Hidden Japanese Castella in Taipei Alleyways – No Preservatives, Only Lasts Three Days

Text & Photos /Nata

When people think of Castella, many immediately associate it with baby showers, and most have likely tried some dry-ish version that resembles a honey cake but isn’t quite the same. But where does Castella actually come from? Let’s briefly explore its origins. Castella, known as カステラ (Kasutera) in Japanese, originated in Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan. Legend has it that it was first introduced by the Portuguese in the 17th century, and later adapted and refined by the Japanese.

My impression of Castella has always been rooted in childhood—those traditional shops featured on Japanese cooking shows and the occasional treat from an old shop in Taichung my dad would buy. I’ve always wanted to try an authentic, traditionally made Japanese Castella, but often what I ended up with was either too moist and sticky or too dry... Recently, thanks to a recommendation from a blog friend, I visited Heqingwu in Taichung before giving out Mid-Autumn gifts, and I finally found the Castella I love. The flavor and texture at Heqingwu are top-notch, and among their three flavors, there’s the classic Japanese-style one I’d been longing for.

Heqingwu is located on Daying Street in Nantun District, Taichung. Though the shop isn’t big, its bright sign makes it fairly easy to find.

As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by the sweet aroma of eggs, flour, and sugar blending together through steaming and baking—it’s a warm and comforting scent.

All their Castella is handmade and hand-sliced, using organic high-quality eggs, with no foaming agents or preservatives, which is why it can only be stored at room temperature for three days. Once you take it home, enjoy it while it’s fresh.

On the day I visited, the shop was bustling with production—the business is thriving—but the owners were incredibly kind and patiently answered all my questions. Hearing them say they’ll never use subpar ingredients, and would rather maintain quality than rely on additives or rush expansion, deeply moved me with their commitment to quality. Such a shop definitely deserves a strong recommendation, and I hope they stay true to their original vision and continue providing customers with the best.

Currently, their product lineup includes three flavors: Japanese-style, chocolate, and original. I’ve tried all three and will share my thoughts on each.

Heqingwu packages their Castella in elegant golden boxes, making it a very presentable gift.

Let’s start with the most basic original flavor.

Inside the box is a convenient paper container, and the caramel-colored surface of the cake is covered with a protective film to maintain hygiene.

The original egg yolk-flavored Castella has a beautifully even golden-brown crust and a delicate, fine texture. Just the aroma alone is enough to make anyone, even those who don’t usually have a sweet tooth, want to take a bite.

Aside from eggs, locally sourced unbleached flour, natural cane sugar, malt, and water, the cake contains no unnecessary additives. The crust has a sweet, caramelized aroma, while the body of the cake boasts a rich, mellow fragrance that’s simply captivating.

The texture is firm yet soft and delicate, with just the right level of sweetness and an expertly balanced moisture content. It also has a delightful bounce and a naturally fragrant aroma. This Castella is genuinely delicious.

Next is my absolute favorite among the three—the Japanese-style flavor, made using the Japanese double-sugar method (the same as the original Fukusaya shop).

The cross-section is so tempting, right? Each bite amazes with its exquisite tenderness and moistness, and the cake’s air pockets are evenly distributed. How much skill must it take to bake something this beautiful?

The highlight is the double-sugar layer at the bottom—it adds a satisfying crunch to the texture, and the way the sweetness melts in your mouth is truly wonderful. As the shop describes, this layer is like a luxurious carpet. Overall, it’s rich and sweet without being cloying. The amount of sugar at the bottom is less than what you’d typically find in Japan, making it better suited to Taiwanese tastes—and it’s absolutely delicious. I’m obsessed with this flavor and even bought two extra boxes for my family, who loved it too. Perfect.

The chocolate flavor, beloved by Wade and Pani, is also reportedly a top seller.

Visually, it resembles an elegant version of a brownie, exuding a mature yet classy vibe, and the color is gorgeous—but you really have to taste this chocolate Castella to appreciate its magic.

The texture, moisture, and sweetness are all impeccable. The highlight, though, is the flavor. Made with the same double-sugar technique, the naturally non-bitter chocolate taste comes from premium cocoa powder, resulting in a rich yet not overly heavy flavor that’s truly addictive. Our box disappeared quickly because it’s just that good. I’m usually wary of chocolate cakes being too sweet, but Heqingwu’s is not—their version is a refined, fluffy take on a brownie, and it’s an excellent choice for gifting. Their Castella can be stored at room temperature for three days or refrigerated for five. While some cakes are better chilled, theirs is delicious either way. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go.

The owners are adorable—they turned their child’s crying face into an ad, and since it was so funny, I couldn’t help snapping a photo as an extra bonus. This Castella is definitely one of the best I’ve ever had. Whether for yourself, a baby shower, or as a gift, it’s a tasteful choice, and I’m sure anyone who receives it will be delighted and feel truly happy. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself.

Info
Heqingwu Castella
Address: No. 169, Daying Street, Nantun District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-24735767
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Website:Heqingwu Facebook

Nata Isn’t Sloppy
Enjoys being a stylish lifestyle enthusiast and culinary researcher