New Taiwan Bakery Introduction
In 2014, the movie KANO achieved a remarkable box office success of 340 million NTD. In the same year, Lu Ya-Ling, who worked as a Japanese translator at an optoelectronics company in Zhubei, ended her professional career abroad after more than a decade and returned to Chiayi City to help her elderly 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 Hidetaro under the name "Hiyangya." It was the designated snack shop for the Japanese Crown Prince during his visit to Taiwan, and its image was recreated in the movie KANO. After the end of Japanese rule, Lu Fu took over the operation and officially renamed the store to "New Taiwan Bakery," hiring Japanese wagashi master Shinmi Koichi to guide the recreating of Hiyangya's snacks, including Shinko Yokan, Japanese steamed buns, and Floating Snow Cakes. Each of these embodies the dedication and craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, carrying the historical stories of Hiyangya. Today, New Taiwan Bakery is managed by Lu Fu's second generation, Lu Kun-Chang, and continues to uphold his father's spirit of “staying true to the original flavor and respecting nature.” They offer traditional mochi filled with rich fillings of red bean, peanut, and sesame, without any preservatives, catering to modern dietary habits by transforming traditional large cakes into exquisite souvenirs. Now, there’s no need to wait for specific festive occasions; everyone can take home a piece of history and flavor from New Taiwan Bakery. Since its establishment in 1946, New Taiwan Bakery has witnessed the changing dynasties of Taiwan for 71 years. Regardless of how the external environment changes, the unwavering spirit of family support and collaboration remains constant. This steadfast affection for flour, family, and Chiayi City is passed down from Lu Kun-Chang to his daughter Lu Ya-Ling, continuing to warm the area near the Fountain Circle. Recommended dishes: Traditional Mochi, Floating Snow Cake.
