Third Culture Bakery

Third Culture Bakery is a renowned bakery chain owned by Chef Sam Butarbutar and Wenter Shyu, who started the business in 2016 with a vision of inclusiveness, diversity, and acceptance. Their signature products, such as the Original Mochi Muffin and butter mochi donuts, are inspired by the founders' experiences as children who grew up in a culture different from their parents. The bakery's story began when Chef Sam and Winter fell in love and decided to start a business together. Initially, they sold their signature product, the Mochi Muffin, to only six wholesale coffee shops. However, the muffin became an instant cult hit, and the business rapidly expanded. In just a year, they were able to hire their first employee, and by 2018, they had grown to over 60 wholesale locations and a team of more than 20 full-time bakers, delivery drivers, retail associates, and managers. The inspiration behind Third Culture's signature products was the founders' love for the pastries they grew up with in Indonesia and Taiwan. Chef Sam based the Mochi Muffin on an Indonesian dessert that his mother used to make. The muffin features a slightly crunchy exterior and a chewy interior with deep brown butter, caramel, and coconut flavors. The bakery exclusively uses California-grown mochiko rice flour from Koda Farms, house-made coconut milk and pandan blend, and French-style butter to make the muffin. The bakers top it with black and white Japanese sesame seeds to give it a unique look. Apart from the Mochi Muffin, Third Culture Bakery offers a variety of culturally inspired drinks and desserts. The bakery has become a symbol of inclusivity and acceptance, and its founders continue to inspire many people with their vision and delicious creations.