FOOD: Bach’s Bakery... Why are Germans so good at baking?

BACH'S BAKERY

Bach was one of the greatest composers of his time. Originally from Germany, and his music was layered with the beauty of a natural and tasteful symphony. It was just, genius. The same can be stated about the culinary arts; flavors which can be layered with the gastronomy of beauty when it comes to something done with love and care for the kind of art in baking.

The same point is true when the idea and concept was developed for Bach’s Bakery, a young-German with an entrepreneur spirit came to Changsha, Hunan (Uwe Brutzer) back in 2011 to start something unique for the Chinese and expat communities who wanted a taste of Germany. 

And yes! A taste that is unique and hits the soul with layers of flavors--which history and time made even better. Voila, fast-forward 13-years later, and Markus Hoffmuller has taken over the Bakery as the manager, and this idea hasn’t changed at all. It just improved over a decade; because those who work at the Bakery aren’t willing to sacrifice quality over quantity. 

There is a certain finesse when tasting a bread from Bach’s. Bach’s has gotten better with time, experience, and it’s done with heart: while still employing a German baker, Chinese personnel, which (the latter) in their majority are speaking and hearing impaired. And, they are all great at what they do! 

 What’s makes the German style of baking so good?

Germans have been honing their skills for centuries. Long before, it started in Italy with the Roman Empire, but it made its way into places like: Paris, London and the German cities/monasteries. The monks baked for the Abbeys, Churches, Nobles and Royal family households. Here was when the art of baking truly flourished in the Twelfth-Century throughout what is today Germany and especially, the country of Austria. Yes, it was the German and Austrian countries which developed unique treats, stylish and tasty concepts which presently and beautifully hit the spot in these contemporary times. 

Bach’s Bakery, after it surpassed a decade, it is still going strong with its manager, Markus. And one thing must be said about the Bakery and its delicious breads, a person can taste the quality, love and passion in every bite. Indeed. 

Coming from Brooklyn, New York, I always thought that the concept of pretzels came with the American taste buds. I later learned that, a New Yorker or visitor can taste great pretzels throughout the City, but it is Germany and its bakers who really have this true knack for these delicious-tasty goods. The pretzel is something which goes back in the culinary world some eight or nine-hundred years, but it is this truth when traveling into Germany and even Austria that one feels like he/she is tasting a true pretzel or loaf of bread for that matter. 

That is why, I recommend a visit to Bach’s Bakery; because with Markus, one gets nothing less than these awesome-gorgeous treats. The same happens when tasting their chocolate desserts, orange cakes, sesame kernel cakes, apple pies, apple crumble, and chocolate cheesecakes, etc. One can feel easily transported back to these countries and enjoying something that isn’t always available here in China. But here in Changsha it is quite special, and we are lucky to have such a concept which really moves expats and Chinese to go buy these wonderful breads, and to also enjoy their desserts.