Pets are all the rage in Taiwan, but not everyone can take care of an animal of their own. Well, for all you empty-nested cat lovers, we have a treat. A bakery in Taipei serves up loaves of cat bread that will melt your heart. Let''s find out why the chef decided to take up baking.
Pink and green kitty loaves with pointy ears and rotund cheeks, faces painted on in chocolate. Too cute to eat. One bite and a chocolate-infused matcha scent fills the room.
Cocoa dough is cut into face and ears. No rolling pin here, just light kneading to get out the bubbles.
Chocolate chips are rolled up inside in layers. The pink flavor has strawberry chocolate.
Wang Hsin-hui
Bakery owner
We tried a rolling pin at first. But it made the dough roll up at the edges. So we scrapped the rolling pin and we knead it instead.
The dough is carefully placed inside the kitty mold, and left for the yeast to expand before it''s baked.
But a cat-shaped loaf isn''t as simple to put in the oven as a square one. Even that needed a smart solution.
They have to be turned over to get an even bake.
And with a tap, the colorful kittens are out of the oven.
Not many would guess, restaurateur Wang Hsin-hui is also a cellist. Here she is performing with her daughter, who was the original inspiration for the cat bread.
Wang Hsin-hui
Restaurant owner
I slowly worked out what she was allergic to. Some additives cause it. Yeah, so I''d make things myself. And then if eating something made her break out in a rash, then I''d know: That has additives in it.
Wang''s quick hands turned fluidly from bow to kitchen. Seven years after she invented the popular kitty bread, this mama''s just getting started.
