Best Souvenirs from Taiwan and Where to Get Them
If you’re visiting Taiwan and wondering what souvenirs to bring home, this post is for you.
As a Taiwanese living in the US who travels back frequently, I’ve had years of experience picking out souvenirs for friends, co-workers, neighbors, and myself. I like to look for things that are authentic, practical, and hard to find elsewhere.
To help you decide what to bring home, here’s my personal list of the best souvenirs from Taiwan, along with where to buy them.
Best Souvenirs from Taiwan and Where to Get Them
Pineapple Cakes (鳳梨酥)
If you only bring home one food souvenir from Taiwan, make it pineapple cake! It’s the most famous and widely recognized Taiwanese treat.
With so many brands making pineapple cakes, it can be overwhelmingly hard to pick. Here are 5 of the most popular ones to consider.
ChiaTe (佳德)
In addition to their original pineapple flavor, they offer variations such as cranberry-pineapple and pineapple-egg yolk fillings. The cranberry-pineapple flavor is a favorite in our family!
I used to wait in long lines at their Taipei shop (see it on Google Maps) just to get a box, but now you can conveniently find them in convenience stores. While buying from convenience stores is a bit more expensive, it saves a lot of time and hassle.
If you’d rather order online and have them delivered to your hotel, you can visit their official website, where you’ll also find a variety of their other pastries.
SunnyHills (微熱山丘)
The brand’s pineapple cakes are made with Taiwanese “Tu Feng Li” (土鳳梨), a native variety of pineapple known for its naturally tart flavor.
If you prefer a less sweet, more tangy pineapple cake with a rich, fibrous filling, this is the brand to go for. Their crust is also more crumbly and buttery, making it stand out from other brands.
You can check out their official website for more info.
Taipei Leechi (台北犁記)
The bakery is known for its classic-style pineapple cakes, which have a slightly firmer crust and a well-balanced sweetness. Their filling is smooth and rich, offering a traditional taste that many locals love.
The bakery is conveniently located just across the street from the Suho Paper Museum, so if you are interested in learning about Taiwan’s unique paper-making history, you can include both in your itinerary.
Jiou Zhen Nan Bakery (舊振南餅店)
It is a historic Taiwanese bakery. Unlike some brands that use only pure pineapple, their filling is a blend of pineapple and winter melon paste (冬瓜醬), giving it a smoother texture and a more balanced sweetness.
Their pineapple cakes are pricier than other brands, but they make an excellent gift choice if you want something special for important people. I personally think it’s worth the price when you’re looking for a high-quality, well-presented gift.
You can often find Jiou Zhen Nan locations inside department stores. Here is the link to their official website.
Pan’s Cake (小潘蛋糕坊)
It is a well-loved bakery known for its affordable and delicious pineapple cakes. While they offer the classic version, their “鳳凰酥” (pineapple cake with salted egg yolk filling) is well-known. The combination of sweet pineapple filling and savory salted egg yolk creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Pan’s Cake has two store locations in New Taipei City (see Google Maps), but I just get them from 7-Eleven. The quality remains just as good, and I love that I can grab a box without making a special trip.
This is definitely one of my favorite pineapple cakes among all the brands I have tried, and I always recommend it to friends who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
There are many more brands of pineapple cake that I have yet to try! If you’re unsure which brand to buy, 7-Eleven often carries individual pieces from different bakeries (like the photo above). It’s a great way to buy one or two pieces from each brand and decide which one you like the most!
Sun Cake (太陽餅)
Just as popular as pineapple cake, sun cake is a flaky, sweet pastry that originated in Taichung. Its light, buttery layers and malt sugar filling make it a favorite treat and a great souvenir.
Taiwanese Tea
Some of the most well-known Taiwanese teas include:
- High Mountain Oolong (高山烏龍茶) – Grown in high-altitude regions like Alishan, Lishan, and Shanlinxi.
- Oriental Beauty Tea (東方美人茶) – A lightly fermented oolong with a honey-like sweetness, famously named by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Tieguanyin (鐵觀音) – A bold and heavily roasted oolong with a deep, nutty flavor and a lingering aftertaste.
- Sun Moon Lake Black Tea (日月潭紅茶) – A premium black tea grown in Nantou County, known for its malty, rich taste and resemblance to Assam tea.
- Dong Ding Oolong (凍頂烏龍茶) – One of Taiwan’s most famous oolong teas, grown in Lugu Township, Nantou County.
If you plan to go to a tea-growing region such as Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, or Pinglin, stop by local tea farms or tea houses to buy directly from the source. Many offer tea tastings so you can sample before you decide.
Below are several popular tea shops in Taipei based on their Google reviews:
Nougat (牛軋糖）
If you’re looking for something sweet and chewy, nougat is a great choice. Unlike the harder European-style nougat, Taiwanese nougat is softer, creamier, and packed with nuts like almonds or peanuts.
You’ll find many flavors to try, from classic milk nougat to modern variations like cranberry, matcha, black sesame, and coffee. Sugar & Spice (糖村) is one of the most famous brands, known for its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Another popular variation is nougat crackers (牛軋餅), which sandwich a layer of creamy nougat between two crispy, savory crackers. The sweet and salty combination makes it extra addictive, and it has become just as popular as traditional nougat.
Nougat crackers are one of my favorite snacks from Taiwan—I love the mix of textures and flavors, and I always make sure to bring some home. If you’re looking for a snack with more crunch, they are a must-try!
Chih－shang Rice Crackers (池上米餅)
If you’re looking for a light, crispy, and not-too-sweet snack, these rice crackers are a great souvenir to bring home.
Made from high-quality rice grown in Chihshang, Taitung (台東池上鄉）in the eastern part of Taiwan, these crackers have a delicate crunch and a subtle rice aroma that makes them addictive. They come in various flavors, including salt & pepper, seaweed, and quinoa.
These rice crackers are my son’s favorite. I always order them in bulk and stock up before we return to the U.S., so he can enjoy them all year until our next trip next summer. You can find them in supermarkets, souvenir shops, and convenience stores.
Kavalan Whiskey (噶瑪蘭威士忌)
If you’re interested in bringing home a premium Taiwanese whisky, Kavalan is an internationally acclaimed brand that has garnered numerous awards for its exceptional quality.
In addition to convenience stores and supermarkets, you can buy Kavalan Whiskey from the airport’s duty-free shops for your convenience.
For an even more immersive experience, visit the Kavalan Distillery in Yilan, where you can learn about the whisky-making process, join a tasting session, and purchase exclusive editions. For more details on their products and store locations, check out Kavalan’s official website.
Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor (金門高粱酒)
This is another well-known Taiwanese spirit.
Distilled from sorghum (高粱）, this strong, aromatic liquor originates from Kinmen, an island off Taiwan’s coast. With an alcohol content ranging from 38% to 58%, it has a bold, distinctive flavor that locals appreciate.
If you want to try this locally loved, high-proof liquor, this is a great souvenir to bring home. You can find it in liquor stores, supermarkets, and duty-free shops at the airport.
Taiwanese Instant Noodles (台灣泡麵)
Taiwanese instant noodles come in a wide variety of unique flavors, making them a fun and easy souvenir to bring home.
One of my favorites is Huadiao Chicken Noodles (台酒花雕雞泡麵), which has a deep, aromatic broth infused with Huadiao wine (花雕酒）, giving it a rich and savory taste.
For something more nostalgic, Prince Noodles (王子麵) is a classic Taiwanese instant noodle that has been around for decades. It’s unique because you can eat it cooked or dry as a crunchy snack—Just crush the noodles inside the packet before opening it, sprinkle the seasoning, and enjoy!
Performance Wear/High Tech Apparel (機能衣）
Did you know that Taiwan is one of the world’s top producers of high-performance fabrics?
Once a hub for traditional garment/textile manufacturing, Taiwan has transformed into a leader in performance wear and technical apparel, supplying innovative, high-tech fabrics to global sports and outdoor brands.
If you love outdoor adventures, fitness, or just comfortable everyday wear, you’ll appreciate the breathable, moisture-wicking, UV-protective, and water-resistant fabrics made in Taiwan.
Some great Taiwanese performance-wear brands to check out (and links to their official sites):
- Eversmile – Known for its eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics, this brand specializes in functional outdoor and sportswear made with non-toxic, high-performance materials.
- Aroak – A rising Taiwanese brand that focuses on lightweight, water-resistant, and breathable apparel, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Verve – A favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering high-quality compression wear, cycling gear, and training apparel designed for durability and comfort.
- UV100 – Specialized in UV-protective clothes and hats.
The brands above offer online shopping, so you can have your order shipped to your hotel or a nearby convenience store for pickup. You can also explore other brands in sportswear stores or department stores.
Boba Tea-Themed Trinkets
Taiwan is the birthplace of boba (bubble) tea, and while you can’t bring home the actual drink, you can take home some fun bubble tea-themed souvenirs instead.
My son picked up this cute keychain from a convenience store during our last visit. He hooks it onto his school backpack and often gets compliments from his classmates!
Designed EasyCard (造型悠遊卡）
EasyCards come in a variety of unique shapes, sizes, and themed designs, making them more than just a transportation card—they’re also popular collectibles, even among locals.
You’ll find these cute EasyCards near the cashier counter at convenience stores, featuring fun designs like characters and animals.
Indigo Dyeing Fabrics (藍染）
This traditional craft dates back to the 17th century, when indigo plants were introduced during the Dutch colonial period. By the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan’s indigo dye industry was thriving, with handmade textiles becoming a major export.
Today, while modern fabrics have replaced large-scale production, indigo dyeing has made a comeback as an art form, and you can experience it for yourself.
If you’re looking for a hands-on cultural experience, why not try an indigo dyeing DIY workshop and create your own one-of-a-kind souvenir? Here are some popular places to give it a try (linked to their official websites):
- The CAN (三峽文創）
- Joye Indigo Dyeing House (卓也藍染)
- 貓裏客家學苑 －This is where our family went and had a wonderful experience.
Ceramics And Pottery From Yingge (鶯歌陶瓷）
Yingge District in New Taipei City is renowned for its handmade pottery. If you’re planning a visit (check out my in-depth article about Yingge)), it’s the perfect place to browse for unique ceramic souvenirs.
Even better, you can join a pottery workshop and create your own keepsake to take home. I attended this workshop and it was lots of fun!
Final Thoughts
To recap, these are the items that are worth picking up during your trip to Taiwan:
- Pineapple cakes
- Sun cake
- Taiwanese tea
- Nougat
- Rice crackers
- Kavalan Whiskey
- Kinmen Kaoliang
- Taiwanese instant noodles
- Performance wear/high-tech apparel
- Boba tea-themed trinkets
- Designed EasyCards
- Indigo Dyeing fabrics
- Ceramics and pottery from Yingge
I hope this post is helpful to you!
