List of sweets you must try on your trip to Taiwan! A compilation of classic, street stall, trendy, and souvenir sweets!
What are the must-try desserts on a trip to Taiwan?
When it comes to the joys of traveling to Taiwan, nothing beatsDesserts！
In this column, we’ll explore what to eat while you’re thereClassic Sweets, Street Food, Trending Spots, SouvenirsI’ll walk you through everything in one go.
◆ For those who want to learn about classic Taiwanese sweets and street food
◆ For those who want to check out the latest in Taiwanese sweets
◆ For those looking for delicious Taiwanese sweets to bring home as souvenirs
Taiwan Recommendations
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7 Must-Try Classic Taiwanese Desserts to Enjoy Locally
Taiwan has many traditional sweets that have been loved for generations. These are must-try treats during your trip.7 Classic Menu ItemsWe’ve selected the following.
You can enjoy the unique local flavors of each one!
Douhua
Douhua is a soy milk pudding with a soft, tofu-like texture, served with syrup and toppings.Taiwan's signature dessertsIt is.
With a wide variety of toppings—including taro dumplings, peanuts, and tapioca—you can customize your bowl to your liking!
Not too sweet and refreshingSince it’s prepared this way, it’s easy to eat even in hot Taiwan.
Taro Balls
Taro balls are made from taro or sweet potatoesChewy dumplingsIt is.
Northern TaiwanOriginating in JiufenIt is said that in the local area, douhua and grass jellyToppingsis provided as
The outside is smooth and glossy, while the inside has a firm, springy texture—it’s so delicious, you’ll be hooked after just one bite.
Be sure to try this when you visit Jiufen!
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Aiyu (Ogyochi)
Aiyu is a jelly-like dessert made from the seeds of a fruit native to Taiwan,Natural foods native to TaiwanIt is.
The classic way to enjoy it is to drizzle it with lemon syrup for a refreshing taste.
A subtle bitterness and refreshing acidityThe balance is just right, making it perfect for when you want to cool off during a hot Taiwanese summer.
You can easily enjoy them at food stalls and specialty shops.
Herbal Jelly (Senzau Dan)
Herbal jelly is made from a plant in the mint familyMade by boiling "herbal jelly" and letting it setBlack JellyIt is.
A distinctive bittersweet flavor with a clean finishIt is known for its distinctive flavor and is a beloved summer treat in Taiwan.
Drinks made with soy milk and tapioca are also popular, and you can easily find them everywhere, from convenience stores to street stalls.
Mochi
Mochi is a Taiwanese dessert similar to Japanese mochi.Chewy SweetsThe classic versions are filled with peanut powder, black sesame seeds, or red bean paste.
It’s eaten all over Taiwan, and one of the fun things about it is that you can enjoy different regional variations.
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea isA sweet drink originating in TaiwanIt has become a representative drink of Taiwan that has spread all over the world.
The balance between the authentic, chewy tapioca and rich milk tea is simply exceptional!
You can customize the sweetness and amount of ice to your likingThis is also a characteristic of the Taiwanese style.
Taiwan sponge cake
Taiwanese castella is,A fluffy, sponge-like textureis a popular dessert that enjoyed a huge surge in popularity in Japan for a time.
They are sold in large sizes there, and the local custom is to eat them fresh out of the oven right on the spot.
In addition to plain,Cheese and matcha flavorsThere are plenty of varieties to choose from, so be sure to try them all and see which one you like best!
Enjoy Taiwanese Street Food!
4 Recommended Desserts
When it comes to evenings on a trip to Taiwan, it’s definitely...Night MarketAt the bustling night market lined with food stalls,Something you can easily enjoy while walkingThere are lots of sweets.
Here are four items we highly recommend.
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Enjoy at night!
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Chicken Cake (Jidangao)
Chicken cake is what is commonly known asBaby CastellaIt's a snack like that.
Crispy on the outside and moist and fluffy on the inside, they come in a variety of flavors, including plain, chocolate, and cheese.
It looks cute, and at a night market in Taiwan,Loved by everyone from children to adultsThese are sweets.
Candied hawthorn
Candied fruit on a stick is made by skewering fruits such as strawberries and hawthorn berries,Coated in crunchy candyStreet food sweets.
The tartness of the fruit and the sweetness of the candy are perfectly balanced,Perfect for eating on the gois one of the dishes.
You’ll often see them not only at night markets but also at stalls in tourist spots.
Peanut Roll Ice Cream
(Hua Xian, Juan Bin, Chi Ling)
Peanut Roll Ice Cream is,Peanut Candyand pieces planed with a planeIce creamwrapped in thin spring roll wrappers、Unique sweets you can only find in TaiwanIt is.
It's popular in places like Jiufen and Shilin Night Market,Top with cilantroThat is the traditional style.
We can also prepare it without cilantro, so even those who aren't fond of it can enjoy it with peace of mind!
Danbing
Danbing is traditionally a staple of the Taiwanese breakfastCrepes with EggsHowever, lately I’ve been eating ones filled with sweet fruit or red bean pasteSweet Treatsis also popular.
The combination of the chewy dough and sweet filling is simply perfect,Night markets and morning marketsYou can try it out easily.
3 Must-Try Desserts Trending in Taiwan
Taiwan's dessert scene isConstantly evolvingHere are some tips. If you check them out before your trip, exploring the local food scene will be even more fun!
Cheese Tea
Cheese tea is a sweet drink featuring a light layer of cream cheese atop cold tea,Trends from Taiwanand spread throughout the world.
The sweet-and-salty cheese cream pairs perfectly with the aroma of tea,Once you try it, you'll be hookedIt's delicious.
You can easily buy them at drink stands and other locations throughout Taipei.
Fruit Douhua / Mango Douhua
Based on traditional douhua, with flavors such as mango and strawberryFresh Fruit"Fruit Douhua," topped with plenty of fruit, is gaining popularity in Taiwan.
In particular, "Mango Douhua"This dish perfectly combines the sweetness of Taiwanese mangoes with the smooth texture of douhua, and its Instagram-worthy appearance has made it a huge hit, especially among younger people!"
Taiwanese Shaved Ice
Xuehua Bing, one of the most popular types of shaved ice in Taiwan, isA light, fluffy texture, like snowThis shaved ice is known for its distinctive features.
Since it’s made by shaving ice that’s been frozen with milk and fruit mixed in, it has a slightly sweet and creamy flavor.
Mango, matcha, strawberry, and moreA wide variety of flavorsSo, this is a dish you definitely have to try during the hot season when you're traveling in Taiwan!
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Taiwanese sweets to bring home as souvenirs!
Recommended List
No trip to Taiwan is complete without souvenirs! When it comes to Taiwanese sweets to bring home,Wide varietySo, all of themDeliciousness that brings joyIt is.
Here are our recommendations, ranging from classics to some more unusual finds.
Pineapple Cake
Pineapple cake isThe absolute classic among Taiwanese souvenirs. These baked goods feature a crispy buttery crust filled with pineapple jam and have a long shelf life.one's specialty (party piece, etc.)It's also perfect for...
Since the texture of the dough and the jam blend vary from shop to shop, it’s fun to try them all and compare.
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Nougat Crackers
Nougat crackers are crispy crackers withMilk NougatThis is a popular Taiwanese snack that features [ingredient] sandwiched between [ingredient].
Amid the sweetnessA hint of saltinessThey’re known for being so addictive that once you start eating them, you can’t stop! Many come in individual packages,Easy to hand outThat’s another great thing about it.
You can buy them at Dihua Street in Taipei or at supermarkets.
Heian period oval rice cakes
Taiyangbing is a traditional pastry from central Taiwan—Taichung City's Famous SweetsAnd inside the flaky pastry crust is sweet malt candy.
Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, this is a long-time favorite and a classic souvenir from Taiwan.
Mung Bean Cake (Mung Bean Confection)
Mung bean cake is,Mung bean flourThis is a traditional Taiwanese sweet made in the style of Japanese confectionery.
A refined sweetness and a delicate textureIt is characterized by its mild flavor, making it easy for Japanese people to enjoy.
It looks beautiful, andA souvenir for those who love traditional Japanese sweetsThey’re sure to be a hit. You can find them at long-established Taiwanese confectionery shops and airport souvenir shops.
About Taiwanese sweets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As some of Taiwan’s most iconic desserts, douhua, taro balls, and aiyu jelly are highly recommended. All are traditional sweets made with ingredients unique to Taiwan, and you can easily enjoy them at local specialty shops or night markets. Many of them have a light, refreshing taste with just a touch of sweetness, making them perfect for after a meal.
Pineapple cakes (Fengli Su), nougat cookies (Niuzhatang Biscuits), Sun Cakes, and mung bean cakes have a long shelf life, making them perfect souvenirs. Pineapple cakes, in particular, are popular because many come individually wrapped and can be stored at room temperature, making them easy to share. You can find them at airport duty-free shops and convenience stores, so you can buy them with confidence even right before your flight home.
Taipei’s Shilin Night Market and Raohe Street Night Market are particularly famous, offering a chance to enjoy a variety of street food sweets all at once, such as chicken cake, candied hawthorn, and peanut-coated ice cream rolls. In Taichung, the Fengjia Night Market is highly recommended, and in Kaohsiung, the Liuhe Night Market is also a great choice. Night markets are often open from the evening until late at night, making them easy to fit into your travel schedule—another great perk.
summary
In Taiwan, there are desserts like douhua and taro ballsTraditional SweetsFrom night market street food to cheese tea and shaved ice,Trendy Sweets, including pineapple cakeSouvenir sweetsThere’s a wide variety of delicious sweets to enjoy.
Come and indulge in Taiwanese sweets to your heart’s content—you’ll discover treats that can only be experienced here!
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