Walking around the corner of Tainan's East District, if you happen upon an alleyway, you will discover a quiet yet charming Japanese-style doughnut shop nestled in a traditional courtyard—maki doughnut.
The exterior retains the feel of an old house with no overly exaggerated design, yet it immediately draws you in, inviting you to step into this somewhat reserved, slow-paced micro-universe.
Inside the glass case, individual doughnuts are arranged, silently awaiting customers' selection. Watching the staff patiently introduce the flavors to patrons, you can feel a sense of "dedication and meticulousness."
Today, Phoenixes had the pleasure of interviewing Maki Doughnut's owner, Maki.
Q1: We heard you previously worked and studied desserts in Japan. Could you share a bit about that experience?
Maki: Yes, I lived in Japan for about three or four years, primarily working and learning in doughnut shops and cafés.
Before that, I had no baking background in Taiwan; I started completely from scratch. That period taught me a lot and solidified my desire to open my own dessert shop.
Q2: Is there a special story behind the "Maki Doughnut" logo?
Maki: The dog in the logo is actually my former pet, but it passed away while I was in Japan learning desserts.
The doughnut above the dog represents an "angelic halo"—it's a form of commemoration and symbolizes the starting point of the whole store.
Maki Doughnut selects Japanese imported coffee beans for brewing. For their coffee packaging, they use the "Phoenixes Paper Lid Film" for sealing, instead of the common plastic film or cup lids. This small choice reveals Maki's attentiveness.
Maki: When I first saw other shops using Phoenixes' coffee paper film, I thought it was beautiful and unique. Moreover, many people in Tainan ride scooters, and regular plastic-lidded cups are prone to tipping over or spilling on a scooter. So, I wanted to find a more secure method.
After contacting Phoenixes, I learned that the paper film is applied with a sealing machine. I thought it looked great and had a high-quality feel.
After actual use, customer feedback has been excellent. Many people seeing it for the first time exclaim, "Wow, that's so special and considerate!" because the paper sealing film is spill-proof, clean, and aesthetically pleasing.
The artistic, refined texture of the paper film perfectly complements the shop's Japanese atmosphere and aligns with the "quiet yet flavorful" vibe they aim to convey.
Maki: Sometimes, customers notice these details and are even pleasantly surprised, saying, "This coffee packaging really suits the feel of this shop!"
That feeling of having my effort noticed makes me believe that choosing Phoenixes' paper sealing film was a decision that added significant value!
PH-989H Paper Cup Sealer
This desktop sealing machine is specially designed for coffee shops, light meal vendors, and modern beverage industries. It utilizes innovative single-sheet paper cup sealing technology, which, unlike traditional roll-film sealers, effectively prevents plastic film waste.
Q3: Is there anything about its usage that you would genuinely recommend?
Maki: Operation is very simple; you just place the cup and it seals. There’s no need for much adjustment, and there is no wastage from film scraps. Since I opened the shop, the paper sealing film has had virtually no failure issues. It works well for both hot and cold drinks, with a success rate of over 95%!
Q4: How do you feel this type of packaging helps the overall impression of your brand or product?
Maki: Besides being visually appealing at first glance, it elevates the "perceived value" of the entire beverage. Our coffee, using Japanese beans, is priced slightly higher, but when customers see the exquisite and thoughtful packaging, they feel the price is reasonable.
Beyond its good looks, it is also simple and convenient to use. For a small shop, these small details in coffee packaging actually help us and provide extra value to the customer.
Q5: If you had to describe Maki Doughnut in one sentence, what would you want customers to remember?
Maki: I want everyone to not only find the doughnuts delicious but also to feel our "warmth and thoughtfulness." Many people say our packaging, service, and atmosphere make them feel comfortable. As long as I can make customers feel well-cared-for, I believe it's all worth it.
Perhaps, the next time you pass through Tainan, step into this small, beautiful courtyard. Order a Japanese doughnut and take away a cup of Japanese-imported coffee sealed with the paper film.
You will discover that maki doughnut is a gentle spot where one can slow down and truly take a breath.
IG：makidoughnut
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