【柳川 や】 is a charming Japanese-style bakery tucked away in the alleys of Taichung’s West District. Housed in a 50-year-old traditional Japanese home, the bakery exudes a cozy, minimalist aesthetic. It was founded in 2017 by artisan baker Chef Eric Lin.
One of the shop’s most eye-catching features is the giant polo bun sculpture displayed on its rooftop, drawing in countless visitors who come to snap photos and share them online.
【柳川 や】is known for its dedication to quality, using premium ingredients such as Okumoto flour and Japan’s Hoshino natural yeast. Signature items include the classic polo bun, Hoshino salted shio pan, Hokkaido condensed milk & pork floss bun, and the rich, buttery milk toast. Every item is handmade with precision, attracting long queues of eager customers daily—making this bakery a must-visit destination for bread lovers in Taichung.
In 2021, Chef Eric published 【柳川 や波羅，星野酵母的熟成美味】, in 2022【柳川や吐司！隔夜酵種的完美烘焙：排隊名店師傅艾力克的職人吐司書】, in 2024 【千層可頌的秘密：在家實現法式美味！】by chef Eric & chef Edison.
【柳川 や波羅，星野酵母的熟成美味】is the first recipe book that uses Hoshino natural yeast in an all-round way by a Taiwanese chef in Taiwan. Also his bakery achieved a record of daily sales of 2,000 Hoshino polo bun, & Famous IG check-in store with 10-month continuous daily queuing record.
And located in the West District of Taiwan Taichung City, 【 木木 や 】is the second store opened by chef Eric in 2024. Housed in a beautifully renovated two-story home with over 50 years of history, the space retains its vintage architectural charm while incorporating modern design elements, creating a cozy and artistic dining atmosphere.
【 木木 や 】offers not only thoughtfully crafted brunch dishes, but also operates as a bakery specializing in mille-feuille croissants. With more than ten flavors available, each croissant is carefully handmade using premium French butter and Hoshino natural yeast, resulting in a crisp, multi-layered texture and unique flavor.
One of the shop's most iconic features is the golden croissant sculpture displayed on the rooftop—an eye-catching installation that blends baking with art, quickly turning【 木木 や 】into a popular spot for social media photos in Taichung.
Signature products:
Hoshino Polo Bun, Shio Pan, Lava Salted egg Custard Pastry, galette des Rois, viennoiserie series breads…
Industry experience:
美香齋烘焙坊／朋廚烘培坊／山琳有限公司產品代言人／日本星野酵母研習／日本奧本製粉研習／日本鳥越製粉研習／CCFM sheeter demo in Taipei In’l Bakery Show
Teaching experience:
橙品手作／禾沐生活學苑／36號烘焙廚藝／烘焙灶咖動手做甜點／朵雲烘焙廚坊／Amber 手造／Happi2gather Ltd. (HK)／Cebu Cardinal Bakeshop (Philippine)／Casamiel Bakery (China) / Heavenly Sweet Academy (Jakarta Indonesia) / Trio Baking Studio (KL Malaysia) / SAAC-Realie Studio (Singapore)