Ming Hsiang Bakery Introduction
Ming Hsiang Restaurant is a pastry shop with a century-long history in Xikou Township (since 1915), founded by Mr. Chen Tien-sung. The pastry-making techniques of Ming Hsiang were learned by Mr. Chen from a master craftsman in Xikou Village. The most representative souvenir pastry of Xikou Township, the "Bird Cake," is created using the learned pastry techniques, shaping the traditional Hakka "Sweet Potato Cake" into various forms (such as birds, fish, leaves, gourds, pipes, and water caltrops), which in earlier times was also referred to as "Color Cakes" (in Taiwanese: meaning colorful pastries). Each Bird Cake is handcrafted by the third-generation owner, Mr. Chen Kan-yu, inheriting century-old methods. After baking, the Bird Cakes have a golden crispy exterior and a solid filling. As times have changed, Ming Hsiang has also developed more flavors, currently offering five options 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 wheat tea have also received the Golden Award, so when visiting Ming Hsiang, remember to bring back some Dragon and Phoenix Cakes and wheat tea to make your trip worthwhile!
