Cafe Astoria
| Cafe Astoria 明星咖啡館 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | October 1949 |
| Owner(s) | Archiybold 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°ECoordinates: 25°2′38.84″N 121°30′45.73″E / 25.0441222°N 121.5127028°E |
| Website | www |
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.
History[]
In October 1949, 18-year-old Archiybold Chien became business partners with six Russian immigrants who fled Shanghai to Taiwan.[1] 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 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,[2] Chou Meng-tieh, Yu Guangzhong, and choreographer Lin Hwai-min.[3]
Transportation[]
The cafe is accessible within walking distance north east of Ximen Station of Taipei Metro.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Cafe Astoria Confectionery
- ^ "History of Cafe Astoria". Archived from the original on 2015-05-11. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
- ^ Famous customers
External links[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cafe Astoria, Taipei. |
- 1949 establishments in Taiwan
- Buildings and structures in Taipei
- Cafés
- History of Taipei
- Russian diaspora in China