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 in a photovoltaic industry company in Zhubei, ended her more than ten-year career abroad and returned to Chiayi City to assist her aging father in managing the family store. The New Taiwan Bakery can trace its roots back to the Japanese colonial period in 1901, when it was run by Yoshida Hidetaro as "Hiyanggawa," which was designated as a supplier of snacks for the Japanese Crown Prince during his visits to Taiwan. The beautiful image of Hiyanggawa was recreated in the movie KANO. After the end of Japanese rule, Lu Fu took over the business, officially renaming the bakery to "New Taiwan Bakery." He specially invited Japanese confectionery master Shinmi Koichi to guide the store, with the aim of recreating the sweets of Hiyanggawa, including Shinko Yokan, Japanese steamed buns, and Fuyuki Mochi, each reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, carrying the historical stories of Hiyanggawa. Today, the New Taiwan Bakery is run by Lu Fu's second generation, her father Lu Kun-Chang, who continues to uphold Lu Fu's spirit of "staying true to the original taste and respecting nature." They offer traditional mochi filled with rich, preservative-free fillings, allowing customers to enjoy red bean, peanut, and sesame fillings all at once, and have adapted traditional pastries into exquisite gifts that fit modern dining and consumption habits. Now, you don't have to wait for specific festive occasions; everyone can take home a piece of history with delicious pastries from the New Taiwan Bakery. Since its establishment in 1946, New Taiwan Bakery has witnessed 71 years of Taiwan’s changing historical eras. Regardless of how the external environment changes, the unchanging spirit of mutual support and joint effort among family members at the New Taiwan Bakery persists. This unwavering affection towards flour, family, and Chiayi City is also being passed down from Lu Kun-Chang to his daughter Lu Ya-Ling, continuing to warm the vicinity of the fountain roundabout. Recommended dishes: Traditional Mochi, Fuyuki Mochi.
