With so many popular Taiwanese snacks to choose from, it can be difficult to settle on just a few to try while you’re on holiday. After all, we understand what it’s like to be wowed by the many snack options that you just don’t see in Singapore. From must-try street snacks to small bites that you can purchase online to enjoy back home, we’ve rounded up all the popular snacks in Taiwan so that you don’t miss out!
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Popular Taiwan snacks: Sweet treats
1. SunnyHills Pineapple Cakes
This speciality bakery is renowned for its pineapple cakes, all of which are traditionally made under the watchful eye of SunnyHills’s master baker. Each pineapple cake is made from natural ingredients like top-grade butter, flour, and the brand’s homegrown pineapples. Unlike many oversweetened cakes, this one has a mild sweetness that complements the tartness of the pineapples. Combined with the buttery goodness of the outer shell, it’s no wonder this sweet treat is loved by both locals and tourists alike.
Each cake is also individually sealed for freshness and hygiene, so it’s the perfect Taiwan food souvenir if you’re thinking about what to get your friends back home. While these cakes are available online, I’d highly recommend visiting the store in person to catch them fresh out of the oven.
2. Muah Chee
As one of the most popular Taiwan snacks, some muah chee (or mochi) is my go-to whenever I visit one of the local night markets. While mochi has its roots in Japanese culture, the Taiwanese have their local twist that I also love! This indulgent snack is typically dusted with sugared peanuts, creating an interesting mouthfeel that’s both chewy and crunchy.
If you’re reminiscing over the taste of this popular Taiwan snack, purchasing some mochi to enjoy from home isn’t a bad idea either! For something a little milder, go for the New Royal Family Milk Mochi Packet. Alternatively, the kiddos are sure to love the Royal Family Tropical Fruit Mochi’s fruity flavours!
3. Aiyu Jelly
While this snack can easily be found at many hawker centres in Singapore today, don’t miss out on trying this delicious jelly when you’re in Taiwan. Made from the native jelly fig found only in Taiwan, authentic aiyu jelly is a refreshing dessert that’s truly unique to the island. In between the many things to do in Taiwan, check out Logy, a two-Michelin-star restaurant with a signature dessert that’s not to be missed. In a surprising combination, wild aiyu jelly is paired with carbonated coconut flesh or basil-infused pineapple juice. The result? An icy dessert that’s especially refreshing on a warm summer day.
Get a packet of Ice Jelly Premix Powder if you’re trying to recreate this popular Taiwan snack from home. While it won’t be the same, it’ll be good enough to tide you over until your next trip to Taiwan!
4. Nougat
Whether you’re shopping at the neighbourhood convenience store or areas like Shifen Old Street, you’ll inevitably come across a variety of nougat products. Thanks to its milky texture and mild sweetness, nougat is one of the most popular snacks in Taiwan. It therefore makes for a great buy if you’re looking for some Taiwan food souvenirs to gift your foodie friends back home.
If you regret not getting more nougat products during your time in Taiwan, check out these options that you can munch on even in Singapore! I’d pick the Tai-yang Hsiao Tsu Teatime Nougat Cranberry Taste for a burst of fruity goodness. Otherwise, the Authentic Taiwan Scallion Nougat Sandwich Biscuits are also an interesting variation if you’re craving a snack that’s both savoury and sweet.
5. I-Mei Milk Puff
Popular for its superior dairy products and snacks, I-Mei is a household name that’s available at most convenience stores and supermarkets. If you have a sweet tooth like I do, you’ll enjoy the brand’s best-selling I-Mei Mini Cream Puffs Milk. The puffs are bite-sized, meaning you get the perfect ratio of crisp pastry to creamy filling in every mouthful – easy to pop, easy to share, and dangerously hard to stop at just one. There are four ways to enjoy this delicious snack: by freezing, soaking them in milk, pairing them with ice cream, or microwaving them. Especially in sunny Singapore, my favourite is popping the puffs in the freezer for a sweet, icy treat.
6. Unified Pudding Egg Caramel Pudding
This iconic flower-shaped Unified Pudding Egg Caramel Pudding will bring back many childhood memories for locals. As such, it’s a must-try snack if you’re heading to Taiwan anytime soon. The smooth custard pudding has a top layer that’s bouncy and reminds me of jelly. Conversely, the bottom has a layer of caramel syrup that adds a sweet kick to the dessert. And because Taiwanese love their egg pudding so much, hit the convenience stores for some egg pudding-themed memorabilia to bring home. It’ll be something different from the usual Taiwan food souvenirs!
Popular Taiwan snacks: Savoury bites
7. Iron Eggs
This popular Taiwan snack originated from the Tamsui district when a food stall owner simmered eggs in soy sauce for longer than she normally would. The eggs took on the dark colour of the soy sauce and a firm, rubbery texture. Today, both chicken and quail iron eggs are easily available in Taiwan. They also make a great appetiser or teatime snack! If you’re interested in trying this local delicacy, I recommend Fuche’s Hard Boiled Quail Eggs / Iron Egg – Spicy Flavour. With both spicy and non-spicy options, you can pick your favourite based on your spice tolerance.
8. Pork Paper
If you’re looking for interesting Taiwan food souvenirs, this might just be the one! Bak kwa lovers like me will enjoy this snack, and I find that they taste pretty similar due to the soy sauce and sugar marinade. If you’re planning to visit one of Taiwan’s night markets, you’re bound to find many stalls selling Pork Paper.
Can’t get enough of this savoury snack? Pop by Kuai Che at the Taoyuan International Airport for one last haul before heading back to Singapore. Alternatively, check out these Taiwan-Style Snacks Pork Paper Chip Thin Crispy Dried Pork Slice. Besides the usual flavours that you see in stores, this snack comes in other interesting flavours such as seafood and cheese. Yummy!
9. Tseng Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are a necessity in every household pantry for those late-night supper sessions. So, it’s a great idea to stock up on some unique flavours that aren’t the usual Maggi or Indomie. I love Tseng Instant Noodles for their unique chewy texture, all thanks to the wide noodles and thin ridges. It also makes for a flavourful snack due to the soy and Sichuan pepper oil, which come together magnificently. If you enjoy a good bowl of ban mian like I do, you’ll definitely enjoy this instant noodle as a quick snack.
This noodle was also rated one of the top ten best instant noodles by The Ramen Rater, a hugely popular blog writer who reviews noodles from around the world. So, you know that these noodles are good!
10. Sun Cake and Wife Cake
When travelling around Taiwan, you’ll often see these two traditional pastries being sold together. Not sure which is which? Sun cakes have a flaky crust and are usually larger. They also typically come with sesame seeds sprinkled on top, and a malt sugar filling within. On the other hand, wife cakes are thinner and usually have holes that are poked into the top.
If you’re interested in learning about the history of this popular Taiwanese snack, check out the Sun Cake Museum in Taichung. Once you’re hungry, head to A-Min Shi Sun Cake Shop to enjoy some sun cakes fresh out of the oven for a toasty snack. For an authentic dining experience, I’d suggest pairing the cake with a cup of tea!
Popular Taiwan snacks: Street snacks and others
11. QQ Sweet Potato Ball
Don’t underestimate the addictiveness of this popular Taiwanese snack! If you’re planning to explore Taiwan’s nightlife, the best night markets in Taiwan always sell these delicious bites. These QQ Street Potato Balls combine the mild sweetness of sweet potatoes and chewy tapioca starch, creating a crispy outer shell and a dense inner layer. For our vegan friends, I’d suggest you pay a visit to Gongguan Night Market instead, as there’s a larger variety of vegetarian snacks there. So, you’ll be able to have a go at these vegan sweet potato balls as well! If you just can’t get enough of this goodness, my pick is these Sweet Potato Balls that you’ll be able to fry up at home easily.
12. Stinky Tofu
While it’s not exactly my choice from the range of popular Taiwan snacks, I have to admit that stinky tofu (thankfully) tastes better than it smells. While the smell can be overpowering, this is a local delicacy that’s worth a try if you’re visiting Taiwan’s night markets. A pro tip is to start with the fried variation, as the crispy texture can enhance your dining experience.
If you find yourself craving this unique snack when you’re back home, go for the 黑色经典长沙臭豆腐正宗油炸豆干子湖南特产香辣休闲即食小吃零食. This snack comes individually packed for convenience and freshness, so you can have it even while you’re on the go! If you’re planning to have it at home, the ZEJUN-Hunan Special Soy Curd is another great option if you enjoy your tofu with a generous amount of seasoning.
13. Bubble Tea
Fans of bubble tea, unite! Since you’re in the birthplace of bubble tea, you’ll simply have to try out all the famous brands. Pay homage to Chun Shui Tang to witness how the professionals do it. After all, this brand is the original creator of the beloved drink! Here, you’re guaranteed an elevated tea drinking experience as the franchise only uses top-notch tea leaves to brew its aromatic beverages.
If you’re just looking for something quick to sip on, you’ll be spoilt for choice as every street in Taiwan has at least one bubble tea store. That said, my favourite has to be 50 Lan, which tastes like a more milky version of Singapore’s Koi!
14. Oyster Vermicelli
A classic Taiwanese comfort food, every bowl of vermicelli comes with a rich, savoury broth. The noodles are also commonly paired with plump oysters and entrails, though you can request that the staff exclude them from your bowl. If you intend to visit Ximending, pay the famous Ah Zong Mian Xian a visit.
To save some stomach space for other popular Taiwan snacks that you’ll surely feel like trying later on, I’d recommend sharing a bowl of the noodles with a friend or two as a light breakfast or afternoon snack. Most night markets also sell these noodles, so you can visit a couple of spots to figure out which one truly hits the spot!
15. Chhoah-peng / Baobing
It can get warm if you’re planning to visit Taiwan in the summer. Other than bubble tea, getting a bowl of Baobing (shaved ice) is a great way to cool down. Usually paired with various fruits like strawberries and mangoes, it’s a popular Taiwanese snack that’s loved by many for its icy sweetness. Most baobings also come with a variety of toppings such as condensed milk and tapioca pearls. It’s hence a delicious and straightforward dessert that you can opt for when you finally tire of shopping or exploring the cityscape.
Eat your way through Taiwan and these popular Taiwan snacks!
Whether you’re a foodie or not, you’re guaranteed to enjoy these popular Taiwan snacks and local delicacies! Keen on exploring more of Taiwan’s enthralling nightlife? Check out our guide on the best night markets in Taipei for more exciting street food options! Or, thinking of locations to enjoy some peace for the rest of your holiday? We’ve rounded up the best Taiwan nature sights that’ll surely leave you in awe! And while you’re planning, don’t forget to check out the amazing deals in our 8.8 National Day Sale — perfect for scoring travel essentials and more!”
This article was updated on 30 Jul 2025. Additional research done by Chloe Gee.
