Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
When exploring the vibrant culture and rich traditions, discovering the perfect things to buy in Taiwan becomes an exciting part of the journey. Souvenirs in Taiwan offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s unique heritage, from delectable pineapple cakes and fragrant teas to exquisite handcrafted pottery and indigenous crafts. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or casual traveller, Taiwan’s markets, specialty shops, and night bazaars provide a treasure trove of memorable items. This guide will help you uncover the best keepsakes that capture the spirit of Taiwan, ensuring your shopping experience is as delightful and meaningful as the destination itself.
The Ultimate Top 10 Things To Buy In Taiwan
The ultimate top 10 things to buy in Taiwan that you can’t miss.
1. Pineapple Cakes
Photo: Oscar Ivan Esquivel Arteaga / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Pineapple cakes are undoubtedly Taiwan’s most famous souvenir. These buttery pastries filled with sweet pineapple jam are a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavours. They come in beautifully designed boxes, making them perfect gifts for friends and family. Popular brands such as Sunnyhills and Chia Te Bakery are renowned for their quality and taste. Pineapple cakes are widely available in pastry shops and markets across Taiwan, embodying the island’s warm hospitality in every bite.
Cost: 300 – 600 TWD / ₹449 – 699 per box
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Local bakeries such as Chia Te, SunnyHills, and markets in Taipei and Taichung
2. Taiwanese Tea
Photo: sadjack / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Taiwan is world-famous for its tea, especially oolong varieties. Bringing home Taiwanese tea is like carrying a piece of the island’s cultural heritage. Tea shops offer a wide selection, from fragrant high-mountain oolong to robust black teas. Sampling before buying is common, allowing you to find the perfect flavour to suit your palate. Tea sets and accessories also make excellent souvenirs for tea lovers, combining beauty and tradition in one package.
Cost: 200 – 500 TWD / ₹516 – 1290
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Tea shops, markets, specialty stores
3. Mochi
Photo: Bekago15 / Wikimedia Commons
Mochi, or glutinous sticky rice cakes, are a beloved Taiwanese snack available in ready-to-eat and packaged forms. Street vendors often prepare fresh mochi coated with peanut or sesame powder, while packaged versions come in various flavours such as red bean, taro, and melon. Regions such as Yilan and Hualien are famous for their mochi, making them ideal places to buy this chewy treat. Mochi is a great gift for those who appreciate traditional Asian desserts.
Cost: 50 TWD / ₹80 – 100 per box
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Night markets, specialty snack shops, Yilan, Hualien
4. Iron Eggs
Photo: Klaus Nielsen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Originating from the Tamsui district, iron eggs are a distinctive snack made by repeatedly stewing eggs in soy sauce until they become dark, chewy, and flavourful. These eggs, available in regular or quail sizes, have a rich, savoury taste that intrigues many visitors. Markets and convenience stores widely sell iron eggs, making them an unusual but authentic Taiwanese souvenir.
Cost: 70 TWD / ₹182
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Tamsui
5. Lemon Cakes
Photo: The Design Lady / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Taiwanese lemon cakes are charming little cakes coated in lemon-flavoured icing, resembling miniature lemons. They offer a light, citrusy flavour that makes them a refreshing alternative to traditional sweets. Taichung is particularly famous for its lemon cakes, with bakeries such as Yi Fu Tang offering some of the best varieties. These cakes are perfect for citrus lovers, looking for a cute and tasty souvenir.
Cost: 300 TWD / ₹700
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Taichung (e.g., Yi Fu Tang bakery)
6. Milk Candy
Photo: Ice Tea / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Milk candy is a classic Taiwanese treat and a must-buy. It evokes childhood memories for many locals. This creamy, sweet candy is widely available in convenience stores and supermarkets across Taiwan. It’s a simple yet beloved souvenir that appeals to all ages, making it a great choice for those wanting to share a taste of Taiwan’s nostalgic flavours with loved ones.
Cost: 50 – 100 TWD / ₹130 – 260
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Convenience stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops
7. Striped Taiwan Market Bags (Ga Ji Dai)
Photo: Diego F. Parra / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The iconic striped shopping bags, known locally as “Ga Ji Dai,” are a ubiquitous sight in Taiwan. Locals use these durable, colourful bags to carry goods, making them a symbol of Taiwanese practicality and style. You can find these bags in various sizes and even as themed merchandise, such as keychains and magnets. They make for a practical and culturally significant souvenir.
Cost: 50 – 100 TWD / ₹130 – 260
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Convenience stores, supermarkets, souvenir shops
8. Popiah (Spring Roll) Skin
Photo: Dima Valkov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Popiah skin, a paper-thin crepe used to make Taiwanese spring rolls, is a versatile souvenir for food enthusiasts and one of the intriguing things to buy in Taiwan. It can be used to wrap a variety of fillings, from savoury to sweet, allowing you to recreate Taiwanese street food at home. Fresh and packaged popiah skins are sold in markets and specialty shops, offering a unique culinary gift.
Cost: 100 – 150 TWD / ₹250 – 375 per pack
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Local markets, supermarkets, specialty food stores
9. Indigenous Crafts
Photo: Biplobcht / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Taiwan’s indigenous communities create stunning handicrafts that embody their rich cultural heritage. Their woven bags, intricate beadwork, and detailed wooden carvings showcase exceptional craftsmanship and traditional designs. These items often carry deep spiritual and historical meanings, reflecting the artisans’ connection to their ancestral roots. Buying indigenous crafts not only supports local artisans but also preserves and shares Taiwan’s diverse cultural stories through beautiful, meaningful souvenirs.
Cost: 500 – 2000 TWD ₹1300 – 5250
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Indigenous Markets
10. Sun Cakes
Photo: Cats Coming / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sun cakes are a popular Taiwanese pastry originating from Taichung, known for their thin, flaky crust and sweet maltose filling. These round, multi-layered cakes offer a perfect balance of soft, buttery pastry and a lightly sweet, gooey maltose that isn’t overpowering. Often elegantly packaged, sun cakes are a favoured gift among locals and tourists alike, symbolising warmth and Taiwanese culinary tradition. They pair wonderfully with tea, making them a delightful souvenir.
Cost: 440 TWD / ₹1,164
Where To Buy In Taiwan: Taichung bakeries, specialty pastry shops, markets
Discovering the things to buy in Taiwan is like uncovering little gems that reflect the island’s soul. From savoury iron eggs to delicate tea leaves, every purchase is a passport to Taiwan’s rich traditions and flavours. These souvenirs aren’t just products, they are experiences you can savour and share. So, next time you wander Taiwan’s bustling markets, embrace the joy of collecting stories, tastes, and artistry that will remind you of this enchanting island for years to come. Plan your trip with TripXL Today.
Cover Photo: Heeheemalu / Wikimedia Commons
