Enjoy Hualien’s famous bread without crossing the mountains — a brunch spot from the hinterlands

Photos & Text /MIKA’s Food Adventure Journal

Why does the title say it’s handmade baking from Hualien? Because The Baker is a brand-new brunch and lunch spot launched by Hualien’s renowned “Mantingfang Bakery.” Already famous in Hualien for its handmade meals, especially its baking and bread, the brand has now chosen to open a branch in the highly competitive area of Fengjia, Taichung — a clear sign of their confidence.

The Baker is located on Fengjia’s bento street, where there are so many delicious eateries tucked away in these alleys — you’ll face plenty of temptations along the way.

This brunch spot even offers full meals, showcasing a truly diverse and international menu.

My first impression was of soft, bright lighting and a space filled with wooden tables and chairs — spacious and airy.

There’s also a bar area, though it seems more decorative than functional.

The little corner by the window is quite cleverly designed.

And there’s an adorable panda sitting at the counter~

The Baker offers a rich and varied menu including risotto, pasta, burgers, American-style pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, bagels, French toast with cheese, eggs Benedict, steak meals, and more... For sides, you can choose either soup or salad, not both.

Caesar Salad
Simple greens with bread and sprinkled cheese — very refreshing.

Their bread is definitely worth trying — it comes from Hualien’s well-known bakery, baked fresh daily with natural fermentation. Today’s cheese bread was crispy and delicious.

Tomato Bacon Eggs Benedict – 210 TWD
This tomato bacon eggs Benedict features bacon-topped tomato slices, and the presentation is really charming. The poached egg is drizzled with golden hollandaise sauce that looks rich and aromatic — the visual appeal alone is top-notch.

When you order eggs Benedict, you’re really there for that golden cascade of runny yolk when you cut into the poached egg — pure visual pleasure~~~

The base English muffin is crisp and hearty, and when paired with the egg yolk and bacon, the salty bacon complements the silky egg — absolutely delicious.

Mushroom Risotto – 280 TWD
Their risotto isn’t too soggy; the sauce is fairly dry, and there’s a generous portion of mushrooms — very hearty and genuine.

Peanut Butter Beef Burger – 240 TWD
I noticed all their bread is lightly toasted to a crisp — just the texture I like. I didn’t try this burger myself, but in terms of portion size, I’d say it’s pretty average.

Pine Nut Seafood Pesto Baked Rice – 310 TWD
This pine nut seafood pesto baked rice looks like a hearty portion and smells amazing.

It’s packed with pine nuts, which add a lovely crunch and aroma. The pesto itself is fragrant and bold, though it somewhat overshadows the sweetness of the seafood. The flavor is a bit strong overall, but still tasty.

Italian Meat Sauce Omelet – 210 TWD
If you don’t want something too heavy, consider the Italian meat sauce omelet — you can also dip their handmade bread in the meat sauce, which is great.

The omelet contains green peppers, onions, cheese, and has a soft, velvety egg texture enhanced by the savory veggies. A touch of Italian meat sauce adds a tangy-sweet note — it’s the perfect balance for a satisfying brunch.

I forgot to take photos of the drinks, but when checking out, I realized five main dishes cost just over a thousand TWD. While that might not be cheap for the school district, the portions and the obvious care put into the food make this place likely to be very popular. With so many diverse options, it’s perfect for students who love variety. The price isn’t steep for me either — it’s a spot I’d definitely visit again ^^

【The Baker】 
Address: No. 7, Lane 28, Alley 20, Fengjia Road, Xitun District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-2452-5759
Hours: 10:00–22:00

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