Opened in 1889, this bakery was the first one to use lotus seed paste in its confections, and a tip of the hat is given to this in its name, which translates to ‘lotus seed smells delicious building.’ Located on an old street in Liwan District, the establishment is bustling from early morning until late, when it is lit up by vintage signs, lanterns and the smiles of cheerful staff.
Any Cantonese cake or pastry can be found here, even ones that are uncommon. Lianxiang Lou specializes in using its namesake lotus seed of course, but has also become known for its tasty version of a classic Cantonese cookie: the wife pastry. Legend has it that a young couple in a small village was short on money, but not on love. The man’s father became ill, but after spending all of their wages on treatment for him, he still did not recover. In an act of great self-sacrifice, the wife sold herself into slavery to continue to pay for her father-in-law’s medical treatment. Horrified, the husband concocted a flaky pastry pocket filled with winter melon and coconut. The snack became so popular that he was able to buy back his spouse’s freedom and pay to have his father healed.
Not far away from the pedestrian shopping street of Shangxia Jiu Lu, Lianxiang Lou is a fun pit stop while wandering around historic and lovely Liwan. And on Valentine’s Day, sample some pastries made with – and for – love.
// 67 Shipu Lu, Liwan District 荔湾区十甫路67号 (8181 1638)
0 User Comments