Ke Lao Er Pastry

Review

Ke Lao Er Pastry is on Section 6 of Zhongxiao East Road, just behind Exits 1 and 2 of MRT Kunyang Station, and has been baking in the Nangang area for more than 30 years. The front is a display and sales area with the bakery behind, so pastries are made and sold on site; locals buy them as snacks and many come specifically for gifts.

It is best known for Taiwanese egg tarts in original, coffee and maple flavours, with the original costing NT$50. The tarts are larger than usual, with a milky, soft and moist crust and a smooth, rich filling; some reviewers describe them as nearly twice the size of a normal egg tart. Chinese pastries cost about NT$35 to NT$70 each, and there are traditional treats such as pineapple cakes and garlic pastries, plus ready-packed gift boxes.

Reviewers widely praise the big size and smooth filling, with some calling it the best egg tart they have had, and others enjoying the sweet-savoury garlic pastry. Opinions differ, though: one blogger found it tasty but not especially memorable, worth buying if passing by, and some mention the service is not very warm. The crust is on the soft side, which may not suit those who prefer a crisp, flaky shell.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, long enough to stop by after work. Some reviewers mention hot tarts coming out around 9:30 a.m., but this depends on the day. The shop is right beside the Kunyang Station exit, so the MRT is easiest; it is mainly takeaway, and a short reheat in the oven at home improves the flavour.

It suits anyone looking for a local Nangang gift and office workers wanting something sweet on the way home. On a first visit, buy one original and one coffee tart to compare, and pick a mixed gift box for presents. The tarts are rich, so sharing one between two also works.