My Favorite Pineapple Cake Is From Din Tai Fung
Every summer during my time in Taipei, I see pineapple cakes show up in convenience stores starting late July.
In addition to the individually wrapped pineapple cake from a variety of brands, there are also gift boxes strategically placed near the check out counter.
Pineapple cake is a popular gift among Taiwanese people during holidays and festivals. In preparation for Mid-Autumn Festival in September, bakeries start sending out big batches of pineapple cakes in the middle of the summer, so people can buy them for friends, family, and business associates.
Over the years my favorite pineapple cake brands have been Chia Te (佳德), Pan’s Bakery (小潘), and Jiu Zhen Nan (舊振南).
And most recently, my most favorite pineapple cake comes from Din Tai Fung.
A couple of years ago, I was at my parents’ place and saw a box of Din Tai Fung pineapple cake on the kitchen counter. I didn’t expect much, as Din Tai Fung is best known for its Xiao long bao, not for pastries.
However, after trying 1 piece of pineapple cake, I became a fan.
The crust is soft and crumbly, which is what won me over. A lot of pineapple cakes have a crust that’s thick and firm, but this one is very unique. It’s buttery, a little sweet, with just enough salt to balance it out. The filling tastes like actual pineapple without much added flavor. You can feel the fibers of the fruit, and the sweetness and tartness are just right.
My dad is particular about food. He cares about eating healthy, so before he buys anything, he makes sure it’s made with natural ingredients from sources he trusts. When I found out he was the one who bought the box, that told me something. If my dad approves, I know I can trust it!
People think of Din Tai Fung as high-end and expensive, and the food there can be. But the price of the pineapple cake is very reasonable. Around NT$43 a piece, it’s actually cheaper than some of the other well known brands.
Din Tai Fung has always been a restaurant we have to eat at. Now it’s not just the restaurant anymore. It’s the pineapple cake too. Two things I love, tied to the same name!
These days, when I go back to Taiwan for the summer, I make it a point to eat at Din Tai Fung at least once. And a day or two before I fly back to the US, I go again and buy several boxes to bring back with me to the US. Some for gifts, some for myself.
If you’re planning to eat at Din Tai Fung while you’re in Taipei, grab a box of pineapple cake on your way out. You might end up becoming a fan, just like me.
