Shantung Flatbreads
Address:No.80, Yongxing St., Changhua City (see map)
Phone:+886-4-725-6484
Time:6:30-19:30
Introduction
Shantung Flatbreads of Xiaoxi Street has over 50 years of history, and specializes in Shantung flatbreads and red bean cakes, said to have been the most common snacks for Changhua people even before this shop grew to prominence. Even now Shantung Flatbreads continues to use the old dough method, knead dough by hand without applying oil, making their breads healthily low fat and low oil. Aside from these two main specialties, the shop is also famous for its brown sugar flatbread and pan-fried stuffed buns—both of which are always quickly sold out because of its popularity.
Photo with owner after first interview | Shantung Flatbreads |
Interview
1.How long have you been in business? Which generation are you?
We’ve been here over 50 years, and I’m currently the second.
2.How much are you able to sell a day?
It depends, mostly on the weather; we sell more during summer.
3.What are your specialties?
The red bean cakes and the Shantung flatbreads.
4.When do you need to begin preparations for each day, and how much time do you spend?
About three to four hours.
5.What is your management philosophy?
Flatbreads, water, and red bean cakes should be clean and tasty.
6.Were there any experiences since your opening that you found particularly difficult or unforgettable?
Business is sometimes bad during the winter, but we pull through.
7.Do you have you a few words to share with us?
Treat people and work with honesty, sincerity and diligence.
8.Do you find anything that is in need of improvement around Xiaoxi?
No, everything’s pretty good the way it is.
Owner’s wife treating us brown sugar flatbreads | Photo of the crew with the owner and his wife |
Reflection
I felt that interviewing a store was hard and that made me nervous. When at first I asked the owner how long his shop had been in business I was practically on the edge of my nerves, but the more I talked the more I felt at home engaging in conversation with him. The owner is a serious man, his wife more amiable, but both patiently answered my questions, and treated each of us a flatbread.