughter Lu Ya-Ling, continuing to thrive near the fountain roundabout. Recommended dishes: Traditional Mochi, Floating Snow Cake.
