Tainan’s Handmade Chinese Sesame Flatbread Shop – The Old-Fashioned Taste of Naturally Fermented Dough

Text and Photos /mimi Han

Most of the old military dependents' villages in Tainan’s Shuijiaoshe area have been demolished, and with them, many of the once-popular military village eateries have either closed or relocated nearby. The Zhang Family Sesame Flatbread Shop is a remnant of those bygone days of great flavors, and it remains beloved by many locals to this day. mimi is here tonight to document it for you~

Zhang Family Sesame Flatbread is located at the intersection of Ximen Road and Dacheng Road, within what used to be the Shuijiaoshe military dependents’ village and the Police New Village areas. It’s also near Tainan City’s crematorium. However, with the road widening and beautification efforts, that somewhat eerie feeling has mostly disappeared. I rarely came this way before, so I never knew such delicious sesame flatbread was quietly tucked away in this corner.

On the shelves by the entrance, there are loads of fresh green scallions, instantly bringing to mind the aroma of scallion sesame flatbread. And judging by the amount used, business at this old shop must be booming!!

As soon as I walked in, my first thought was... Did I come to the wrong place!? Is this a dough factory!? The masters and staff were deftly kneading dough and rolling out flatbread skins; further back were three large ovens... I was really taken aback. I’d never seen a traditional flatbread shop with such an impressive setup@@

The counter is further inside, where finished flatbreads are covered with cloth to keep them warm. The white steam rising from the steamed buns and mantou instantly warms you up even on a cold day. There were quite a few customers coming in to buy, but the shop doesn’t have seating, so most people just grab their orders and leave – rarely staying more than two minutes.

So... here’s what they sell. Mantou, sesame flatbread, pork buns, and red bean buns... The sesame flatbreads and mantou here are made with naturally fermented starter dough mixed with high-gluten flour. Compared to many chain store flatbreads on the market, these are truly much tastier – the aroma and texture are fantastic.

Scallion sesame flatbread, black pepper scallion sesame flatbread, sweet sesame flatbread... all must-order staples; I also brought home a red bean bun. It actually looks a lot like the Mercedes bun from Xiao Liuqiu~

There’s plenty of scallion inside, fragrant and delicious, and even better is the flaky layered flatbread skin... every bite feels crispy and satisfying. I hadn’t even opened my soy milk yet, and I’d already finished one.<"黑胡椒葱烧饼多了胡椒与猪肉馅，微辣咸香的口感更让我们喜欢。

The filling of the sweet sesame flatbread has added hints of malt and peanut powder, making it much tastier than the usual ones made with just white sugar or cane sugar, which can be cloyingly sweet. This version avoids being greasy or heavy – it’s a classic, delicious dessert. It’s just a 3–5 minute walk from Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, very close to the city center. Come give it a try if you get the chance~ (As I write this, I’m getting cravings again... Tomorrow I’ll get my husband to buy a few for breakfast again = =")

Tainan Food Shop Info
Zhang Family Sesame Flatbread
No. 12, Lane 193, Section 1, Dacheng Road, South District, Tainan City (actually on Ximen Road)
06 - 2651150
Business Hours: 06:00–13:00; 16:00–19:30
 

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