Ming Hsiang Bakery Introduction
Ming Hsiang Bakery is a century-old pastry shop in Xikou Township (since 1915), founded by Mr. Chen Tian-song. The bakery's pastry-making techniques were learned from a master craftsman from Tangshan in Xikou. One of the most representative pastries and souvenirs from Xikou Township is the "Bird Cake," which utilizes those techniques to mold the traditional Hakka "Sweet Potato Cake" into various shapes (such as birds, fish, leaves, gourds, pipes, and triangles). It was also known in the past as "Color Cakes" (in Taiwanese: which means pastries of various shapes and colors). Every Bird Cake in this shop is handcrafted by the third-generation owner, Mr. Chen Gan-yu, using traditional methods passed down over the years. After baking, the Bird Cakes have a golden, crispy exterior and a solid filling. With the passage of time, Ming Hsiang Bakery has also developed more flavors, currently offering five varieties for customers to choose from: sweet potato, taro, red bean, mung bean paste, and matcha. In addition to Bird Cakes, the shop's Dragon and Phoenix Cakes and Mian Cha (sesame soup) have also received recognition with the Golden Signboard Award. So when visiting Ming Hsiang, remember to not only enjoy the Bird Cakes but also to take home some Dragon and Phoenix Cakes and Mian Cha to make your visit truly worthwhile!
