New Taiwan Bakery Introduction
In 2014, the film KANO achieved a box office success of 340 million NT dollars. In the same year, Lu Ya-ling, who worked as a Japanese translator for a光電 industry company in Zhubei, ended her more than ten years of professional career abroad and returned to Chiayi City to assist her aging father in running the family store. The New Taiwan Bakery can be traced back to the Japanese colonial era in 1901, originally run by Yoshida Hiutarou as "Hiyangya," which was designated as an imperial snack shop during the visit of the Japanese crown prince to Taiwan. The iconic appearance of Hiyangya was restored in the film KANO. After the end of the Japanese rule, Lu Fu took over the business and officially renamed it to "New Taiwan Bakery." He specifically invited Japanese wagashi master Shinmi Koichi to provide guidance in the store to recreate the snacks from Hiyangya, including Shinpuku yokan, Japanese steamed buns, and snowflake cakes, each one embodying the craftsmanship and dedication of Japanese artisans and bearing the historical stories of Hiyangya. Today, the New Taiwan Bakery is operated by the second generation, Lu Kun-chang, Ya-ling’s father, upholding Lu Fu's spirit of "loyal to the original flavor and following nature." They offer traditional mochi filled with rich ingredients, without preservatives, allowing customers to enjoy three fillings – red bean, peanut, and sesame – all in one bite. Additionally, they have modernized the traditional pastries into exquisite gifts, making it possible for everyone to take home these historically delicious pastries from New Taiwan Bakery at any time, not just during specific festive occasions. Since its establishment in 1946, New Taiwan Bakery has witnessed the changes in Taiwan's 71 years of historical dynasties. Regardless of the changes in the external environment, the unchanging aspect of New Taiwan Bakery is the spirit of mutual support and shared effort among family members. This unwavering love for flour, home, and Chiayi City is continuously passed from Lu Kun-chang to his daughter Lu Ya-ling, keeping the warmth alive beside the fountain circle. Recommended dishes: Traditional mochi, snowflake cake.
