A single toast for NT$290 and you still have to queue up? Once you've tried Taichung’s legendary toast, there's no going back.

▲The stone hill toast flavors are limited in quantity and randomly available each day.

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Reported and photographed from Taichung

In an era when everything is getting more expensive but salaries aren’t, what’s the magic behind a slice of toast priced at NT$300 that sells out every single day? Located in Taichung, the bakery Shishanqiu only sells toast, with prices ranging from NT$140 to NT$290. The divine taste hidden on the hilltop attracts foodies from all over Taiwan to line up for a taste—and once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back.

▲A popular bakery queue spot in Shigang, Taichung.

The head chef, 33 years old this year, is a local who returned to his hometown. For the past 10 years, he has continuously traveled to Japan to study pastry and baking techniques, hoping to bring something unique to Shigang. He crafts divine toast using natural, locally sourced ingredients—all made by his own hands. The process includes natural starter dough and long, slow fermentation at low temperatures, yet he insists on making everything by hand despite the time and effort.

Currently, there are 11 flavors, such as matcha red bean, sesame, northern snow melt, and taro, which are randomly baked each day. The signature toast “Ruby Red” uses champion red rice from Hualien and three types of cheese. The dough needs 36 hours of fermentation, and its layered texture keeps loyal customers coming back. Only 30 loaves are available each day.

▲Currently, the shop only sells toast and a few simple drinks, but plans to introduce cakes and other desserts in the future.

▲The owner is just 33 years old this year.

A price tag of over NT$100 for a single slice of toast makes many people wince, but after trying it once, they realize it’s a taste they’d pay any price for. Unlike typical soft bread, Shishanqiu’s toast is chewy and elastic. The owner explains that the toast has a very high moisture content, which gives it a uniquely different texture. Plus, it’s all made with premium ingredients at a high cost—for example, the popular “Northern Snow Melt” flavor uses fresh milk and cream cheese from Hokkaido. It’s seriously addictive, and if you want to try it, be prepared to line up or call ahead to reserve.

▲The signature Ruby Red toast is made with three kinds of cheese and red rice, and gets more flavorful the more you chew.

《Thirty Years of Shishanqiu》
Address: No. 10, Daren Street, Shigang District, Taichung City
Business hours: 9:00 - 19:30 (pickup at 1:00 PM)
Phone: 04 2572 4428