The history and traditions of Taiwan are often concealed in the most out-of-the-way and least expected places. Examples are provided by old family businesses and shops which still thrive today despite the progress of modern times.
One of these businesses was established more than 100 years ago by a young married couple from Fukien province on the mainland who opened a shop on the outskirts of Taipei to sell Chinese pastries and fried dumplings. Goods were baked on the premises and then sold around the streets of Taipei, which was still a small town at that time.
The lives of early immigrants to Taiwan were tough, and often it was difficult to obtain food which suited their tastes. The family business endeavored for three generations to meet the needs of the times. The son of the third generation, Kuo Chien-ting, combined his creative energies with scrupulous reading of texts which were readily available during the Japanese occupation of the island. As a result, business improved slowly but surely.
Toward the end of the occupation, many ingredients became scarce, and didn't become abundant again until the return of Taiwan to the Republic of China brought improved living standards and an accompanying rise in consumer demand. Western influences also increased at this time, and Kuo sought out the services of an English-speaking friend to help him understand foreign cookbooks. As his techniques improved, his stock was sold out only hours after it had been taken out of the ovens.
Now aged 72, Kuo gives the reasons for his success: "If you run a reliable business which produces pastries and other snacks suited to the public taste, your reputation will spread far and wide by word of mouth. I've never had to advertise."
Now managed by Kuo's son, Shih-chi, the family business has five branch stores employing 140 people. Expansion has been slow, however, so as not to sacrifice quality. Each store is run according to modern principles and managed by a member of the Kuo family, thus ensuring personalized service and the continuing good reputation of the products.
The Kuo ancestors could never have dreamed that the small business they started would one day grow so big. But in fact the story is typical of the progress achieved during the recent period of economic advancement in the Republic of China.
[Picture Caption]
1-3. Treats from Kuo Yuan-yi's Bake Shop. 4. One of the Kuo's brothers assisting a customer making a selection. 5-9. Five of Kuo Yuan-yi's chain stores.
1. The shops' kitchens are completely automated. 2.3. Bakers at work. 4. Freshly baked whipped cream pie. 5. Packing assorted pastries into gift boxes.
Treats from Kuo Yuan-yi's Bake Shop.
Treats from Kuo Yuan-yi's Bake Shop.
One of the Kuo's brothers assisting a customer making a selection.
Five of Kuo Yuan-yi's chain stores.
Five of Kuo Yuan-yi's chain stores.
Five of Kuo Yuan-yi's chain stores.
Five of Kuo Yuan-yi's chain stores.
Five of Kuo Yuan-yi's chain stores.
The shops' kitchens are completely automated.
Freshly baked whipped cream pie.
Freshly baked whipped cream pie.
Packing assorted pastries into gift boxes.
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@List.jpg?w=522&h=410&mode=crop&format=webp&quality=80)
