Scallion Bread (Chinese: 蔥花麵包; pinyin: Cōng Hūa Mìan Bāo) is a popular snack in Taiwan, commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item or a light snack. Characterised by its green onion topping and use of traditional lard, this bread has a soft, fluffy texture and a distinctive aroma and can be found in bakeries across Taiwan.[1]
History
Taiwanese bread-making has its roots in the post-Japanese colonial era.[2] During this time, some local bakeries embraced Western influences while others remained true to traditional flavours. Bread did not gain significant popularity in Taiwan, a rice-dominated culture, until after World War II and the Korean War.[3] The presence of the U.S. military in Taiwan led to the establishment of bread baking training programmes, as American soldiers were unaccustomed to local steamed buns.[4] During that time, resources were scarce, so the ingredients for bread were mostly locally available items, which led to the creation of the scallion bread.[5] Packed with green onions and traditional lard seasoning—both staples in Taiwanese cuisine—the scallions develop a charred fragrance when baked at high temperatures, while the brushed egg wash forms a crispy edge.[6][7]
