On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival in 1955, Mr. Chiang Kai-shek, who was then residing at the Shilin Official Residence, was on his way to Beitou for a hot spring bath when he noticed a crowd gathered outside the Kuo Yuan Ye store. Curious about the bustling scene, he asked his chief bodyguard to buy some pastries. After tasting them, the President was immediately captivated by their flavor. Madame Soong Mei-ling was equally impressed and continued to savor their taste, eventually designating them as official diplomatic gifts.
The secret to the deliciousness of these iced mooncakes lies in the use of precious lard, which makes the crust extra crispy and aromatic. Combined with the master baker’s exceptional dough-rolling skills, the result is a beautifully layered, flaky pastry. The filling is soft and delicate, with a snow-like texture, creating a treat that has upheld its century-old reputation.