The Cafe Astoria (Chinese: 明星咖啡館; pinyin: Míngxīng kāfēi guǎn) is the first Western-style bakery in Taiwan. It is located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei, Taiwan, on Wuchang Street across from the City God Temple.
| Cafe Astoria 明星咖啡館 | |
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | October 1949 |
| Owner(s) | Archibald Chien |
| Food type | Pastries |
| Street address | No. 7, Wuchang Street, Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan |
| Coordinates | 25°2′38.84″N 121°30′45.73″E / 25.0441222°N 121.5127028°E |
| Website | www |
History edit
In October 1949, 18-year-old Archibald Chien became business partners with six Russian immigrants who fled Shanghai to Taiwan.[1][2] Together they opened Taipei's first Western style pastry shop on Wuchang Street in downtown Taipei. They offered pastries on the first floor and a cafe on the second floor. One month after the Astoria opened for business, Chiang Kai-shek resumed presidency of the Republic of China and relocated his government to Taiwan. After the Korean War broke out in 1950, the United States maintained a significant troop presence on Taiwan. During this time, the Astoria hosted many important guests from abroad, including Jane Fonda. The cafe was also frequently visited by Chiang Ching-Kuo – who had studied in Moscow for many years – and his Belarusian wife Chiang Fang-liang. In 1950, Astoria hosted a Russian New Year Celebration which was attended by Chiang Ching-Kuo and his family. Chiang Kai-shek's last birthday cake was also prepared by chefs from the Astoria. After World War II, the Cafe Astoria became a popular spot for many socialites and government officials. It was also a spot where many struggling writers and intellectuals met and composed their works. Famous writers, poets and artists known to have frequented the Astoria include Pai Hsien-yung,[3] Chou Meng-tieh, Yu Guangzhong, and choreographer Lin Hwai-min.[4]
In 2011, the Taipei City Government designated the Cafe Astoria as a historic building.[5]
Transportation edit
The cafe is accessible within walking distance north east of Ximen Station of Taipei Metro.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Restaurant: Cafe Astoria Confectionary". Taipei Times. 24 September 2004. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ Han Cheung (15 October 2023). "Taiwan in Time: From Russian hangout to literati hotspot". Taipei Times. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ "History of Cafe Astoria". Archived from the original on 2015-05-11. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
- ^ Famous customers
- ^ "Taipei's Cafe Astoria listed as heritage building". Taiwan Today. 18 April 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
External links edit
