Pastry Run 2: Formosa福爾摩莎Bakeshop

Welcome to the 2nd episode of Pasty Run. While most of this blog’s entries are focused on cakes, let us momentarily divert our attention to other sweet baked products that the world of pastries has to offer.

Formosa 福爾摩莎 is a Chinese bakeshop that offers cakes, breads and pastries. Its name is derived from Portuguese which means “beautiful” in English and is the former name of Taiwan. What makes it different from most bakeries in my locality is that its taste is more oriental more than it is westernized. Usually, westernized type of cakes or pastries are the chocolates, cheesecakes, vanillas, coffee and the occasional fruit flavors, oriental bakeries are usually into the lighter and fruity stuff. Their cakes are usually lighter and smaller in size, their breads have red bean or green tea “matcha” flavor in it and their pastries are often smothered with fruits or meat, turning it into a sandwich. Plus, there is equal emphasis on the design of the goods as much as on its taste. Having lived and visited different oriental countries in Asia, even the not so high end bakeries really do pay attention in ensuring that their cakes or pastries look visually appealing.

Seeing as it is rare to spot an oriental centric bakeshop in my locality saved for the really old ones, I was delighted to know its existence for it is an indication that there is a market here. Just like my usual cake runs, I bought two products to try on. Usually I would go for their specialty but turns out, the do not have an exact signature product so I went for a pastry and a bread

Pastry: Blueberry Snow White

Visual: Even the name sounds great. It is a pastry worth its name as it reminds me of a mountain coated with snow with the crater serving as the blueberry. Despite being wary of how it will taste because it is quite seldom I see a white pastry, I knew myself well enough that I would not missed out this opportunity to buy it despite bombarding the saleslady with questions on what it is exactly. It already appealed to me the moment I held it and felt its fluffiness.

Taste: Mmm…it’s good. Not sweet saved from the blueberries on top. It is very soft and melts in your mouth which is truly awesome! Its texture is similar to that of a steamed rice cake and a steamed bun without the skin. First time I have eaten this white bun as a pastry instead of the usual snack/meal, which leaves a pleasant sensation especially on my tasted buds.

Bread: Chocolate Hally Cup

Visual: Don’t get intimidated by its name, it is just like your classic muffin but more simple. It can also pass as a cupcake less the cream and the sinful sweet stuff we often see in western desserts.

Taste: If you are looking for a quick fix that is more than your usual bread loaf with fewer calories compared to the muffins we often buy, then this is the ideal choice for you. Although if you are looking forward to tasting chocolate; sadly, you will not get it out from this one. The only chocolate indication of this “hally cup” are the chocolate bits embedded at its crust and the blackish color of its inside but taste-wise, it is more like muffin bread with the occasional chocolate reaching your palate.

Have a Formosa “Beautiful” Day!  Feel free to share your comments and insights.