From Harbin to Sydney — The Story Behind Our Honey Cake
People sometimes ask us:
“Why does a Chinese baker make Russian Honey Cake?”
The answer begins many years ago, in my hometown of Harbin, in northern China — a city with a unique connection to Russian culture and history, once known as the “Little Moscow of the East.”
Growing up in Harbin, Russian influences were part of the city around me. But for me, the most meaningful connection was much more personal.
My mother had a Russian friend from Moscow who would often visit our home. Sometimes, she would bring us a homemade Russian Honey Cake.
As a child, I didn’t know much about where the cake came from or the tradition behind it. I simply remembered the experience — the delicate layers, the gentle aroma of honey, the soft cream, and most importantly, the warmth of family and friendship that came with it.
Years later, I made my home in Sydney, Australia.
When I decided to start a food business of my own, I thought about what I truly wanted to make. My mind returned to those childhood memories in Harbin — and Russian Honey Cake was the first thing I thought of.
That memory became the beginning of Royal Sweet House.
Today, every Honey Cake we make is carefully handcrafted, layer by layer. For us, it is more than simply a dessert. It represents a journey across cultures and generations — from a friendship in Harbin, to a childhood memory, and finally to a small bakery in Sydney.
A cake that began with friendship.
A flavour carried through memory.
From Harbin to Sydney, this is our story.
