Fu Lai Handmade Steamed Buns Introduction
Li Tu-ge (born in 1935) started making handmade steamed buns and baozi in 1971 to support his family, selling them from a cart in nearby villages. He later set up a permanent stall at the entrance of Fuan Temple in Fuzei Village. In 2003, due to age, his son Li Yong-chun (born in 1970) took over the business and opened a breakfast shop at his home located at No. 37, Fuzei Village, operating only in the morning from 5 AM to 9 AM. In 2011, Li Yong-chun's wife, Peng Xiao-ling, and her sister-in-law expanded their sales to Dongshi. They chose a spot in front of the Dongshi Township Farmers’ Association, where there was a lot of foot and vehicle traffic, and set up a stall named "Fuzei Handmade Steamed Buns" to sell handmade steamed buns and baozi. Thanks to their authentic craftsmanship, they quickly became a popular snack stall in Dongshi. "Fuzei Handmade Steamed Buns" are made from high-gluten flour, entirely by hand without machines. The baozi fillings include cabbage, pork, carrots, and sweet potato, with sweet potato added to enhance the sweetness and taste of the baozi. In addition to baozi and steamed buns, "Fuzei Handmade Steamed Buns" also sells twisted crullers. The baozi and steamed buns are prepared at home in Fuzei and kept warm until delivered to the stall for reheating; the twisted crullers are made at home in Fuzei and fried at the stall.
