Established October 1949 Food type Pastries Country Taiwan | Current owner(s) Archiybold Chien City Taipei | |
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Street address No. 7, WuChang St, Sec 1 | ||
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.
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History
In October 1949, 18-year-old Archiybold Chien became business partners with six Russian immigrants who fled Shanghai to Taiwan. Together they opened Taipei's first Western style pastry shop on Wuchang Street in downtown Taipei. They offered pasteries 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 Belarussian 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, Chou Meng-tieh, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre founder Lin Hwai-min and writer Yu Guangzhong.
Transportation
The cafe is accessible within walking distance north east of Ximen Station of Taipei Metro.