The travels of the little red cloth bag

That little red cloth bag. It’s a common site at the check-in counter at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport. Usually filled to its brim with sweet goodness from the CNMI’s very own Herman’s Modern Bakery. This bag, whether it’s a gift for family overseas, or a delicious souvenir, you are sure to get a glimpse of somewhere on that airport trolley or in bags as both visitors and former and current residents depart Saipan.

As someone who had the privilege to travel around for several years myself, I cannot deny the staple that is Herman’s Modern Bakery bread. Of the 13 countries I’ve visited, five of which I lived in, you can’t quite find an equal match to the bread we CNMI locals have been raised with. It’s the color, taste, and texture that over the span of 80 years, has adorned our breakfast tables on a daily basis, been our party potluck on a tight budget, and has even earned a special spot on our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables.

As many CNMI residents have relocated over the years, no matter the reason, whenever coming for a visit to their hometown, it has become a tradition, and for some a mandatory practice, to get some warm Herman’s Modern Bakery bread before leaving. It’s just something in that recipe that no matter where we are, a bite will bring us back home. Nostalgia to carefree times, laughter with friends, and family prayer around a meager but meaningful table. Herman’s Modern Bakery helped provide that transporting flavor.

When I returned to Saipan, during my many trips, I recognized that this was not just the sensation of one person but many individuals, especially those who live away from the CNMI. I’d observe that to “Get Herman’s” was a part of the checklist before departing. Whether it’s personal, or on a special request for a grandma, an uncle, or a parent staying abroad.

In light of Herman’s Modern Bakery turning 80, I reached out to some former residents of Saipan, currently living away, to share what makes Herman’s Modern Bakery bread so special to them.

“I grew up with Herman’s Modern Bakery sweet bread. In my household, it was a staple. It was something that we’ve always had with our morning coffee or even just as a snack,” said Liana Louis. “When I visit, I do plan on bringing bread back home with me. I left Saipan September 2019, and I currently stay in Yigo, Guam.”

She shared that Herman’s Modern Bakery bread is unique in terms of taste and texture.

“There’s really nothing like it here. In Guam, the bread is not the same. There’s really just nothing like something that you grew up with. There’s really no competition. When you know it’s good it’s good.”

She shared that for her Herman’s Modern Bakery’s bread was inviting, fresh, and nostalgic. “I believe that Herman’s Modern Bakery offers much more than just bread and pastry to the community. There’s a friendship, a camaraderie, a feeling of family, and that’s really the feeling that you get when you visit the shop or the bakery. You feel like it’s home. It’s a place where you can depend on, that what you’re looking for in the bread, is there.”

Louis shared that her experience at Herman’s Modern Bakery has always been satisfying. “I do have a lot of fond memories growing up with Herman’s Modern Bakery.” She shared that, aside from the bread, she and her family would get sweets for their peers.

“We’re always getting birthday cakes there. We’re getting pastries for friends, for teachers. There are so many memories that I have from there. Specifically, aside from being on the receiving end…it’s being able to ask them to design a cake that I want for my family and friends and being able to give it and see the reaction. It’s one of the funniest, best feelings ever. “

Sherese Saures Apat is another CNMI resident living abroad and she shared her fondest memories of Herman’s Modern Bakery.

“I can remember when I was just a little girl of how I grew up eating Herman’s Modern Bakery baked goods. I would always see my grandparents, parents, and family buy it almost every week and we would have it on our kitchen table ready to be devoured every time.”

Apat, who also now resides in Guam, shared that it has been six years, since she relocated, and she still hasn’t quite found that direct match to Herman’s Modern Bakery’s bread.

“There’s no bakery I’ve found here where I reside that’s even close to the childhood Herman’s Modern Bakery bread that I’m familiar with, nothing comes close to how tasty Herman’s baked goods are. That’s why every chance I get, whether family members come visit or if I ever traveled again to Saipan, it’s a must for me to get Herman’s Bakery goods. It’s just so good and worth getting every time. “

“Herman’s Bakery not only offers the community awesome baked goods but they have been serving the community since 1944. They have really put in the effort, and together with their quality recipes, their baked goods are still the best until this day!” Apat shared. “ I love it. It’s just always been that good. I will always remember and cherish how it made my childhood memories more fun and memorable. I can say I won’t stop eating Herman’s Modern Bakery goods because it has always been unique!”

And, so if you ask me, the travels of the little red cloth bag will continue. Thank you, Herman’s Modern Bakery for staying true to the taste and textures that many of us grew up with. A bite that, no matter where we are, will always bring us back home. Happy 80th anniversary Herman’s Modern Bakery.