By Stephen Stirling
Opened in 1990, the small bakery quickly became a hit among local residents for its overall quality and low prices. Since then the eatery has expanded and also opened two new locations in Manhattan's Chinatown. Owner Louis Chang said it is no surprise that the bakery's philosophy brought it so much success over the last 17 years. “The most important thing is service and quality,” Chang said. “Everything is fresh. We make everything in the morning and throw it out at night.”Chang's bakery, located at 37-25 Main St., has developed a loyal following over the last two decades, and several of its customers go out of their way to get one of their delicious and inexpensive baked goods. Patty Winton, a 53-year-old mother of three who has lived in Flushing for more than 20 years, said she can't even remember how long she's been coming to Tai-Pan. “Oh, it must be more than 20 years now,” Winton said. “I'm addicted to their little cakes. They're the best in the city as far as I'm concerned.” Mai-Lin Huang, 27, has lived in Flushing all her life and said she used to come to the bakery after school as a child. “I come back now because it's the best,” she said. “There's nothing else like it in Flushing, nothing compares.” Tai-Pan offers an array of traditional Chinese baked goods at low prices, but doesn't stop there. Every day the bakery cooks up delicacies from across the world, including German cheesecake and Portuguese custard, and also serves hot lunch foods such as noodle soups and breakfast sandwiches.Tai-Pan Bakery is more than affordable on any budget. Many of their individual cakes are on sale for less than a dollar, and very few items on their menu go over the $5 mark. The bakery is one of the oldest businesses in the new downtown district, a symptom of the success that several business owners have found in the area over the last 25 years. Chang said he expects the success of the business to carry over well into the future because their simple philosophy is one customers will continue to return. “We treat our customers good, with service and quality,” he said. For more information on Tai-Pan bakery or its daily hours, call 718-888-1111. Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
