Yi Jia Bakery Introduction
Transforming his father's eye clinic into a bread experimentation space, "Yijia Bakery" is located diagonally across from the Chiayi City Museum of Art, in a white building. The baker's name is Yijia. Due to its proximity to Chiayi Station, the shop name is a homophone of "Yijia." The townhouse was originally his father's eye clinic, which was later taken back for his own practice. He brought back the baking skills he learned in Taipei to his hometown. After working for five years at the famous bakery LE GOUT, he coincidentally encountered the era when Master Wu Pao-chun frequently received accolades in world competitions. The influence of these renowned masters greatly inspired him. Upon returning to Chiayi to open his store, he decided to apply the theories he learned and blend European-style bread with Japanese baking, developing unique breads that are true to the original flavors of food and full of character. Yijia's journey as a baker has been smooth, with many benefactors. The most unforgettable mentor is Teacher Yeh, who, after passing away, sent him a package containing his life’s handwritten recipes. The story carries a sense of legendary martial arts transmission, as he savors the signature squid bagel, feeling as if he is receiving the abundant vitality of natural yeast, with the texture of the bread brimming with life. Image source: Chiayi City Government Tourism Bureau | Photography: Margaux
