Best Souvenirs from Taiwan: Where and What to Buy – Taiwan: Xiangshan, Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola, Yangmingshan, Taroko Gorge, Alishan

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.

Best Places for Souvenirs & Local Snacks

Dihua Street (迪化街)

A must-visit for traditional souvenirs, dried fruits, tea, Chinese herbs, handmade crafts, and retro packaging.

Great for: Pineapple cakes, tea, iron eggs, dried flowers, cultural gifts

Taipei City Mall (台北地下街)

Underground mall from Taipei Main Station to Zhongshan MRT. Filled with anime goods, stationery, electronics, and affordable clothing.

Great for: Quirky souvenirs, retro games, budget fashion

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

A hotspot for locally designed products, handmade crafts, and design-focused gifts.

Great for: Creative souvenirs, stationery, boutique brands

Best Places to Buy Electronics in Taipei

Guanghua Digital Plaza (光華數位新天地)

Taipei’s go-to electronics hub for everything from laptops to custom PC parts and phone accessories.

Great for: Gaming gear, computer components, cables, gadgets

Syntrend Creative Park (三創生活園區)

Next to Guanghua Plaza. A more modern, mall-style experience with digital lifestyle shops, tech showcases, and brand flagships.

Great for: Smart gadgets, designer tech, VR demos

Best Places for Beauty & Skincare Products

Watsons & Cosmed (屈臣氏 / 康是美)

Taiwan’s leading drugstore chains for sheet masks, cosmetics, and skincare at local prices.

Great for: My Beauty Diary, Naruko, Dr. Wu, beauty deals

SOGO Department Store – Zhongxiao Branch (SOGO忠孝館)

Home to mid- to high-end Asian and global beauty brands.

Great for: Skincare sets, luxury cosmetics, K-beauty

Ximending Beauty Shops

Popular beauty shops like Innisfree, The Face Shop, and smaller Taiwanese brands cluster here.

Great for: Youthful skincare, trendy makeup, nail products

Fashion & Lifestyle Shopping Areas

Ximending Shopping District (西門町)

Taipei’s answer to Harajuku—youthful, energetic, and fashion-forward.

Great for: Streetwear, sneakers, beauty, accessories, pop culture goods

Zhongxiao Dunhua (忠孝敦化商圈)

Trendy boutiques, branded fashion, cafés, and lifestyle stores—popular with locals and influencers.

Great for: Local designer labels, vintage shops, curated fashion

Taipei 101 Mall

Upscale mall with international luxury brands and high-end dining.

Great for: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany, tech & fashion fusion

Night Markets for Affordable Souvenirs & Snacks

Raohe Night Market (饒河街夜市)

More local in feel, known for pepper buns, handicrafts, and herbal products.

Great for: Budget souvenirs, Taiwanese snacks, unique finds

Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)

Taipei’s largest night market, perfect for grabbing cheap clothing, snacks, and accessories.

Great for: T-shirts, small gifts, street food

Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市)

Compact and food-focused, great for tasting local specialties while souvenir shopping.

Great for: Iron eggs, mini gift items, dried foods

Summary: Best Shopping Spots in Taipei by Type

Type	Where to Go
Souvenirs & Snacks	Dihua Street, Jiufen Old Street, Songshan Creative Park
Electronics	Guanghua Digital Plaza, Syntrend Creative Park
Beauty & Skincare	Watsons, Cosmed, Ximending Beauty Street, SOGO Zhongxiao
Fashion & Lifestyle	Zhongxiao Dunhua, Ximending, Taipei 101 Mall
Night Market Shopping	Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia

Important Customs Tip: Know Before You Buy

Before you buy best souvenirs from Taiwan, 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.

Before buying perishable or specialty items, always check your home country’s customs rules:

Meat products (like pork jerky or sausages):

✅ Can be taken out of Taiwan
❌ Usually not allowed into most countries (e.g., USA, Australia, New Zealand)

Liquids & alcohol:

✅ Must be under allowed limits (often 1L or less duty-free)
✅ Pack in checked luggage

What to Buy in Taiwan? Best Souvenirs from Taiwan

Best Souvenirs, Snacks, Electronics & Beauty Finds

Shopping in Taiwan is a highlight for many visitors, thanks to its rich culture, delicious food, modern tech, and affordable beauty products. From traditional treats to cutting-edge gadgets, here’s your ultimate guide to what to buy in Taiwan—and how to take it home safely.

Cheap & Best Souvenirs from Taiwan

Sweet Pastries & Baked Goods

Pineapple Cakes 鳳梨酥

What: Buttery shortbread-style pastry with tangy pineapple filling
Why buy: Taiwan’s #1 gift treat—symbol of prosperity
Where: ChiaTe, SunnyHills, most souvenir shops & airports
Tip: Look for 100% pineapple filling (no winter melon)

■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery Service (Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup

Nougat Cookies 牛軋餅

What: Chewy nougat + crunchy soda crackers
Why buy: Addictive sweet-salty combo
Perfect for: Gifting—individually wrapped

Nougat 牛軋糖

What: Soft, milky candy with almonds or peanuts
Why buy: Taiwan’s version is softer and less sweet
Flavor: Nutty, creamy, gift-box ready

Sachima 沙琪瑪

What: Eggy fried dough stuck together with syrup
Why buy: Like a richer, fluffier rice crispy treat
Flavor: Lightly sweet, often with sesame or raisins

Egg Roll Snack 蛋捲

What: Crisp, rolled wafers made from egg batter
Why buy: Light, buttery, and perfect for gifting
Flavors: Original, sesame, seaweed, matcha

Sun Cakes 太陽餅

What: Flaky pastry with sweet maltose filling
Why buy: Taichung classic, not overly sweet
Tip: Handle gently—they’re delicate

Egg Yolk Pastry 蛋黃酥

What: Pastry with red/mung bean and salted egg yolk
Why buy: Sweet-salty perfection; popular for Mid-Autumn
Texture: Crumbly crust, rich center

Moon Cakes 月餅

What: Dense pastry filled with lotus, red bean, or mixed nuts
Why buy: Symbol of reunion during Mid-Autumn Festival
Premium versions: May include yolk, whiskey, or matcha

Savory Snacks & Local Favorites

Iron Eggs 鐵蛋

What: Eggs repeatedly stewed and air-dried for a chewy, savory finish
Why buy: Tamsui favorite with bold umami flavor
Shelf Life: Long—perfect for travel
Flavor: Soy-rich with star anise and five-spice

Beef Jerky 牛肉乾

What: Marinated Taiwanese-style beef strips
Why buy: Tender, sweet-savory—very different from Western jerky
Flavors: Spicy, black pepper, honey, original

Shacha Dried Tofu 沙茶豆干

What: Chewy tofu slices marinated in BBQ-style sauce
Why buy: High-protein snack with bold umami
Flavor: Garlicky, smoky, slightly spicy

Mochi 麻糬

What: Sticky rice cakes filled with sweet paste
Why buy: Versatile—fresh or packaged
Fillings: Peanut, sesame, taro, or custard

Cow Tongue Biscuits 牛舌餅

What: Long, crispy biscuits (not real tongue!)
Why buy: Yilan favorite—lightly sweet and crunchy
Best with: Tea

Crispy Pork Paper 脆豬肉紙

What: Paper-thin pork jerky that crunches like a chip
Why buy: Sweet-savory and high in protein
Perfect for: Meat lovers who want something unique

Instant Noodles & Dry Snacks

Instant Noodles 泡麵

What: Gourmet-level noodles with rich broths and toppings
Why buy: Affordable, flavorful, and widely varied
Top Brands: Man Han Big Meal, TTL, Wei Lih, Uni-President
Types: Soup, dry, cup noodles, or premium boxed

Vegan Instant Noodle 素飄香

What: Plant-based noodles with full-flavored broths
Why buy: Meat-free, Buddhist-approved, and tasty
Flavors: Mushroom, soy sauce, sesame oil
Great for: Vegetarians & health-conscious travelers

Man Han Big Meal 滿漢大餐蔥燒牛肉麵

What: Premium beef noodle soup with rich scallion-soy broth
Why buy: Big chunks of beef, bold flavor—top-tier quality
Taste: Hearty, savory, restaurant-style in a bowl
Great for: Serious noodle lovers and gifting

TTL Huadiao Chicken Noodles 台酒花雕雞麵

What: Noodles in fragrant Shaoxing rice wine chicken broth
Why buy: Unique flavor from real cooking wine
Taste: Slightly boozy, rich, herbal
Great for: Adventurous eaters and cold days

Weiwei A Pork Rib and Chicken Noodles 味味A排骨雞麵

What: Instant soup noodles with pork rib and chicken flavor
Why buy: Hearty, slightly herbal broth with comfort appeal
Taste: Meaty, warming, a local go-to
Great for: Rainy days or when you need something soothing

Weili Noodles 維力炸醬麵

What: Dry-style noodles with thick soybean paste sauce
Why buy: Deep umami, satisfying and savory
Taste: Sweet-salty, garlicky, mildly spiced
Great for: Quick, filling meals without soup

Uni-President Braised Pork Noodles 統一肉燥麵

What: Classic noodles with savory minced pork sauce
Why buy: Budget-friendly, nostalgic favorite for generations
Taste: Umami-rich, soy-flavored comfort food
Great for: Everyday meals and snack shelves

Lai Yi Ke Fresh Shrimp Fish Plate 來一客鮮蝦魚板

What: Cup noodles with shrimp and fish cake slices
Why buy: Seafood-based, clean taste, easy to prep
Taste: Light, slightly briny, very snackable
Great for: Quick lunches or late-night cravings

Science Noodles 科學麵

What: Crunchy, dry noodles eaten straight from the bag
Why buy: Iconic snack with childhood nostalgia
Taste: Simple, salty, customizable with flavor pack
Great for: Kids, travel, quirky souvenirs

Top 5 Taiwanese Instant Noodles (Ranked)

Rank	Name	Key Feature
🥇 1	Man Han Big Meal (滿漢大餐)	Rich beef chunks, bold scallion-soy broth—restaurant-level taste
🥈 2	TTL Huadiao Chicken Noodles (台酒花雕雞麵)	Unique Shaoxing wine aroma, comforting chicken broth
🥉 3	Weiwei A Pork Rib Chicken (味味A排骨雞麵)	Hearty, meaty soup with a slightly herbal twist
4	Weili Zhajiang Noodles (維力炸醬麵)	Strong soybean paste flavor, satisfying dry noodles
5	Uni-President Braised Pork (統一肉燥麵)	Simple, nostalgic, and great value

Flavor Comparison Table

Brand / Product	Style	Broth Flavor	Texture	Notable Ingredient
Man Han Big Meal	Soup	Rich scallion soy	Springy noodles	Real beef chunks
TTL Huadiao Chicken	Soup	Herbal, Shaoxing wine	Smooth	Rice wine + chicken
Weiwei A Pork Rib Chicken	Soup	Meaty, slightly herbal	Firm	Pork rib seasoning
Uni-President Braised Pork	Soup	Soy-based pork	Classic instant	Minced pork flavor
Weili Zhajiang	Dry	Thick soybean paste	Chewy	Zhajiang sauce
Lai Yi Ke Shrimp Fish Plate	Soup (Cup)	Light seafood	Soft	Shrimp + fish cake
Science Noodles	Dry snack	Salty / MSG-based	Crunchy (raw)	DIY flavor pack

Top Vegetarian Instant Noodles in Taiwan

Product	Brand	Flavor Notes	Why Try It
素飄香 Vegan Noodles	Wei Lih (維力)	Savory sesame, mushroom broth	100% vegan, delicious umami flavor
TTL Vegetarian Noodles (素食麵)	TTL	Herbal and slightly sweet	Ideal for light meals
Dr. Vegetarian Instant Noodles	Independent brand	Clean, no additives	Great for health-conscious travelers
Vege Farm Dry Noodles (素乾拌麵)	VegeFarm (素食工坊)	Soybean paste, garlic	Satisfying texture with bold sauces

Dried Fruits & Specialty Snacks

Dried Fruits 果乾

What: Natural dried tropical fruits like mango or guava
Why buy: Preservative-free, nutritious, and travel-friendly
Best pick: Soft-dried varieties for ideal texture

I-Mei Puff 義美小泡芙

What: Mini cream-filled puffs from a trusted local brand
Why buy: Kid-friendly, sweet, and easy to pack
Fillings: Custard, milk, or chocolate

Kuai Kuai Snacks 乖乖

What: Puffed corn snacks in quirky flavors
Why buy: Fun cultural item—tech offices use them as charms
Flavors: Coconut, butter, seaweed

Milk Candy 牛奶糖

What: Chewy condensed milk candy
Why buy: Nostalgic, simple, and sweet
Flavors: Original, peanut, brown sugar

Taiwan’s Best Teas & Beverages

High Mountain Tea 高山茶

What: Lightly oxidized tea grown above 1,000m in central Taiwan
Why buy: Floral aroma, creamy texture, and a sweet lingering finish
Top regions: Lishan, Shanlinxi, Hehuanshan
Perfect for: Tea lovers and premium gift boxes
Tip: Choose vacuum-sealed loose-leaf for peak freshness

Alishan Tea 阿里山茶

What: Smooth, fragrant oolong from the misty Alishan range
Why buy: Elegant and balanced—great for all experience levels
Flavor: Lightly buttery with floral notes
Packaging: Often in collectible tins or gold foil

Tea Bags 茶包

What: Individually wrapped teas in local flavors
Why buy: Convenient, travel-ready, and easy to brew
Popular types: Jasmine green, oolong, black, herbal
Gift idea: Assorted sets from brands like TenRen or Wang De Chuan

Unique Taiwanese Specialty Gifts

Water-Bottle Bag or Grandma Bag 茄芷袋

What: Woven tote made from colorful plastic mesh
Why buy: A nostalgic fashion comeback with daily practicality
Use: Lunch bag, shopping tote, or quirky souvenir
Fun fact: Iconic in Taiwanese street culture

Blue and White Slippers 藍白拖鞋

What: Blue and white slippers are plastic slippers unique to Taiwan
Why buy: Comfy, cheap, and full of cultural charm
Style: “No-frills” design now seen in fashion and art
Fun fact: Now a symbol of Taiwanese identity

Rice Cooker (煮飯鍋)

What: Electric rice cooker for steaming fluffy rice at home
Why buy: Compact, affordable, and perfect for Asian-style rice or porridge
Popular brands: Panasonic, Toshiba, TATUNG (non-steamer type), and local Taiwan brands
Great for: Students, travelers staying long-term, or gifting to home cooks
Features: Some models include functions for congee, steaming, and cake baking
Where to buy: Appliance stores or Carrefour

Tatung Electric Steamers (Rice Cooker) 大同電鍋

What: Multi-use rice cooker found in every Taiwanese kitchen
Why buy: Durable, retro-style, and easy to use—steams, stews, warms
Great for: Foodies and home chefs
Design: Classic or modern color options

Yingge Ceramics 鶯歌陶瓷

What: Beautiful handcrafted pottery from Taiwan’s “ceramic capital”
Why buy: From teacups to vases—known for both tradition and creativity
Ideal for: Tea lovers, collectors, stylish souvenirs
Tip: Visit Yingge Old Street or the Ceramics Museum

Taiwanese Liquors

Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor 金門高粱酒

What: Strong clear spirit made from fermented sorghum
Why buy: Traditional and cultural favorite at banquets
Alcohol: 38%–58% ABV
Taste: Crisp and intense, with a grainy aroma

Kavalan Whiskey 噶瑪蘭威士忌

What: Award-winning single malt made in Yilan
Why buy: Rich, complex flavor thanks to fast tropical aging
Best-sellers: Solist, Concertmaster, Sherry Oak
Awards: Globally recognized in whisky competitions

Taiwan Beer 台灣啤酒

What: Taiwan’s iconic lager brewed since 1919
Why buy: Refreshing and easy to drink, perfect for any occasion
Flavors: Original, Honey Lager, Draft, fruity (mango, pineapple)
Where to try: Night markets, BBQ shops, or take home in cans

Beauty & Wellness Products

Facial Masks (面膜)

What: Sheet masks with botanical extracts and skincare benefits
Why buy: High quality, affordable, and globally loved
Top brands: My Beauty Diary, Naruko, Dr. Morita, Annie’s Way
Uses: Hydrating, brightening, anti-aging, soothing

Essential Oils & Herbal Balms

What: Traditional balms and oils for wellness and relief
Why buy: Handy for travel—relieves headaches, motion sickness, muscle pain
Popular picks: White Flower Oil, green camphor balm
Tip: Found in local pharmacies and convenience stores

Camphor Soap or Herbal Soaps (樟腦皂或草本皂)

What: Natural soaps made from camphor, tea tree, or lemongrass
Why buy: Antibacterial, refreshing, and great for sensitive skin
Scent: Earthy, herbal, nostalgic
Perfect for: Eco-conscious souvenirs or personal use

Men’s & Women’s Fashion – Key Highlights

Where to Shop

● Ximending (西門町) – Youthful streetwear, K-pop styles, sneakers (男女皆宜)

● Zhongxiao Dunhua (忠孝敦化商圈) – Trendy boutiques, minimalist chic, popular with influencers

● Wufenpu (五分埔) – Budget wholesale clothing, casual basics, fast fashion

● Taipei 101 Mall / SOGO / Shin Kong Mitsukoshi – High-end international fashion & business wear

● Songshan Creative Park (松山文創園區) – Indie designer brands, artistic styles

Popular for Women

● Soft, neutral tones & Korean-inspired cuts

● Midi skirts, crop tops, puff sleeves, relaxed cardigans

● Platform sneakers, ballet flats, cute totes & mini bags

Popular for Men

● Oversized tees, wide-leg pants, boxy silhouettes

● Monochrome basics, functional fashion (techwear)

● Crossbody bags, minimalist sneakers, casual blazers

Fashion Tips

Lightweight fabrics: Taiwan is hot & humid—choose cotton, linen, or airy blends
Size caution: Asian sizing runs small—try items or check measurements
Accessories matter: Statement earrings, caps, totes & watches complete the look

Top Fashion Shopping Areas

Area	What You’ll Find
Ximending	Youthful streetwear, pop culture tees, K-beauty, sneakers (great for both men & women)
Zhongxiao Dunhua	Trendy boutiques, curated lifestyle brands, minimalist and fashion-forward looks
Wufenpu (五分埔)	Budget fashion, casual wear, basics, wholesale prices — ideal for mix-and-match wardrobes
Taipei 101 Mall	International luxury brands like LV, Gucci, Chanel, and more (high-end menswear & womenswear)
Songshan Creative Park	Indie Taiwanese designers, unique fashion finds, art-inspired apparel
Shin Kong / SOGO	Department stores with global fashion, business wear, and formal pieces for both genders

Popular Fashion Items by Gender

For Women	For Men
Puff sleeves, midi skirts, layered tops	Oversized tees, cropped trousers
Minimalist dresses & soft neutrals	Wide-leg pants, techwear & linen shirts
Korean-style blouses, cute cardigans	Casual blazers, monochrome basics
Platform sneakers, loafers, Mary Janes	Sneakers, leather sandals, low boots
Canvas totes, mini backpacks	Crossbody slings, utility-style bags

Where to Buy Shoes in Taiwan

Top Shopping Areas

Ximending (西門町)

Streetwear hubs with global and local sneaker stores
Great for youth fashion, platform shoes, and casual styles
Popular brands: Nike, Converse, FILA, local boutiques

Zhongxiao Dunhua / East District (忠孝敦化商圈)

Trendy boutiques and fashion-forward footwear
Unique Korean-style heels, sandals, and ankle boots
Great for both men and women’s stylish options

Wufenpu Wholesale Market (五分埔商圈)

Budget-friendly fashion and shoes in bulk
Wide variety of flats, slip-ons, and seasonal shoes
Sizes may vary—try before buying

Taipei 101 / Mitsukoshi / SOGO Department Stores

High-end brands (Nike Air Max, Onitsuka Tiger, Dr. Martens, Adidas Originals)
International styles, designer heels, and premium quality

Taiwan Shoe Shopping Tips

Try in-store: Sizes may run small; fit varies by brand
Travel-friendly: Lightweight sneakers and sandals are great for packing
Look for sales: Department stores often run seasonal discounts
Bring socks: If you’re trying on closed-toe shoes or boots