2025-07-23
What to Bring Home from Taiwan
Taiwan is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and delicious snacks that capture its rich culture and vibrant street life. Popular edible gifts include pineapple cakes, sun cakes, and nougat candies—each offering distinct textures and flavors rooted in local tradition. Instant noodles like Man Han Beef or Wei Lih Zhajiangmian bring a taste of Taiwanese comfort food, while beverages such as Taiwan Beer or award-winning Kavalan Whisky let you take home a sip of the island.
Beyond food, Taiwan offers memorable keepsakes that reflect its creativity and craftsmanship. Handcrafted Yingge ceramics, herbal soaps, and essential oil balms showcase local artistry and wellness traditions. Everyday items like the iconic blue-and-white slippers or the classic Tatung rice cooker offer a practical, nostalgic slice of Taiwanese daily life. Whether you’re browsing for snacks or meaningful gifts, Taiwan offers something special for every kind of traveler.
Where Locals Shop for Food & Essentials
Locals typically shop at supermarkets like PX Mart and Carrefour for their daily groceries and household items. While convenience stores (like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) are great for quick snacks or late-night cravings, their prices tend to be higher.
If you’re not particular about brand names, you’ll find most essentials—snacks, instant noodles, drinks—at more affordable prices in PX Mart or Carrefour. Some Carrefour locations in Taipei are open 24 hours or until 1 AM, while most PX Mart branches stay open until 11 PM. You can easily spend a few evenings browsing different food products and picking out your favorites to take home.
Where to Buy Souvenirs and Foods in Taiwan
Finding the perfect souvenir or delicious local snack in Taiwan is a breeze thanks to the island’s wide range of shopping options. Whether you’re looking for traditional treats, high-end gift boxes, or quirky local finds, there’s something for every type of shopper. Here’s where to look:
Supermarkets
Examples: PX Mart (全聯), Carrefour, Simple Mart (美廉社)
Best for: Affordable, everyday snacks and practical bulk buys.
What to find:
- Instant noodles (including top brands like Man Han, Wei Lih, TTL)
- Local snacks such as Kuai Kuai corn puffs, dried tofu, and milk candy
- Taiwanese teas and beverage gift packs
- Packaged dried fruits and jerky
Why it’s great: Low prices, wide selection, and easy access in both urban and rural areas.
Souvenir Shops
Examples: Chia Te Bakery, SunnyHills, Eslite Bookstore (Gift Section), Sugar & Spice
Best for: Premium, beautifully packaged gifts perfect for taking home.
What to find:
- Pineapple cakes, nougat cookies, and sun cakes
- Tea gift boxes (including Alishan and High Mountain teas)
- Facial masks, herbal balms, and camphor soaps
- Locally designed stationery and artisanal products
Why it’s great: These shops emphasize quality, presentation, and often provide gift-wrapping services. Many offer airport pick-up or delivery to hotels.
Cultural Streets & Traditional Markets
Examples: Dihua Street (Taipei), Tamsui Old Street, Shenkeng Old Street, Jiufen
Best for: Authentic, handmade, and traditional items in a historic setting.
What to find:
- Handmade soaps, woven bags, and retro toys
- Traditional Chinese medicine herbs and oils
- Dried fruits, spices, tea leaves, and preserved snacks
- Pottery and ceramic wares, especially in Yingge
Why it’s great: Offers a deeper cultural experience along with local goods you won’t find in malls.
Convenience Stores
Examples: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart
Best for: 24/7 access to travel-sized snacks and essentials.
What to find:
- Mini packs of pineapple cakes and mochi
- Instant noodles, teas, and Taiwan Beer
- Travel skincare, masks, and local brand toiletries
- Taiwan-themed souvenirs (keychains, pens, postcards)
Why it’s great: Ideal for last-minute shopping or stocking up before heading to the airport.
What to Buy in Taiwan? Best Souvenirs from Taiwan
Popular Snacks and Souvenirs to Bring Home – By Category
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
Pineapple Cakes 鳳梨酥
Iconic Taiwanese pastry with a sweet pineapple filling and buttery crust
Popular gift and souvenir, often beautifully packaged
Combines sweet and tangy flavors with a soft, crumbly texture
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery Service (Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup
Iron Eggs 鐵蛋
Chewy, savory eggs repeatedly stewed and air-dried until dark and firm
Originally from Tamsui, known for their bold flavor and long shelf life
Made from quail or chicken eggs with soy sauce, spices, and herbs
Instant Noodles 泡麵
Quick, affordable meal found in a wide range of Taiwanese flavors
Available in both soup and dry (sauceless) versions
Often features local tastes like beef noodle soup or spicy sesame
Vegan Instant Noodle 素飄香
Plant-based instant noodles with rich, savory broths made without animal products
Popular among vegetarians, Buddhists, and health-conscious eaters
Offers traditional Taiwanese seasoning in a meat-free format
Nougat Cookies 牛軋餅
A sweet-salty treat made with creamy nougat sandwiched between crispy crackers
Combines crunchy and chewy textures in one bite
Popular snack or souvenir, often individually wrapped
Nougat 牛軋糖
Soft, chewy candy made with milk, sugar, nuts (usually almonds or peanuts)
Traditional Taiwanese treat, often found in gift boxes
Mildly sweet with a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture
Sachima 沙琪瑪
Light, fluffy snack made of fried dough bound together with syrup
Similar to a soft rice crispy treat but with a richer, eggy flavor
Often topped with raisins, sesame seeds, or nuts
Beef Jerky 牛肉乾
Savory dried beef snack, marinated in sweet and spicy Taiwanese sauces
Tender and slightly chewy, different from Western-style jerky
Comes in various flavors like original, spicy, or black pepper
Shacha Dried Tofu 沙茶豆干
Firm tofu slices seasoned with shacha (barbecue) sauce and dried for a chewy snack
Rich in umami flavor, mildly spicy and savory
High in protein and popular as a plant-based snack option
Dried Fruits 乾果
Naturally sweet and chewy, made from fruits like mango, guava, or pineapple
Preserved without artificial additives, making them a healthy snack
Common souvenir, especially from tropical regions in Taiwan
Egg Roll Snack 蛋捲
Thin, crispy rolled wafers made with egg, flour, and sugar
Light, buttery flavor and delicate crunch
Popular during holidays and often given as gifts in elegant tins
I-Mei Puff 義美小泡芙
Bite-sized cream-filled puffs made by the well-known Taiwanese brand I-Mei
Crispy shell with a soft, sweet custard or chocolate filling
Popular snack among kids and adults, convenient and mess-free
Sun Cakes 太陽餅
Flaky pastry filled with a sweet malt sugar paste, originating from Taichung
Light and airy texture with a mild, buttery flavor
Often bought as a traditional Taiwanese souvenir
Egg Yolk Pastry 蛋黃酥
Soft pastry filled with red bean or mung bean paste and a salted duck egg yolk
Rich, sweet-salty flavor and delicate, crumbly crust
Commonly eaten during Mid-Autumn Festival and as a festive gift
Moon Cakes 月餅
Dense, round pastries filled with lotus seed paste, red bean, or mixed nuts
Symbol of reunion, traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival
Often contains a salted egg yolk in the center, representing the full moon
Milk Candy 牛奶糖
Soft, chewy candies with a creamy milk flavor
Classic treat with a nostalgic appeal in Taiwan
Usually individually wrapped and easy to carry as a sweet snack
Kuai Kuai Snacks 乖乖
Light, crunchy puffed corn snack available in various flavors (coconut, butter, etc.)
A favorite snack for kids and often used as an offering to “keep machines running well” in Taiwan tech offices
Colorful packaging and playful branding make it a staple in Taiwanese snack culture
Mochi 麻糬
Soft, chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice, often filled with red bean, peanut, or sesame paste
Traditional dessert enjoyed year-round, especially during festivals
Can be freshly made or packaged for longer shelf life
Cow Tongue Biscuits 牛舌餅
Thin, elongated pastries with a crisp, slightly sweet texture (despite the name, it contains no meat)
Named for their shape, resembling a cow’s tongue
Originated in Yilan and often enjoyed with tea
Crispy Pork Paper 脆豬肉紙
Ultra-thin, savory pork jerky that’s crispy like a chip
High-protein snack with a sweet and salty flavor
Popular among meat lovers and often found in specialty shops
Tea & Beverages
High Mountain Tea 高山茶
Premium oolong tea grown in Taiwan’s high-altitude regions (above 1,000 meters)
Known for its floral aroma, smooth taste, and refreshing aftertaste
Hand-picked and lightly oxidized to preserve its natural fragrance
Tea Bags 茶包
Convenient way to enjoy Taiwan’s rich tea culture without traditional brewing tools
Available in oolong, green, black, and herbal blends
Great for travel or gifting, with individually wrapped bags
Alishan Tea 阿里山茶
Famous high-mountain oolong tea grown in the Alishan region
Offers a balanced, floral, and slightly creamy flavor profile
Considered one of Taiwan’s top-quality teas, often given as a luxury gift
The Best Instant Noodles
Man Han Big Meal 滿漢大餐蔥燒牛肉麵
Premium instant noodles with large beef chunks and a rich scallion-soy broth
Known for bold flavors and generous ingredients compared to standard instant noodles
Considered a top-tier option among Taiwanese beef noodle brands
Uni-President Braised Pork Noodles 統一肉燥麵
Classic instant noodles flavored with savory Taiwanese-style minced pork sauce
Affordable and nostalgic, widely popular across generations
Made by Uni-President, one of Taiwan’s leading food brands
Lai Yi Ke Fresh Shrimp Fish Plate 來一客鮮蝦魚板
Cup noodles featuring shrimp and fish cake slices for added flavor and texture
Light, seafood-based broth with a convenient single-serving format
Known for its clean taste and easy preparation
Science Noodles 科學麵
Crunchy, dry noodles meant to be eaten straight from the package (uncooked)
A favorite childhood snack in Taiwan, often seasoned with a separate flavor packet
Cheap, simple, and loaded with nostalgic charm
TTL Huadiao Chicken Noodles 台酒花雕雞麵
Instant noodles infused with real Shaoxing rice wine (Huadiao) for a fragrant chicken broth
Produced by Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation (TTL), combining food and alcohol
Offers a unique, slightly boozy aroma that sets it apart from other noodle types
Weili Noodles 維力炸醬麵
Features a thick, savory zhajiang (soybean paste) sauce over chewy noodles
Dry noodle (no broth) style, popular for its umami depth
Staple in many households for its satisfying, homey flavor
Weiwei A Pork Rib and Chicken Noodles 味味A排骨雞麵
Instant noodle soup with a rich pork rib and chicken-flavored broth
Known for its warming, hearty taste with a slightly herbal note
Often chosen for quick comfort food with a meaty twist
What is special to buy in Taiwan
Water-Bottle Bag or Grandma Bag 茄芷袋
Traditional woven tote bag made from colorful plastic mesh, nicknamed for its association with older generations
Durable, reusable, and often used for groceries or carrying lunch
Iconic piece of everyday Taiwanese culture, now also seen in fashion revivals
Blue and White Slippers 藍白拖鞋
Classic Taiwanese house slippers with a blue strap and white sole
Cheap, comfortable, and commonly worn indoors or to the market
Loved for their no-fuss design and strong cultural symbolism
Tatung Electric Steamers (Rice Cooker) 大同電鍋
Iconic multi-purpose rice cooker found in nearly every Taiwanese household
Known for durability, simplicity, and ability to steam, stew, or cook rice
A nostalgic and practical kitchen essential passed down through generations
Shoes
Taiwan is home to quality shoe manufacturers, offering affordable and stylish footwear.
Markets and local brands sell everything from sneakers to traditional slippers.
Lightweight and durable options make them great for walking or as practical souvenirs.
Yingge Ceramics 鶯歌陶瓷
Yingge is Taiwan’s pottery capital, known for its handcrafted ceramics and artistic tableware.
Offers everything from tea sets and vases to modern ceramic art pieces.
Popular with collectors and tourists looking for traditional yet functional art.
Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor 金門高粱酒
Strong sorghum-based liquor originating from Kinmen Island, often over 50% alcohol.
Known for its sharp, clean taste and cultural significance in celebrations.
A premium traditional Taiwanese spirit, often gifted in ornate packaging.
Kavalan Whiskey 噶瑪蘭威士忌
Award-winning Taiwanese single malt whiskey produced in Yilan.
Recognized globally for its smooth texture, rich aroma, and fast aging due to Taiwan’s climate.
Symbol of Taiwan’s growing reputation in the global spirits industry.
Taiwan Beer 台灣啤酒
Taiwan’s most iconic local brew, first launched in 1919.
Light, crisp flavor suited for hot weather, with classic and fruit-infused versions available.
Widely enjoyed at night markets, restaurants, and family gatherings.
Beauty & Wellness Products
Facial Masks
Taiwan is known for high-quality, affordable sheet masks with natural and hydrating ingredients.
Popular brands offer masks for whitening, moisturizing, anti-aging, and soothing.
Lightweight and compact, they make great skincare gifts or personal pampering treats.
Essential Oils & Herbal Balms
Made using traditional Chinese medicine herbs and natural oils like eucalyptus or mint.
Commonly used to relieve headaches, muscle aches, and nasal congestion.
Small and travel-friendly, ideal for wellness-focused souvenirs.
Camphor Soap or Herbal Soaps 樟腦皂或草本皂
Traditional soaps made with natural ingredients like camphor, tea tree, or mugwort.
Known for antibacterial properties and refreshing herbal scent.
Gentle on skin and popular as eco-friendly, artisanal gifts.