Visitors queue for the reopened Hifun Bakery Photo: Hifun Bakery
Hangzhou Discovery
By Jin Yingying
The "Hifun Bakery" by the West Lake has officially opened its door at No. 48 Xueshi Road, right by the B exit of Longxiangqiao metro station. This bakery, formerly known as "Haifeng Restaurant", was all the rage in Hangzhou during the 1980s and 1990s.
With this new establishment, many of the iconic dishes from the old Haifeng menu have made a triumphant return. Favorites such as scones, creampuff, cheese bread, and banana-boat ice-cream are priced between 5 and 22 yuan, making them the top choices of the public.
The scones, priced at 5 yuan each, are placed sales restrictions of two per person and are sold out quickly nearly every day, along with fresh milk creampuffs, cheese breads, Mexican breads, and more.
As we saw at the kitchen, plates of freshly baked items were continuously brought out, disappearing within minutes.
On top of reviving classic products, some new additions included Sichuan-style crispy buns, almond croissants, bread with cheese and smoked chicken, and more are introduced. However, opening at 11am every day, by around 2 pm, they are almost sold out too. Cold drinks like fruit juice with ice cream and banana-boat ice-cream are relatively in abundant supply.
The store also offers cakes, coffee, and red bean soup, one of the best-sellers.
The predecessor of Haifeng Restaurant was Haifeng Tea House, which officially started its business on February 6, 1946.
From the 1940s to the 1990s, Haifeng Restaurant was virtually the sole authentic Western-style restaurant in Hangzhou. Back then, it was situated at the intersection of Yan'an Road and Pinghai Road. Comparing with the Western cuisine on the second floor, which had a touch of luxury at that time, the cakes and breads on the first floor were more affordable options. The restaurant was closed in 2006.
For many locals, Haifeng was where they first tried Western pastries, ice creams, steaks and pastas. It was a spot for parents to introduce to their kids "foreign delicacies" and a trendy venue for young men and women to meet up for a date.
The first batch of patrons at Hifun Bakery primarily turned out to be senior citizens. "It's not just about indulging in food; it's about relishing the memories!" 60-year-old Ms. Zhang told Hangzhoufeel.