Ming Hsiang Bakery Introduction
Mingxiang Bakery is a century-old pastry shop in Xikou Township, founded by Mr. Chen Tiansong in 1915. The pastry-making techniques of Mingxiang Bakery were learned by Mr. Chen from master craftsmen in Xikou Village. The most representative pastry gift from Xikou Township, the "Bird-shaped Cake," is created using these techniques, molding the traditional Hakka "Sweet Potato Cake" into various shapes (such as birds, fish, leaves, gourds, pipes, and water caltrops), which in the past were also referred to as "color cakes" (in Taiwanese: meaning various shapes and colors of pastries).
Every Bird-shaped Cake is handcrafted by the third-generation owner, Mr. Chen Ganyü, using traditional techniques passed down through the generations. Once baked, the Bird-shaped Cake has a golden, crispy outer layer and a solid filling. With the evolution of time, Mingxiang Bakery has developed more flavors, currently offering five options for customers: sweet potato, taro, red bean, mung bean paste, and matcha.
In addition to the Bird-shaped Cake, the shop's Dragon and Phoenix Cake and Sesame Soup have also been recognized with the Golden Sign Award. So when visiting Mingxiang, remember to bring back not just the Bird-shaped Cakes but also a Dragon and Phoenix Cake and some Sesame Soup to make the trip worthwhile!
