Shandu Toast Bread

In Hakka language, “shandu” means “in the mountains,” and the average winter temperature in the mountainous region where this bakehouse is located can be as low as 3°C. Hidden in the remote mountains of Nanzhuang, Shandu Toast Bread makes its own breads in the most traditional method ever. It is complicated and can only be mastered through years of experience to decide how it is going within the kiln and when to put the dough into the kiln. The kiln is entirely fired with wood collected from around the mountainous area, and the dough itself is a result of the perfect combination of the quality flour and the clear spring water. Ingredients are mostly organic or sourced from the local farmers. And that’s how they made the wonderful bread, which is sugar-free, oil-free yet still aromatic and comforting.

The bread comes in seven different flavors, and only 108 breads are available each day, making it highly demanded among dedicated foodies. Stollen, a traditional German bread usually eaten during the Christmas season made with rum, candied citrus peel and almonds, is a favorite of many. You can have each bread for the price of TWD90, but for the luxurious fruit flavor that takes more time and effort to strive for perfection, it cost TWD200 instead.