Unlike many of Taipei's bakeries that fill their window displays with birthday cakes, breads of differing appearances and pastries of all shapes, the huge glass facade of the Wendel Backerei & Cafe reveals little of the expert baking that takes place within.
The German-style bakery is so unlike many of the city's more ostentatious bakeries in fact, that you could quite easily amble past without noticing it at all. That would be a shame if you enjoy baked goods.
PHOTO: GAVIN PHIPPS, TAIPEI TIMES
For the past two years, German national, Michael Wendel, has been baking up a smorgasbord of some of the most authentic Europe breads, including rye, grain, pumpkin and pumpernickel, rolls, cakes, pies and pretzels to be found in Taipei.
"I don't make my bread or cakes to suit local tastes," Wendel said. "I make sure they're all authentic." By authentic, Wendel means the breads aren't loaded with sugar and other sweeteners, which is one of the main reasons behind his bakery's popularity.
Wendel's store is also popular as a very reasonably-priced European-style bistro, offering diners a choice of savory German fare, such as smoked pork loin, roast chicken, Nurnberger sausage, Frankfurters, mashed potatoes and, of course, sauerkraut.
With set meals ranging in price from NT$110 to NT$260, dining at Wendel's certainly won't break the bank. What could give diners a dilemma, however, is choosing a dessert.
Along with such German staples as Black Forest cake, apple cake, Linzer torte and butter cake, there are countless other yummy pastries, pies and cakes to confound any sweet-toothed diner.
While there is little in the way of interior decor to the Wendel Backerei & Cafe, patrons are afforded a pleasant and airy environment in which to dine on simple and hearty German cuisine. The menu also includes several pasta dishes (NT$100 to NT$120) and submarine sandwiches (NT$90 to NT$110).
In addition to baking up a daily selection of rolls, breads and pastries, Wendel will prepare special breads and bulk orders on request -- should the ingredients be available.
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