中華蛋糕麵包 [Mimi's World Tour]

Bakery: 中華蛋糕麵包 (Chinese Cake & Bread)
Address: No. 334, Chongde Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung
Website: facebook
Style: Chinese
Price: $-$$

Located directly across the street from Master Fang, this feels like the battle of the bakeries intersection! In one corner: with nearly a dozen retail locations throughout Kaohsiung and known for its Russian bread and ample array of cakes and gift boxes - Master Fang. In the other corner: with a second bakery also in the Lotus Pond neighbourhood, a homey bakery with a good selection of bread and baked goods - Zhonghua Cake & Bread. Who will reign supreme?

Well, in my opinion, it was a tough one for little Zhonghua, especially since Master Fang was actually one of my favourite bakeries in the city and had such a wide assortment. I did, however, like the cram-packed, more rustic vibe of this bakery better; it definitely felt less... commercial. You got the impression that there were baked goods everywhere, even as you made your way to the cash -  there's so much stuff that it's hard for more than two customers to be inside at one time! This bakery also happens to be cheaper, with individual buns usually costing under $30. 

I grabbed the cinnamon bun ($25). First and foremost, I was impressed by the fact that it actually looked pretty authentically Western. Cinnamon buns aren't super common in Chinese bakeries, but you do encounter them here and there; however, I'm not a fan of the boring dough and that sugary stuff that's usually present. Here, I liked the drizzle of icing and the fresh, fluffy sweet dough. It was stuffed with bits of walnut, which were appreciated, and tons of raisins - which were not. XD Honestly, there were more raisins in this thing than cinnamon....

Rating: **1/2