Begin by dissolving 1 tablespoon of sugar in 1 cup of warm water in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast over the surface. Allow the mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active, about 5-10 minutes.
In a different mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour with 1 tablespoon of salt, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed.
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to it. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the flour mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 6-8 minutes until the bread dough is smoother and more elastic, which will contribute to the chewy texture of the bread.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the dough with oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf of bread and place it onto a greased baking sheet. Cover it with plastic wrap loosely and let it rise again until it puffs up, about 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
After baking, transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let the bread cool completely. This step is crucial as it allows the structure to set and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.