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23 Taiwan souvenirs you can only find locally: Snacks, desserts, and accessories!
Not sure what to buy in Taiwan? Discover the best Taiwan souvenirs by budget, from easy snacks to premium gifts.
The best gifts and Taiwan souvenirs are snacks, treats, and unique tastes that showcase the island’s culinary offerings. They end up carrying memories of your trip and showcase the charm of Taiwan itself. While classic picks are always appreciated, unique Taiwanese souvenirs feel even more special.
In this guide, Holafly team members who truly love visiting this colorful country have carefully selected the best souvenirs from Taiwan, focusing on items you’ll only find locally. Use this list as inspiration when deciding what to buy in Taiwan, and make your Taiwan souvenir shopping easier and more fun. Stay connected with an unlimited data travel eSIM on your trip abroad.
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Taiwan snacks, treats, and food souvenirs 🍬
Taiwan is famous for its incredible sweets, including classic pineapple cakes and trending desserts you’ve probably seen online. These are some of the tastiest things to buy in Taiwan and perfect food souvenirs to bring home.
1. Crispy pineapple cakes
When people think about what to buy in Taiwan, pineapple cake almost always comes first. A buttery, crumbly pastry filled with sweet pineapple jam, it’s simple yet deeply satisfying. In Taiwan, pineapple symbolizes good fortune and prosperity, which makes pineapple cakes especially popular as gifts from Taiwan.
One highly recommended option is Li Zhi Bing Jia, a long-established bakery known for its rich butter aroma and refined sweetness. These Taiwan pineapple cakes pair beautifully with Taiwanese tea, making them perfect for afternoon tea.
Recommended for you if:
- You want a classic Taiwan souvenir
- You prefer desserts that are not overly sweet
- You’re buying Taiwan gifts for elders or colleagues
Price range: About $1-6 USD (single piece to a box of twelve, depending on size)
Where to buy: Li Zhi Bing Jia stores (Taipei, Keelung), selected souvenir shops, airport stores, Pan’s Cake
2. Taiwanese melon bread
Taiwanese melon bread has evolved into something quite different from its Japanese counterpart. Expect a crisp cookie-style topping, soft bread inside, and a rich buttery aroma. One of the most popular versions is I Jy Sheng’s Danish Melon Bread, with delicate layers similar to a croissant.
It’s now a staple breakfast item and a fun, trendy choice when deciding what to bring back from Taiwan.
Recommended for you if:
- You want to experience one of Taiwan’s famous bakeries
- You love crispy-soft textures
- You’re looking for a fun Taiwan souvenir
Price range: Around ~$1-2 USD
Where to buy: I Jy Sheng branches across Taipei and Taoyuan Airport
3. Social-media famous nougat crackers
Nougat crackers combine crisp crackers with creamy, sweet-salty nougat. They’ve quickly become popular Taiwanese snacks, especially among younger travellers. Sugar & Spice (Tang Cun) offers beautifully packaged versions that look as good as they taste.
Recommended for you if:
- You love trending sweets
- You’re buying gifts for younger people
- You want photogenic Taiwan gifts
Price range: Around ~$5-6 USD
Where to buy: Sugar Village Taipei Ximending Store and Sugar Village Taipei Dunnan Store,
4. Taiyang cakes or sun cakes
Taiyang cakes or sun cakes are flaky pastries filled with sweet malt sugar. Originating in Taichung, they’re a classic example of traditional Taiwanese souvenirs. Tai Yang Tang Lao Dian, founded in 1954, is especially well known for its refined sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pair these Taiyang mochi cakes with oolong tea for a truly local experience.
Price range: Around ~$6-7 USD
Where to buy: Taiyodo Old Store, Breeze Taipei Station Store
5. Taiwanese castella cake
Known locally as Gu Zao Wei Dan Gao, Taiwanese castella cake is steamed and baked for a fluffy, moist texture that almost melts on your tongue. Yuan Wei Ben Pu in Tamsui offers flavours like plain, cheese, and chocolate. This is a gentle and comforting choice when considering things to buy in Taiwan for family members.
Price range: Approximately ~$5-6 USD (depending on the flavor)
Where to buy: Genmi Honpo Tamsui Main Branch or Chia Te Bakery in Taipei
6. Tea leaf cookies
Made with famous Taiwanese tea leaves, these cookies offer an elegant aroma and subtle flavour. Xiao Cha Zai Tang’s tea cookies come in multiple varieties, making them ideal for tasting and gifting alongside tea bags or Taiwanese tea.
Price range: Around ~$6-7 USD
Where to buy: Yongkang flagship store and Fujin store in Taipei City
7. Rich peanut nougat candy
Peanut nougat, locally known as niu zha tang, is a long-loved sweet in Taiwan. Da Hei Song Xiao Liang Kou’s version is rich, nutty, and satisfying. It’s a comforting option among Taiwan snacks to bring home.
Price range: Around ~$6-7 USD
Where to buy: Daikokumatsu Xiaojikou Shilin store and other stores
8. Taro pastry (Wu Tau Su)
Taro pastry features flaky layers filled with smooth taro paste. Xian Mai’s version from Taichung is especially popular. It’s an elegant choice among Taiwanese souvenirs, especially for those who enjoy less sugary desserts.
Price range: Around ~$6-7 USD
Where to buy: Xianmai Yam Tou Su Beijing Station store
9. Crispy egg rolls
Egg rolls are a long-standing favourite in Taiwan souvenir shopping. HiWalk’s peanut-filled egg rolls combine crisp pastry with creamy filling, individually wrapped and ideal for sharing at work.
Price range: Around ~$7 USD
Where to buy: HiWalk Ximending store and other stores
10. Rich chocolate cake made with Taiwanese cocoa
Feeling18°C Chocolate Factory uses Taiwanese cocoa to create rich, smooth chocolate cakes. Options like Black Gold Chocolate and 75% First Love Chocolate are deeply indulgent and pair surprisingly well with wine. Perfect if you’re searching for premium Taiwan souvenirs with a sophisticated edge.
Price range: Around ~$9-10 USD
Where to buy: Feeling18°C Chocolate Studio Main Store and other stores
7 Stylish Taiwanese goods and accessories 💍
If you’re looking for Taiwan souvenirs with great design and everyday practicality, Taiwanese goods and accessories are a perfect choice. These items reflect Taiwan’s unique sense of style and creativity, making them ideal if you want something fashionable yet meaningful to bring home. Search popular Taiwan souvenirs near you using mobile data from a local Taiwan SIM card, or head to Holafly’s eSIM store to buy an eSIM.
1. Elegant Taiwanese tea sets
Taiwanese tea sets are known for their clean lines and understated elegance. They pair beautifully with Taiwanese tea, such as high mountain oolong or green tea. Gifting tea sets together with tea leaves creates a complete and memorable Taiwan gift.
One trusted place to buy is Lin Mao Sen Tea Company, where you’ll find tea sets that balance beautiful design with everyday usability.
Recommended for you if:
- You’re buying for a tea-loving man
- You prefer minimal, high-quality design
- You’re looking for a refined gift for elders
Price range: Around ~$13-20 USD
Where to buy: Speciality tea ware shops (including Lin Mao Sen Tea Company), department stores, Yingge Ceramics Museum (New Taipei City)
2. Colourful Taiwanese floral fabric goods
Goods made with traditional Taiwanese floral fabric are bright, playful, and full of character. You’ll find pouches, bags, coasters, and other small items that are easy to pack and practical to use.
Yongle Market is one of the best places for these Taiwanese souvenirs.
Recommended for you if:
- You love cute, colourful designs
- You’re interested in Taiwanese culture
- You enjoy retro aesthetics
Price range: Around ~$1-3 USD
Where to buy: Speciality tea ware shops (including Lin Mao Sen Tea Company), department stores
3. High-quality local accessories
Taiwanese accessory brands are known for fine materials and delicate detailing. One standout is Vacanza Accessory, a popular local brand with dozens of stores across Taiwan. Its designs are elegant yet wearable, making them suitable for both everyday use and special occasions.
Recommended for you if:
- You love well-crafted accessories
- You’re searching for a special gift
- You appreciate Taiwanese craftsmanship
Price range: Around ~$25-27 USD
Where to buy: Major department stores in Taiwan and Taipei, like Jianguo Jade market
4. Taiwan-exclusive Starbucks tumblers and mugs
Starbucks in Taiwan offers a wide range of location-exclusive tumblers and mugs. Popular designs include the Taipei 101 series and illustrated collections inspired by local scenery. Seasonal releases, such as Lunar New Year or cherry blossom designs, often sell out quickly.
Recommended for you if:
- You collect Starbucks merchandise
- You want a functional travel keepsake
- You like design-led everyday items
Price range: Around ~$14-17 USD
Where to buy: Starbucks stores in Taiwan (Taipei 101 store, airport store, etc.)
5. Taiwan-only MUJI food and local products
Taiwan’s version of MUJI carries exclusive food items and products made with local ingredients. Popular picks include fruit jams made from Taiwanese produce and tea bags featuring local teas.
Price range: Around ~$5-12 USD
Where to buy: Starbucks stores in Taiwan (Taipei 101 store, airport store, etc.)
6. EsLite exclusive stationery and goods
Eslite Lifestyle in Taipei is a treasure trove of stationery and lifestyle goods created by Taiwanese designers. Look for masking tape inspired by traditional patterns or postcards featuring scenes from Taipei City and beyond.
If you enjoy browsing stationery stores and discovering well-designed items, this is a must-stop during your Taiwan souvenir shopping.
Price range: Around ~$5-12 USD
Where to buy: Eslite Life
7. Local Taiwanese designer goods
If you’re searching for Taiwan souvenirs that truly feel local, look for items created by Taiwanese designers. Shops like Lai Hao, Yun Cai Xuan, and Ho-Li specialise in goods made in Taiwan, from small decorative items to high-quality lifestyle products.
Recommended for you if:
- You’re interested in local crafts
- You love unique, cute goods
- You value quality and originality
Price range: Around ~$6-9 USD
Where to buy: Lai Hao Yongkang Street Main Branch
Three Taiwanese flavours perfect for food lovers 🍲
If you’re shopping for someone who loves cooking or appreciates fine ingredients, these Taiwan souvenirs are a fantastic choice. From premium delicacies to carefully selected tea leaves, each item lets you recreate authentic Taiwanese flavours at home.
1. Premium dried mullet roe (Karasumi)
Taiwanese dried mullet roe, known locally as wuyuzi, is considered a high-end delicacy and a classic in Taiwanese cuisine. It has a rich umami flavour and a dense, slightly sticky texture. It pairs beautifully with sake or shochu, but it’s also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Slice it thinly and serve with daikon radish, or add it to pasta or fried rice for an instant flavour boost.
A trusted choice is from specialist shops like Hao Wei Zhen in Kaohsiung. In southern Taiwan, where seafood is abundant, each piece is carefully sun-dried and finished by skilled artisans.
Recommended for you if:
- You enjoy alcohol and gourmet snacks
- You love cooking and experimenting
- You’re interested in luxury ingredients
Price range: Around ~$20-60 USD (depending on size and quality)
Where to buy: Speciality stores in Kaohsiung (such as Hao Wei Zhen), high-end supermarkets in Taipei and Taichung, and selected airport shops
2. Dried Taiwanese scallops
Taiwanese dried scallops are prized for their intense umami and fragrance, making them perfect for soups, stews, and slow-cooked dishes. Scallops from the Penghu Islands are especially valued for their thick texture and depth of flavour. Add them to Taiwanese-style congee or Chinese soups, and you’ll instantly elevate the dish.
This is one of those things to buy in Taiwan that serious home cooks truly appreciate, especially if they enjoy building flavour from scratch.
Recommended for you if:
- You love cooking at home
- You’re curious about premium ingredients
- You often make soups or braised dishes
Price range: Around ~$9-7 USD
Where to buy: Souvenir shops and markets in the Penghu Islands and major supermarkets across Taiwan (including Carrefour, RT-Mart, and others)
3. Tea leaves from Taiwanese tea specialists
Tea leaves chosen by Taiwanese tea specialists are known for their elegant aroma and refined taste. They allow you to enjoy a truly authentic Taiwanese tea experience long after your trip ends. One highly recommended shop is Lin Hua Tai Tea Company.
Founded in 1883 and located in Taipei’s Datong District, Lin Hua Tai is one of the city’s most respected tea wholesalers. You’ll find a wide selection, including Dong Ding oolong, Wenshan Baozhong, and Oriental Beauty tea.
Recommended for you if:
- You love tea
- You prefer refined, high-quality products
- You’re curious about Taiwanese tea culture
Price range: Around ~$7-9 USD
Where to buy: Lin Hua Tai Tea Company, high-end department stores
Best Taiwan souvenirs from the supermarket 🛒
Whether you’re buying for coworkers, friends, or yourself, these items are budget-friendly and widely available.
1. Taiwan-only potato chips
In Taiwan, you’ll find many potato chips specifically seasoned to go with beer. Think spicy blends and seafood-inspired flavours that you rarely see elsewhere. These snacks are designed as the perfect match for Taiwan beer, making them a fun and unexpected choice among things to buy in Taiwan.
Recommended for you if:
- You love beer
- You’re looking for savoury snacks
- You want fun, unique Taiwanese souvenirs
Price range: Around ~$1-2 USD
Where to buy: Night markets or convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart
2. Sha Cha Sauce (Sha Cha Jiang)
Sha Cha sauce is a classic Taiwanese seasoning made from dried shrimp, seafood, garlic, sesame, and spices. It’s incredibly versatile and adds deep umami to stir-fries, hot pots, and even instant noodle dishes.
One of the most popular brands is Bull Head (Niu Tou Pai), which you’ll find easily in local supermarkets. It’s perfect if you want to recreate Taiwanese flavours at home and are thinking about what to bring back from Taiwan for food lovers.
Recommended for you if:
- You enjoy cooking
- You’re curious about Taiwanese home-style dishes
- You love stir-fries and noodles
Price range: Around ~$1-3 USD (250 g jar)
Where to buy: Taiwanese supermarkets such as Carrefour and PX Mart
3. Taiwanese Fruit Beer
Fruit beers from Taiwan Beer (Taiwan Beer) are extremely popular. Flavours like mango, pineapple, and lychee showcase Taiwan’s tropical fruit culture. With an alcohol content of around 2.5%, they’re light, refreshing, and easy to drink, even if you don’t usually enjoy beer.
They’re affordable, widely available, and make fun Taiwan gifts, especially for people who enjoy trying local drinks.
Recommended for you if:
- You prefer light or fruity alcohol
- You enjoy tropical flavours
- You’re buying souvenirs for women or casual drinkers
Price range: Around ~$1-3 USD
Where to buy: Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores
Common mistakes when buying Taiwan souvenirs: Rules and etiquette
To avoid the disappointment of having souvenirs confiscated, it’s important to understand import rules and storage tips before shopping.
Restricted items
Check your country’s regulations in advance to make sure your Taiwan souvenirs can be brought home safely. Pay special attention to the following:
- Meat products: Ham, sausages, and meat buns are generally prohibited. Pork products are especially restricted due to disease prevention measures.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit is likely to be confiscated. Choose processed items such as jams or canned fruit instead.
- Plants: Items with soil, seeds, or bulbs are not allowed.
- Products protected under international treaties (such as ivory or crocodile leather) are prohibited
- Restrictions also apply to medicine, cosmetics, alcohol, and tobacco
💡 Tips
- Always check quarantine regulations before buying
- If unsure, ask customs or quarantine authorities
- When in doubt, official government guidance is the safest reference.
Expiry Dates and Storage
To avoid regret, always check expiry dates and storage instructions.
Expiry dates
- Always check before purchasing
- Consider travel time and consumption pace
- Be extra careful with food items
Storage
- Some items require room temperature, refrigeration, or freezing
- Confirm storage instructions at purchase
- Let the recipient know how to store the item
💡 Tips
- Individually wrapped, long-lasting items are best for sharing
- Minimise transport time for fresh goods
- Ask store staff if anything is unclear
Make souvenir shopping easier with an eSIM for Taiwan
While sightseeing, you’ll often want to search for shop locations or check stock availability. Holafly’s eSIM for Taiwan lets you stay connected without hassle.
Why choose Holafly’s Taiwan eSIM?
- Unlimited data: Use maps, social media, and videos without worry
- No physical SIM needed: Set it up before departure and connect instantly on arrival
- Keep your number: WhatsApp works as usual
- 24-hour Japanese-language support: Help whenever you need it
Easy 3-step setup:
- Purchase the eSIM on Holafly’s official website
- Scan the QR code and install
- Turn on data roaming after arrival
All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone to get started. The good news is that most modern smartphones are. With Holafly’s eSIM, Taiwan souvenir shopping becomes smoother and more enjoyable.
Taiwan Souvenirs: Frequently Asked Questions
Popular options include floral fabric pouches, Taiwanese cypress aroma goods, and locally designed stationery, often found at Eslite Lifestyle and boutique shops.
Look for Taiwan beer–flavoured snacks, fruit beers, and Bull Head Sha Cha sauce. These are typically affordable and cheap souvenirs.
Yes. Taiwan Starbucks sells location-exclusive tumblers and mugs inspired by local culture and scenery.
Local brands like Vacanza Accessory offer handcrafted jewellery with refined design and high-quality materials.
Pineapple cakes, nougat crackers, and taro pastries are among the most popular Taiwanese souvenirs, loved by travellers of all ages.
Yes. Taiwan MUJI sells exclusive food items and goods made with local ingredients, which are especially popular with MUJI fans.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
