Today we’d like to introduce you to Wan-Shu Lu.
Hi Wan-Shu, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve loved baking since I was a teenager. Whenever I visited Taiwan, I would always come home with boxes of pastries to share with family and friends.
The Taiwanese pineapple cake has a special place in my heart. Every time I visited my father in Taiwan, we would take a walk through his neighborhood and stop at a well-known pineapple cake shop nearby for tea and pastries. Those quiet afternoons together became one of my favorite traditions, and this iconic Taiwanese treat now brings back many cherished memories whenever I bake it.
During the COVID years, when travel was restricted, I found myself missing those familiar flavors, so I started recreating my favorite Taiwanese treats at home.
As I researched traditional recipes, I also began experimenting with monk fruit and allulose to reduce the sugar content, allowing me to enjoy these pastries with a little less guilt. Around the same time, I discovered the beauty of colorful spiral cakes made with natural fruit and vegetable powders. Their vibrant swirls made them both delicious and eye-catching, and they quickly became a favorite whenever I served them at gatherings.
Since there are very few places in the Portland area that offer authentic Taiwanese pastries, I thought it would be wonderful to introduce these flavors to the community. That’s how Sugar & Flake was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any new business, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Taiwanese pastries are still relatively unfamiliar to many people here, so introducing them often takes extra time, conversation, and education. Many customers have never heard of pineapple cakes or spiral pastries before, so I enjoy sharing the stories and traditions behind them.
I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to receive support from so many people along the way—from those who helped me navigate the process of building a licensed bakery and becoming a vendor at the Beaverton Farmers Market, to adventurous customers who were willing to try something new. Their kind words, encouragement, and enthusiasm have meant so much to me and remind me why I started this journey. I truly appreciate every step that has brought me here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sugar & Flake specializes in handcrafted Taiwanese pastries made with quality ingredients and a modern touch. I began by offering my signature colorful spiral cakes and floral cakes, which make beautiful dessert centerpieces and often become conversation starters at gatherings.
Later, I introduced Taiwanese pineapple cakes—one of Taiwan’s most iconic pastries and a favorite souvenir for both locals and visitors. Most recently, I added traditional old-fashioned Taiwanese Castella cakes, a soft, fluffy cake that has been one of my childhood favorites.
Every pastry I make represents a piece of Taiwan’s food culture. My goal is not only to share delicious desserts, but also to introduce the stories, traditions, and memories behind them.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is sharing culture through food. Every pastry has a story, and every traditional recipe represents generations of memories and craftsmanship. Because these flavors may be new to many people, we offer generous samples at the farmers market so visitors can discover them without hesitation.
Some of my favorite moments are seeing someone try a Taiwanese pastry for the first time and watching their face light up. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, creating conversations, and connecting different cultures. If Sugar & Flake can help someone discover a new favorite treat while learning a little about Taiwan, then I feel I’ve accomplished something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sugarandflake.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarandflake
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarAndFlake/
