The Perfect Keepsakes from Your Trip
One of the best parts of traveling is finding the perfect souvenir to bring home that captures the essence of your journey. In Taiwan, this is easy to do. From delicious local treats to beautifully crafted goods and quirky, uniquely Taiwanese items, this island is full of memorable souvenirs waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re hunting for gifts for loved ones or just want a little piece of Taiwan to keep for yourself, this guide rounds up the must-buy souvenirs that reflect the culture, flavors, and creativity of the country. Get ready to fill your suitcase with things you’ll actually be excited to bring home.
Where to Buy in Taiwan?
Taiwan Must Buy Souvenirs and Snacks
Supermarkets (e.g., PX Mart, Carrefour, Simple Mart): For snacks and everyday souvenirs at local prices.
Souvenir Shops (e.g., Eslite, Chia Te Bakery): Great for gift-ready packaging.
Cultural Streets (e.g., Dihua Street): Ideal for handmade and heritage items.
Convenience Store: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life
Where to Buy Food in Taiwan?
Locals go to the supermarket to buy daily necessities. Locals occasionally go to convenience stores to buy food, but the prices are relatively expensive. If you don’t need the brand of the food, you can buy most products at Carrefour and PX Mart. Some Carrefour stores in Taipei are open 24 hours a day or until 1am. Most PX Marts are open until 11 pm. Therefore, you can use a few evenings to check out the food items and buy the ones you like.
Popular Snacks and Souvenirs to Bring Home – By Category
What are the GOOD or MUST BUY in Taiwan?
Before you buy, always check whether your country allows you to bring these items. For example, no one is allowed to bring any meat into Taiwan, but you can take it out of the country.
Famous Taiwanese Snacks & Treats
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery Service (Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup
▼ Pineapple Cakes 鳳梨酥: Pineapple cakes are arguably Taiwan’s most famous souvenir, beloved for their rich, buttery crust and sweet, tangy pineapple filling. Traditionally shaped like little golden bricks, these bite-sized pastries strike the perfect balance between fruity and flaky — and they pair beautifully with a cup of Taiwanese tea.
What makes them extra special is their cultural symbolism. In Taiwanese, the word for pineapple (“ong-lai”) sounds like “prosperity comes”, making these cakes a popular gift during holidays and celebrations. You’ll find them in elegant gift boxes at specialty bakeries like Chia Te, SunnyHills, and Lee Cake, often with variations that include winter melon, salted egg yolk, or even mochi for a fun twist.
▼ Iron Eggs 鐵蛋: Iron Eggs, or “tie dan”, are a unique Taiwanese delicacy originally from Tamsui, a historic port town just outside Taipei. These dark, glossy eggs are made by repeatedly stewing and air-drying chicken or quail eggs in a spiced soy-based broth. The process gives them a chewy, rubbery texture and an intensely savory flavor that’s packed with umami.
Don’t let their tough exterior fool you. Iron Eggs are deeply flavorful, and their rich taste makes them a popular snack for adventurous eaters and locals alike. They’re also shelf-stable, making them a quirky and conversation-starting souvenir to take home. You can find them in vacuum-packed bags at Tamsui shops, Taipei’s souvenir stores, and even convenience stores. If you’re into bold flavors and trying local snacks that are a little off the beaten path, Iron Eggs are a must.
▼ Instant Noodles 泡麵: If you’re looking to bring home a taste of Taiwan that’s both easy to pack and big on flavor, look no further than Taiwanese instant noodles. Known for their rich broths, chewy noodles, and creative toppings, these instant meals have become a cult favorite among foodies and not just in Asia!
From braised beef noodles (紅燒牛肉麵) with real chunks of tender meat to spicy sesame dry noodles and even vegetarian herbal soup varieties, Taiwan’s instant noodle game is on another level. Many come with dehydrated vegetables, flavorful oils, and thick soup bases that mimic traditional Taiwanese noodle dishes.
Popular local brands include Uni-President (統一), Wei Lih (維力), and TTL (Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor) — the latter even offers noodles with a splash of rice wine in the seasoning pack. Whether you’re a ramen collector or just want a quick, comforting meal that reminds you of Taiwan, these noodles make for an affordable, satisfying souvenir.
▼ Vegan Instant Noodle 素飄香:
Taiwan is a vegetarian paradise, with a wide variety of vegetarian instant noodles available, perfect for travelers who want a delicious, satisfying meal quickly without compromising on taste or value.
Unlike typical instant noodles that may contain meat broths or animal-based seasonings, Taiwan’s vegan varieties are made with rich, umami-packed bases using ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, sesame oil, miso, seaweed, and other natural plant-based flavors. The noodles themselves are often air-dried instead of fried, making them a healthier choice too. Perfect for quick hotel meals, hiking trips, or as a thoughtful souvenir for vegan friends back home, Taiwan’s vegan instant noodles are delicious proof that plant-based eating can be bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
▼ Nougat Cookies 牛軋餅: Nougat Cookies are a modern twist on two Taiwanese favorites – buttery biscuits and chewy milk nougat candy. These bite-sized treats feature a soft, sweet nougat center sandwiched between two crisp, lightly salted cookies, creating the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures in every bite.
Often made with milk, almonds, and dried fruit, nougat cookies are rich but not overly sweet, making them a popular snack with tea or coffee. Their individually wrapped packaging also makes them ideal for gifting or sharing. If you’re looking for something that blends traditional Taiwanese flavors with a modern snack concept, nougat cookies are a must-try.
▼ Nougat 牛軋糖: Nougat is a beloved Taiwanese treat made by blending sugar, egg whites, milk powder, and often nuts like almonds, peanuts, or pistachios into a rich, chewy candy. Unlike the hard nougat found in some Western countries, Taiwanese nougat is soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious with just the right amount of chewiness to keep you coming back for more.
You’ll often find creative variations infused with dried cranberries, sesame seeds, matcha, or even seaweed, offering both traditional and modern flavors. Each piece is usually individually wrapped, making it perfect for gifting or snacking on the go. Nougat is especially popular around Lunar New Year, but it’s easy to find year-round in souvenir shops, bakeries, and night markets.
▼ Sachima 沙琪瑪: Sachima, sometimes called Taiwan’s version of a rice crispy treat, is a classic snack made from fried strands of dough bound together with a light syrup made of maltose or honey. The result? A chewy, fluffy, and slightly crunchy bite with just the right amount of sweetness.
Originally a traditional Manchu dessert from northern China, Sachima was brought to Taiwan and quickly became a beloved snack. Taiwanese versions tend to be softer and less sweet than their Chinese counterparts, often topped with raisins, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor. You’ll find Sachima in local supermarkets, traditional markets, and bakeries – individually packed or in bulk. It’s a nostalgic snack for many locals and a fun, kid-friendly souvenir that travels well.
▼ Beef Jerky 牛肉乾: Taiwanese beef jerky is a must-try snack that’s quite different from the Western-style version. It’s typically softer, slightly sweet, and marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sugar, Chinese spices, and sometimes rice wine – creating a rich, umami-packed flavor that lingers deliciously.
You’ll find it in several forms, from thick and tender slices to thin shredded jerky (牛肉鬆) that’s almost fluffy in texture. Some versions are spicy, others smoky or honey-glazed, and they’re often vacuum-sealed for freshness — perfect for bringing home as a souvenir. Popular among locals and travelers alike, beef jerky is sold in traditional markets, specialty snack shops, and even airport gift stores. Trusted local brands like Kuai Che (快車肉乾) and Hsin Tung Yang (新東陽) are known for their high-quality, preservative-free products.
▼ Shacha Dried Tofu 沙茶豆干: Shacha Dried Tofu, or Shacha Dougan, is a flavorful and satisfying snack that reflects the bold, savory taste of Taiwanese street food. It’s made by simmering firm tofu in a marinade infused with shacha sauce—a unique, umami-rich condiment made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chili, and dried seafood.
The result is a dense, chewy tofu with a deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with that signature savory kick that makes shacha sauce so addictive. Often enjoyed as an on-the-go snack or paired with rice, it also makes a great vegan-friendly jerky alternative (just check the ingredients-some shacha sauces contain seafood). Sold vacuum-packed for freshness, Shacha Dried Tofu is a popular travel snack and souvenir, found in local markets, convenience stores, and health food shops all over Taiwan.
▼ Dried Fruits 乾果: Taiwan’s dried fruits are a delicious, healthy souvenir that showcases the island’s rich agricultural bounty and love for bold, fruity flavors. Thanks to Taiwan’s subtropical climate, fruits like mango, guava, pineapple, dragon fruit, and kiwi are not only grown in abundance but also preserved in a way that keeps their natural sweetness, color, and nutrients intact.
Unlike overly processed versions, many Taiwanese dried fruits are soft, chewy, and slightly tart, often with no added sugar or just a light touch of natural seasoning like plum powder or salt. They’re perfect for snacking, tea time, or adding to salads and trail mixes. You’ll find them beautifully packaged in local markets, souvenir shops, and organic grocery stores. Popular picks include dried green mango, dried roselle hibiscus, and honey-glazed dried pineapple rings — each offering a burst of tropical flavor in every bite.
▼ Egg Roll Snack 蛋捲: Egg roll snacks are a popular Taiwanese treat, known for their crisp texture and light, flaky layers. Made from a simple yet flavorful batter of eggs, flour, and sugar, these rolls are baked to perfection, then often filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, depending on the region and brand. The result is a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth snack that’s both satisfying and addictive.
In Taiwan, egg rolls are often found in sweet variations, where the inside might be filled with mango, pineapple, or custard cream, giving them a soft and creamy contrast to their crisp exterior. In contrast, savory egg rolls might be flavored with seaweed, sesame, or spices, offering a more robust and satisfying bite.
These snacks are typically sold in neat, compact tins or vacuum-sealed bags, making them an ideal gift for family and friends or a simple, tasty travel snack. Brands like Chia Te and Shin Yeh are famous for producing high-quality egg rolls, loved for their delicate flavor and carefully crafted texture. Perfect for tea time or an afternoon pick-me-up, Taiwanese egg rolls offer a crispy treat with a taste of Taiwan’s snack culture in every bite.
▼ I-Mei Puff 義美小泡芙: I-Mei Puff is a popular Taiwanese snack, loved for its light and airy texture that offers the perfect balance between crunchy and delicate. Produced by the well-known Taiwanese brand I-Mei, these puffs are made from crispy, melt-in-your-mouth layers of pastry that are often filled with sweet or savory fillings, making them a highly addictive treat.
The classic I-Mei Puff is often filled with a smooth custard cream, though variations can include chocolate, peanut butter, or taro — each bringing a unique twist to this traditional snack. Their flaky, golden exterior contrasts beautifully with the creamy or powdery interior, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Perfect for afternoon tea, road trips, or as a gift, I-Mei Puffs are packaged conveniently in small, individually wrapped portions or in decorative tins, making them a delightful treat to share. With their light sweetness and crispy texture, they are loved by both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a snack to enjoy on your own or something to gift to a friend, I-Mei Puffs provide a taste of Taiwan in every delicious bite.
▼ Sun Cakes 太陽餅: Sun Cakes are one of Taiwan’s most beloved traditional pastries, originating from the city of Taichung. These flaky, golden-brown treats are made from layers of thin, delicate dough filled with a sweet malt sugar filling, offering a perfect balance of crispy texture and mild, honey-like sweetness.
What makes Sun Cakes truly unique is their light, airy layers that are almost like a flaky puff pastry but with a distinct, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The malt filling adds a gentle sweetness that’s not overwhelming, making Sun Cakes the perfect snack to pair with tea or coffee.
Often individually wrapped for freshness and conveniently packaged in elegant gift boxes, Sun Cakes are commonly purchased as souvenirs for friends and family back home. They are especially popular during Lunar New Year and other festive seasons. Brands like Chia Te and Wu Pao Chun are famous for their high-quality Sun Cakes, with some even adding creative twists, like matcha or taro variations, to cater to modern tastes. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Taichung or visiting a local bakery in Taipei, Sun Cakes are a quintessential Taiwanese treat that you don’t want to miss.
▼ Egg Yolk Pastry 蛋黃酥: Egg Yolk Pastry is a beloved Taiwanese pastry that combines rich, savory, and sweet flavors in one delightful bite. With its golden, flaky crust, the pastry is filled with a smooth lotus seed paste and topped with a salted egg yolk in the center – a perfect harmony of sweet and salty.
The outer layer is made from buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry that crumbles with each bite, revealing the rich lotus paste inside. The salted egg yolk provides a savory, umami contrast to the sweetness of the paste, creating a unique flavor experience that’s both luxurious and satisfying.
Egg Yolk Pastry is often enjoyed during festivals such as Mid-Autumn Festival, as it’s considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The pastry is typically sold in elegant gift boxes, making it a popular souvenir or gift for family and friends. Taiwanese bakeries like Chia Te and Lai’s Pastry are famous for their delicious versions, and each bite showcases the craftsmanship and tradition behind this delightful treat. Whether you’re indulging in a single pastry or gifting them to loved ones, Egg Yolk Pastries offer a taste of Taiwan’s rich pastry culture with each flavorful bite.
▼ Moon cakes 月餅: Moon cakes are one of the most iconic and cherished treats in Taiwan, especially popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節). These round, dense pastries are traditionally enjoyed under the full moon as families come together to celebrate harvest and unity. Moon cakes are not just a sweet treat; they carry deep cultural significance and are often exchanged as gifts between family members, friends, and business associates during the festival.
The classic moon cake has a thin, tender crust and is typically filled with a sweet lotus seed paste or red bean paste, with a salty egg yolk at the center to balance the sweetness. The yolk symbolizes the moon, adding a rich, savory contrast to the sweet filling. The moon cakes are often decorated with intricate patterns or symbols, representing good luck, happiness, and prosperity.
Today, many modern variations of moon cakes are available, including those with flavored fillings such as matcha, taro, chocolate, and even ice cream. Some versions are made with snow skin, a non-baked, chewy crust, filled with more innovative fillings like fruit purees, custard, and salted caramel.
Moon cakes are traditionally gifted in decorative boxes and are a must-try for anyone visiting Taiwan during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Whether you enjoy them in their traditional form or explore the creative contemporary twists, moon cakes are an unforgettable way to experience Taiwan’s culinary culture and celebrate one of its most important holidays.
▼ Milk Candy 牛奶糖: Milk candy is a beloved and nostalgic Taiwanese treat that brings together the simple, comforting flavors of milk and sugar into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth confection. Made primarily from milk, sugar, and butter, these candies are known for their smooth texture and sweet, milky flavor that lingers on your taste buds long after you’ve enjoyed them.
The most popular version is soft and chewy, often individually wrapped in colorful packaging, making it both easy to enjoy and share. The rich flavor comes from the natural milk ingredients, giving the candy a creamy and velvety texture that’s both sweet and satisfying but not overly sugary.
You can find milk candies in various forms from classic rectangular pieces to bite-sized cubes and sometimes they’re infused with subtle variations like honey, malt, or even coffee to add a unique twist to the original recipe. Whether you’re snacking on the go or enjoying a nostalgic moment, milk candy is an iconic Taiwanese treat that’s sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
▼ Kuai Kuai Snacks 乖乖: Kuai Kuai is one of Taiwan’s most popular and beloved snack brands, famous for its crunchy, bite-sized treats that are both fun to eat and addictive. The name “Kuai Kuai” translates to “obedient” in Chinese, and the snacks are designed to be playful and enjoyable, with a lighthearted spirit that resonates with both kids and adults alike.
The classic Kuai Kuai snack is made from crispy rice-based puffs that come in a variety of flavors. Whether it’s the original savory flavor, cheese, barbecue, or sweet corn, each puff is perfectly seasoned, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite. What sets Kuai Kuai snacks apart is their unique and adorable packaging, often featuring cute characters and bright colors. In fact, these snacks are so popular that they’ve become a part of Taiwanese pop culture, often seen in small, individually wrapped packets that are easy to carry, share, or use as fun party snacks.
The iconic Kuai Kuai mascot is often printed on the packaging, making it a recognizable and beloved brand across Taiwan. Whether you’re enjoying them at a picnic, as an after-school snack, or as a gift for friends or family, Kuai Kuai snacks are a tasty and fun representation of Taiwanese snack culture.
▼ Mochi 麻糬: Mochi is a beloved Taiwanese treat that’s cherished for its chewy, soft texture and its ability to take on a variety of flavors and fillings. Made from glutinous rice, mochi is pounded into a sticky dough that is either eaten plain or filled with sweet or savory fillings, offering a wonderfully satisfying texture that’s both chewy and smooth.
In Taiwan, mochi comes in many forms. The most common variety is stuffed mochi, where the outer dough wraps around fillings like red bean paste, peanut powder, or lotus seed paste, creating a sweet and creamy contrast to the chewy exterior. You’ll also find mochi rice cakes that are simply coated in a dusting of powdered soybean flour (kinako) or sweet potato powder for a delightful, slightly nutty taste.
Another popular variation is mochi ice cream, where a small ball of ice cream is wrapped in soft, chewy mochi dough, creating a cool, refreshing, and chewy treat that’s perfect for warm weather.
Mochi is sold in many forms — from small, individually wrapped bites at local markets to beautifully packaged gifts that make perfect souvenirs. Popular brands like A-Sha and Mochi Sweets often offer a wide range of flavors, ensuring there’s a variety for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re enjoying a simple peanut-filled mochi or indulging in an ice cream-filled variety, mochi is an iconic Taiwanese treat that brings both tradition and innovation together in every bite.
▼ Cow Tongue Biscuits 牛舌餅: Cow Tongue Biscuits are a traditional Taiwanese snack known for their distinctive shape and crunchy, buttery texture. Named for their resemblance to a cow’s tongue, these thin, oval-shaped biscuits are light and crispy, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Made from flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, these biscuits have a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. The dough is rolled out thin and baked to perfection, resulting in a delicate and crisp texture that melts in your mouth. Often lightly glazed or dusted with sugar, Cow Tongue Biscuits have a pleasant sweetness that isn’t overwhelming.
While traditionally enjoyed as a snack, they’re also a popular souvenir for visitors to Taiwan. You’ll find them beautifully packaged in gift boxes or vacuum-sealed bags, making them perfect for gifting to friends and family. Well-known brands like Chia Te and Taiwan Bakery are famous for their high-quality versions of these iconic biscuits.
With their unique shape and mild, buttery flavor, Cow Tongue Biscuits are a delightful treat for anyone looking to experience a traditional Taiwanese snack that combines both simplicity and charm.
▼ Crispy Pork Paper 脆豬肉紙: Crispy Pork Paper is a popular Taiwanese snack known for its savory, crispy texture and rich pork flavor. It’s made by slow-cooking pork and then drying or crisply baking it into thin, delicate sheets, resembling a paper-thin layer of crispy, flavorful goodness.
This snack offers a satisfying crunch with every bite, along with the umami-rich taste of pork, making it highly addictive. The pork is often seasoned with soy sauce, five-spice powder, and a touch of sugar, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes. Sometimes it’s even lightly spiced with chili to give it a kick.
Crispy Pork Paper is typically packaged in bite-sized pieces and can be found in vacuum-sealed bags or resealable pouches, making it easy to snack on at any time. It’s a popular travel snack and a favorite among those who enjoy savory treats. Many local markets and Taiwanese snack shops offer it, and well-known brands like Mou Lin are famous for their high-quality versions of this crispy delight. Whether you’re looking for a unique snack to enjoy on the go or a gift to bring home from Taiwan, Crispy Pork Paper is a savory, indulgent treat that showcases the bold and hearty flavors of Taiwanese cuisine.
Tea & Beverages
▼ High Mountain Tea (高山茶): High Mountain Tea is one of Taiwan’s most prestigious and highly regarded tea varieties, renowned for its unique flavor profile, smooth texture, and aromatic qualities. Grown in the pristine highlands of Taiwan, such as the famous Alishan, Lishan, and Wushe, this tea is cultivated at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters, where the cooler temperatures, abundant mist, and rich soil create an ideal environment for tea plants.
The altitude at which High Mountain Tea is grown plays a critical role in its development. The slower growth process at these high altitudes allows the tea leaves to develop more nuanced and complex flavors, resulting in a delicate, well-balanced taste. These teas are typically lightly oxidized oolongs, which brings out a floral and fruity aroma with subtle buttery and sweet notes. The flavor is often described as smooth, fresh, and refreshing, with a light body and a lingering sweet aftertaste.
Unlike lower-altitude teas that can sometimes be more astringent or harsh, High Mountain Tea is silky and mellow, making it approachable for both casual tea drinkers and seasoned tea enthusiasts. It also has a characteristic natural sweetness, a feature that is prized among oolong teas.
High Mountain Tea is typically enjoyed using the traditional gongfu tea ceremony method, where the leaves are steeped multiple times, each infusion offering a new layer of flavor and fragrance. It can also be brewed in a teapot for a more relaxed experience, often in multiple steepings, allowing you to savor the evolving flavors.
The tea leaves are carefully hand-picked, often in the early spring and autumn, when the tea buds are at their freshest. As a result, High Mountain Tea is considered one of the finest teas in Taiwan, and is often presented as a premium gift or souvenir. Whether you’re visiting Taiwan or looking to experience the best of its tea culture, High Mountain Tea offers a refreshing, elegant, and unforgettable experience.
▼ Tea Bags 茶包: Tea bags are one of the most popular and convenient ways to enjoy a cup of tea. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, tea bags offer a quick and easy way to brew a flavorful cup of tea without the hassle of loose leaves and elaborate preparation. Typically made from fine mesh or paper, tea bags contain pre-measured tea leaves that are compacted into small, sealed sachets. These sachets allow the leaves to expand and release their flavors during brewing, creating a satisfying cup of tea in just a few minutes.
Tea bags come in a wide variety of flavors, including classic black tea, green tea, oolong, herbal infusions, and even specialty blends like chai, earl grey, or fruit infusions. Some tea bags even contain more premium ingredients, such as high-quality oolong, green teas, or organic herbal blends, offering the same great flavors found in loose-leaf teas, but with added convenience.
While traditional loose-leaf tea is often favored by tea connoisseurs for its superior flavor, tea bags are a great option for those who value speed and ease of preparation. They are perfect for busy mornings, travel, or simply when you want a quick, no-fuss tea experience. Additionally, many brands now offer eco-friendly tea bags, which are made from biodegradable materials, making them a more sustainable choice for tea lovers.
Taiwan is known for its high-quality tea production, and many Taiwanese tea brands offer premium tea bags filled with finely selected leaves from famous regions like Alishan or Sun Moon Lake. These tea bags provide the perfect balance of convenience and authenticity, bringing the rich flavors of Taiwan’s renowned tea culture to your cup in a simple, hassle-free format. Whether you’re looking for a classic black tea bag for your morning boost or a soothing herbal blend for the evening, tea bags are the ideal solution for enjoying a delicious cup of tea anytime, anywhere.
▼ Alishan Tea (阿里山茶): Alishan Tea is one of Taiwan’s most prestigious and sought-after teas, grown in the lush, misty highlands of the Alishan Mountain Range. Known for its exceptional quality, this oolong tea is cultivated at altitudes of around 1,000 to 1,400 meters, where the cool temperatures, abundant fog, and fertile soil provide the perfect conditions for growing tea leaves.
What makes Alishan Tea truly special is its complex and aromatic flavor profile. The tea is lightly oxidized, giving it a delicate balance between a floral fragrance and a smooth, sweet taste. The leaves yield a refreshing and mellow cup, often with subtle notes of orchid, butter, and honey. The aftertaste is long-lasting and sweet, offering a pleasant lingering finish that is both soothing and refreshing.
Alishan Tea is often described as having a creamy texture, which gives it a rich mouthfeel while maintaining a smooth and easy-to-drink quality. The tea is also known for its light-bodied profile, making it a favorite among both novice tea drinkers and seasoned tea connoisseurs. It can be steeped multiple times, with each infusion unveiling new layers of flavor, making it perfect for gongfu tea ceremonies or casual tea sessions.
The tea leaves are hand-picked during the spring and autumn harvests, ensuring the highest quality and freshest taste. The processing of the tea involves a meticulous balance of shaping, oxidizing, and baking, which brings out its signature floral and sweet notes.
Alishan Tea is not only famous for its taste but also its rich cultural heritage. For centuries, the tea grown in this region has been celebrated in Taiwan for its craftsmanship, and today it remains a symbol of Taiwan’s rich tea culture. It’s commonly enjoyed on its own or paired with traditional Taiwanese snacks, making it an essential part of tea culture in the region. If you’re visiting Taiwan or looking for a premium tea to bring home, Alishan Tea offers an authentic taste of Taiwan’s finest high-mountain tea, sure to provide a delightful and aromatic tea experience with every sip.
▼ Bubble Tea Kits: Make your own boba at home — available in supermarkets or souvenir shops.
The Best Instant Noodles
▼ Man Han Big Meal 滿漢大餐蔥燒牛肉麵
The soup is sweet and has a slightly spicy aftertaste.
▼ Uni-President Braised Pork Noodles 統一肉燥麵
More than 7.5 million packs sold a year, with a classic taste that is loved by consumers.
▼ Lai Yi Ke Fresh Shrimp Fish Plate 來一客鮮蝦魚板
Sales volume has reached 6 million cups
▼ Science Noodles 科學麵
These are small packages of noodles that locals simply grind up and eat dry.
▼ TTL Huadiao Chicken Noodles 台酒花雕雞麵
The soup is flavored with Huadiao wine and is rich and mellow.
▼ Weili Noodles 維力炸醬麵
Classic soy sauce flavor, chewy noodles.
▼ Weiwei A Pork Rib and Chicken Noodles 味味A排骨雞麵
The soup is delicious and the pork rib and chicken flavor is rich.
What is special to buy in Taiwan
▼ Grandma Bag 茄芷袋 or Water-Bottle Bag: The Grandma Bag, often referred to as the “nana bag” in English, is a charming and practical accessory that has become a nostalgic symbol of Taiwanese culture. Recognizable by its simple, functional design and distinctive woven pattern, this bag brings to mind the comforting, timeless style of older generations.
The bag typically features sturdy fabric or woven materials, and its spacious interior makes it ideal for carrying everyday essentials. Whether it’s used for a trip to the market, a casual outing, or just as an everyday tote, the Grandma Bag is celebrated for its simplicity, durability, and practicality.
What makes the Grandma Bag so special is its sentimental value. It’s not only a functional accessory but also a nostalgic piece that evokes memories of past generations—whether it’s the bags seen in old family photos or the ones lovingly crafted and used by grandmothers. In Taiwan, these bags are often associated with warmth, care, and the generosity of family life.
In recent years, the Grandma Bag has experienced a revival in fashion, with modern versions appearing in trendy markets and fashion boutiques. These newer versions often include bright colors, modern patterns, and even upcycled materials, giving them a more contemporary flair while keeping the essence of the original design. Some even come with fun embellishments like pom-poms or patches, making them a quirky and stylish choice for a wide variety of fashion tastes.
Whether you’re looking for a bag that reminds you of simpler times or want a stylish, sustainable accessory, the Grandma Bag is a perfect blend of functionality and sentimentality, representing the enduring charm of Taiwan’s past while offering modern-day utility.
▼ Blue and White Slippers 藍白拖鞋
▼ Tatung Electric Steamers (or Rice Cooker) 大同電鍋: The Tatung Electric Steamer is more than just a kitchen appliance. It’s a cultural icon in Taiwan. First introduced in the 1960s by Tatung Company, this versatile and durable steamer has been a household staple for generations, fondly known for its reliability, simplicity, and timeless design.
At its core, the Tatung steamer uses a double-layer indirect heating system, meaning it cooks food by steaming with a small amount of water between the inner and outer pots. With just a single switch, this compact powerhouse can steam, stew, cook rice, reheat leftovers, and even make soups, puddings, and entire one-pot meals – all with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” machine.
The appliance features a classic retro design, often in mint green or metallic tones, and has become something of a design collectible in recent years. It’s loved by students, families, and even professional chefs for its even cooking and low-maintenance functionality.
For many Taiwanese people, the Tatung steamer represents more than convenience — it holds the warmth of family meals and the comfort of home cooking. It’s passed down through generations and used to prepare comforting dishes like sticky rice, steamed buns, boiled eggs, or even sweet red bean soup. Now available in various sizes and colors, and even sold internationally, the Tatung Electric Steamer continues to be a must-have for those who appreciate practical design, nostalgic charm, and delicious homemade food.
▼ Shoes
▼ Yingge Ceramics 鶯歌陶瓷
▼ Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor 高粱酒: If it is too heavy to bring back, you can try in Taiwan
▼ Kavalan Whiskey 噶瑪蘭威士忌: If it is too heavy to bring back, you can try in Taiwan.
▼ Taiwan Beer 台灣啤酒: If it is too heavy to bring back, you can try in Taiwan
Beauty & Wellness Products
Facial Masks: Taiwanese skincare brands like My Beauty Diary and Dr. Morita are popular and affordable.
Essential Oils & Herbal Balms: Traditional remedies from places like Dihua Street.
Camphor Soap or Herbal Soaps: Natural, fragrant, and often handmade.
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle