Log cabin-style decor: The simple, bright and popular bread bakery at Qinmei Plaza

Text and photos by /Gui Xiaosun

★ [Nut Kernel Bakery Studio]: No. 128-1, Gongzheng Road, West District, Taichung   \   04 2302 3669   \   10:30 AM–10:30 PM   FB

Actually, I never thought about taking pictures of a bread shop specifically. It’s not that I didn’t want to—it’s just that I didn’t know if walking in to take photos would draw strange looks XD. Otherwise, I really would have liked to document these small, everyday shops as well...

This is probably the first bakery in Taichung that I’ve taken photos of. I came here on the opening day of the teddy bear display—I remember thinking the owner couple were really nice. On Sunday, I decided to ask them if I could take some pictures, and they immediately said yes. I liked their look and the way they spoke, so I quietly captured this first bakery I ever photographed: [Nut Kernel Bakery Studio]

From the outside, would you assume it’s a café? From afar, you’d just think it has a lot of wood-colored interiors, white walls, and tables and counters with that minimalist Muji vibe. Honestly, it’s my favorite home color scheme—warm and gentle, staying true to its most natural form. Just staring blankly at these wooden furnishings makes one feel happy. The selection of bread here isn’t as varied as in typical bakeries, and today I even felt like everything was almost sold out.

The pineapple bread I bought the first time—I fell in love. The bread here at [Nut Kernel Bakery Studio] actually isn’t cheap. This pineapple bread is roughly the size of a cream puff, priced at 38 NT. For a regular breakfast, it’s definitely a pricey choice XD. But after trying one with red bean and one with chocolate, we were hooked—especially the red bean one. Just the color of the red bean paste was that classic, homemade red bean soup shade. It wasn’t that eye-popping red, but more of a purple-ish hue, the real color of red beans—which we loved.

There were also several types of bread that reminded me of Wu Pao-chun’s creations?! (Hmm.) Honestly, I just thought they looked similar in size—the actual description is beyond me—but these were huge. Twice the size of a normal loaf, priced around 80 NT.

But I haven’t tried the big ones yet—I’ll buy one next time if I get the chance. XD They’re great for families, since you can slice and share. I saw quite a few families coming in—they seemed really familiar with the owners, almost like friends chatting and having tea by the counter.

The cheese bread at [Nut Kernel Bakery Studio] is delicious!! I bought one to take home the first day and instantly fell in love. When I came back the second time, I bought four. But they’re not cheap either—one costs 45 NT.

We had the plain flavor, but there are also other fruit jam options. By the way, the glass jars are super sturdy—if you make your own pudding or tea jelly at home, or just want to use them as drinking glasses, they’re perfect.
This double-cream cheesecake also looks super smooth and silky. I’ll have to try it one day XD. It’s not too big, so it’s great for two people to enjoy a cheesy dessert together.

I’m not sure what bread they’ll have each day, since I’ve only been here twice. The sliced one on top was delicious. I bought some the first day and brought it home—it was sweet, crispy, chewy, and I think it had raisins inside. The toast below, the owner’s wife offered me a taste. It was very classic, soft and fluffy. But honestly, a whole loaf of toast kind of intimidates me XD. I’m both picky and don’t like eating the same thing over and over.

It’s just this kind of unique bakery—the owner’s wife will ask if you’d like a cup of tea when you walk in. Don’t be shy. I didn’t have any the first day, but said yes the next. And wow, it was really good—it made me want to ask if they sell it XD.

Have you ever walked into a neighborhood bakery and ended up chatting with the owners like you’re old friends—not just passing by, but lingering, slowly looking around, sipping tea, and picking up bread like clothes, almost without realizing it? I really like the feeling this place gives off, especially the comforting vibe from the owner couple. It really makes you want to stay a while longer.

There must be places in your life that you’re used to visiting, where just walking in makes you feel refreshed and healed. It might not be a place everyone knows about or thinks is great—but it’s your place.

This article was written by: [Gui Xiaosun – Enjoying Life Without Getting Bored]

Author: [Enjoying Life Without Boredom. Xiao Sun]