Lee Hu Cake Shop
 | |
| Industry | Food and beverage |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1882 |
| Headquarters | Ren-ai District, Keelung, Taiwan |
Area served | local |
| Products | pineapple cakes, Lek-tau-phong |
The Lee Hu Cake Shop (Chinese: 李鵠餅店; pinyin: Lǐ Hú Bǐng Dìan) is a historic bakery in Ren-ai District, Keelung, Taiwan, known for its traditional Taiwanese pastries, particularly pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥) and mung bean pastries (綠豆椪). Established in 1882, it is one of the oldest bakeries in Taiwan and has gained a reputation for its handmade pastries, which attract both locals and tourists.[1]
History
[edit]
Lee Hu Cake Shop was founded during the late Qing Dynasty in 1882 and has remained a family-run business for over a century. The shop’s name, "Lee Hu" (李鵠), is derived from the founder’s name and reflects its long-standing heritage. Originally, the bakery specialized in making traditional Taiwanese pastries for religious ceremonies and festive occasions. As Taiwan’s food culture evolved, Lee Hu adapted by incorporating modern flavours while preserving its traditional baking techniques. The shop’s location in Keelung Miaokou Night Market has contributed to its popularity. Over the years, it has gained recognition as a must-visit destination for pastry lovers, particularly for those seeking authentic Taiwanese-style sweets.[2]
Signature Pastries
[edit]Lee Hu Cake Shop is best known for its selection of traditional Taiwanese pastries, including:
- Pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥) – One of Taiwan’s most famous treats, made with a buttery pastry shell and a sweet pineapple filling. Unlike mass-produced versions, Lee Hu’s pineapple cakes are known for their handmade quality and balance of flavors.
- Mung bean pastries (綠豆椪) – A round pastry with a flaky crust, filled with sweetened mung bean paste. Some variations also include salted egg yolk for a richer taste.
- Red Bean Cakes (紅豆餅) – A traditional pastry with a soft, sweet red bean filling.
- Egg Yolk Pastries (蛋黃酥) – A variation of mung bean pastries that includes salted egg yolk, often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Nougat (牛軋糖) – A chewy, nut-filled candy that has become a popular souvenir item.
Controversies
[edit]- In 2014, during a widespread food safety crisis in Taiwan involving substandard oils, Lee Hu Cake Shop was among the businesses affected. The scandal had a significant negative impact on the bakery industry, with some establishments reporting substantial financial losses.[3]
- In November 2024, a customer discovered a fly embedded in a strawberry pastry purchased from Lee Hu Cake Shop. The incident was shared on social media, prompting the Keelung City Health Bureau to conduct an inspection. The inspection revealed the presence of flies and uncovered issues such as uncovered trash bins in the work area. The bureau issued a notice requiring the shop to address these deficiencies within a specified timeframe, warning that failure to comply would result in penalties.[4][5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "【傳承家族味】3兄弟家族味！ 李家3代傳承基隆餅". TVBS (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 1 October 2012.
- ^ Tiffany Feng (29 May 2001). "Let them eat cake Venerable stores around Taiwan preserve local tradition through cakes and savory snacks associated with different regions". Taipei Times.
- ^ 曾百村、黃靖惠、林宏聰、柯宗緯、王文吉 (13 September 2016). "挺過兩年前餿水油風暴 基隆老店 人龍再現". China Times.
- ^ 游明煌 (13 September 2016). "基隆百年老店李鵠餅店遭爆草莓酥包蒼蠅 市府稽查限改". United Daily News (in Chinese (Taiwan)).
- ^ 盧賢秀 (16 November 2024). "基隆知名餅店草莓酥「鑲完整蒼蠅」 市府稽查結果曝". Liberty Times (in Chinese (Taiwan)).