Taiwan’s unique blend of geography, climate, and historical development has given each city on the island a distinctive character, each boasting unique local specialties. Good examples are well-known treats like pineapple cakes, sun cakes, and taro cakes, along with local specialties such as dried mango and mullet roe. The 2024 Taiwan Local Delicacies Tour will take you on a journey through the four most vibrant cities in western Taiwan: Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. While recommending popular tourist attractions, we also want to encourage you to stop by our Hsin Tun Yang branches and pick up some timeless local specialties as souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones!
Taipei | Chengnan Culture
The name "Chengnan" dates back to the Japanese colonial era. It refers to an area south of today's MRT Dongmen, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Xiaonanmen stations. This culturally rich area is home to the Taipei Botanical Garden, the National Museum of History, the National Taiwan Museum Nanmen Branch, and the Postal Museum. The lanes and alleys here are home to many old houses that have been meticulously restored and repurposed. One prime example is the "Rongjin Gorgeous Time" complex, a former prison officer's residence that was transformed into a vibrant hub of brand stores. Another is the recently opened "0KM Mountain Center," praised for its mountain-themed aesthetic. The area is also home to Nanmen Market, a treasure trove of local cuisine, and Yongkang Street, renowned as one of the world's coolest streets. These are undoubtedly some of Taipei's hottest tourist attractions!
Pineapple Cake, Chewy Nougat Biscuit, and Chilled Mung Bean Pastry
Pineapple cakes and nougat biscuits consistently stand out as some of the most iconic and enduring treats among the many classic Taiwanese pastries. Hsin Tung Yang uses only the best ingredients for its pineapple cakes. We select only the freshest eggs and the finest New Zealand butter (free from additives) for the outer layer. The cakes are baked to perfection in a 360-degree rotating oven, resulting in a beautifully golden crust. The rich, creamy flavors of milk and eggs are perfectly complemented by a filling made with Taiwan's finest pineapples. With a subtle sweetness that never overwhelms, each bite offers a delightful moment of pure bliss.
Also, experience the latest generation of Taiwanese treats by trying our nougat biscuits! The perfect blend of crispy scallion soda crackers and smooth nougat creates a truly unforgettable taste. The perfect balance of a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy interior, combined with a tantalizing mix of sweet and savory flavors, makes the treat truly irresistible. In addition to the classic original flavor, the biscuits are also available in flavors such as mango, cranberry, and pearl milk tea.
We also recommend trying our traditional chilled mung bean cake. Made with wholesome ingredients like premium mung bean paste, low-glycemic sugar, and olive oil, this healthy snack offers a delicate texture and a refreshing sweetness. For the best taste, storing the cake in a freezer is recommended. The cool texture and refreshing flavor make it an ideal treat, especially when paired with a cup of tea on a hot summer day.
Taichung | Trendy and Refined
Taichung is a culturally rich city with a captivating blend of historical charm and modern urbanity. Around the city, visitors can experience a distinctive aesthetic and celebration of life. PARK2 Caowu Square is one of the symbols of Taichung's new and modern identity. It consists of a two-story unconventional park space covering an area of 6,600 sqm. Taichung's first-ever cultural experience space, Blank Plan, has become a go-to spot for art and culture lovers, offering a unique blend of tea art, wine tasting, coffee appreciation, and engaging exhibitions. The Taiwan Fuju Kao Peng X Zhongdao GLAb is a unique hybrid coffee exhibition space that merges art, culture, and commerce, featuring collaborations with brands such as Coffee Stopover. As well, Zhongxin Market and Shenji New Village are cultural and creative hubs that highlight the city's artistic and innovative spirit. They are part of a diverse range of tourist attractions in the city.
Sun Cake, Taro Pastry, and Purple Crystal Pastry
Sun cake and taro pastry are undoubtedly the first Taichung specialties that pop into the minds of most Taiwanese. The city has a long-standing reputation as Taiwan's pastry capital, with numerous long-established and recently opened pastry shops that were founded here. The sun cake, a classic pastry, is believed to have evolved from maltose cake over a hundred years ago. Its island-wide fame only took off after it was given its current name, and it has now become a representative product of Taiwan. The flaky, thin crust is what makes a sun cake truly special. The crust is crafted using low-gluten flour and pure, high-quality lard. Delicate and flaky, the cake melts in your mouth. The filling is made with a special blend of maltose, soft and without sugar crystals.
While sun cake is an established classic, taro pastry and purple crystal pastry are new, trendy sensations. Taichung’s Dajia District is well-known for its taro cultivation. When the district experienced bumper harvests in the past, local pastry chefs responded by developing special taro cakes. This innovation not only resolved the oversupply issue but also catapulted this new pastry into the spotlight of Taiwan's pastry scene. Hsin Tung Yang's taro cakes feature Dajia's finest betel nut heart taro, resulting in a dense filling bursting with authentic taro flavor. A special variety of taro cake, the purple crystal pastry comes with a surprise inside – chewy mochi – which gives the treat a chewy and bouncy texture. Taiwan has a distinct culinary tradition of using taro to create a variety of delicious treats. Japanese, Korean, and Western visitors often express their surprise when finding out. This makes taro cakes an ideal gift option to introduce foreign friends to Taiwanese flavors.
Tainan | Modern and Vintage
For the past four hundred years, the lives of Tainan residents have been inextricably linked to local temples and the intricate network of narrow alleyways. This has given the city’s streets a unique character. Shennong Street has been a vibrant commercial hub since the Qing Dynasty. After a period of decline, the street experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the influx of distinctively young businesses. Infused with youthful energy and innovative spirit, the street has also developed a more artistic atmosphere. Guohua Street is another area tourists should check out. Between Baoan Temple on one end and Shuixian Temple on the other, a plethora of local delicacies awaits. The food is so tempting, you'll wish you had a bigger stomach. Yongle Market is located at the intersection of Guohua Street and Minzu Road. While on the first floor is a typical day market, the second floor is where you'll discover hidden gems, including cozy coffee shops, curated select shops, and vintage clothing stores.
Dried Mango
Taiwan produces an abundance of mangoes during the summer months. The majority of the fruit is cultivated in the southern cities of Tainan and Kaohsiung, and the county of Pingtung. Native mango (tu manguo), Irwin mango, Jinhuang mango, and Keitt mango are the most common varieties. Among these, the Irwin mango, with its medium size, low fiber, sweet taste, and vibrant red skin, is the most beloved variety. The main production areas are Yujing in Tainan City and Fangshan in Pingtung County. As the earliest location in Taiwan where mangoes were cultivated, Yujing has earned the title of "Hometown of Mangoes." For its dried mango, Hsin Tung Yang uses sweet and thick Irwin mango as the main ingredient. We use low-temperature drying to lock in the fruit's natural goodness. No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or colors are added. It's a tasty and healthy treat!
Kaohsiung | A Vibrant Port City
Kaohsiung is a port city that is constantly transforming and always pulsating with vitality. It has been undergoing a rapid transformation in recent years, with numerous large-scale construction projects reshaping the city skyline. In particular, the area close to the harbor, known as the Asia New Bay Area, has been revitalized by the gradual completion and expansion of the light rail network. This has linked together a multitude of new and established attractions. From the Kaohsiung Music Center and the iconic Great Harbor Bridge to HOLO Park and The Pier-2 Art Center, and the historic Hamasen Railway Cultural Park and Takao Railway Museum, the area offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to every visitor. Kaohsiung’s harbor area has become a truly exciting and attractive tourist destination.
Mullet Roe
Surrounded by the ocean, Taiwan boasts a special seafood delicacy that captures the essence of the sea. This high-quality food is an essential part of any celebratory feast. It is also a top gift choice during holidays and for special occasions. The product in question is mullet roe! The production and consumption of mullet roe have been a long-standing tradition in Taiwan. Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan, plays a vital role as a spawning ground for mullet. As a result, both the fishing and processing industries have flourished. Hsin Tung Yang's mullet roe is made from 100% natural, wild-caught mullet. Its eye-catching brownish-red hue and perfectly symmetrical oval form make it a visual delight. Under the light, its translucent quality becomes apparent with bloodlines visible. This is due to its high and evenly distributed fat content. Its fragrant flavor, chewy texture, and elastic bite, combined with a delightful aftertaste, make it a favorite among Japanese food enthusiasts. Its reputation extends far beyond Taiwan.
【Exclusive offers】
Foreign passport holders enjoy a NT$100 discount when they check in on social media and spend a minimum of NT$1,000.
Taipei | Chengnan Culture
The name "Chengnan" dates back to the Japanese colonial era. It refers to an area south of today's MRT Dongmen, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Xiaonanmen stations. This culturally rich area is home to the Taipei Botanical Garden, the National Museum of History, the National Taiwan Museum Nanmen Branch, and the Postal Museum. The lanes and alleys here are home to many old houses that have been meticulously restored and repurposed. One prime example is the "Rongjin Gorgeous Time" complex, a former prison officer's residence that was transformed into a vibrant hub of brand stores. Another is the recently opened "0KM Mountain Center," praised for its mountain-themed aesthetic. The area is also home to Nanmen Market, a treasure trove of local cuisine, and Yongkang Street, renowned as one of the world's coolest streets. These are undoubtedly some of Taipei's hottest tourist attractions!
Pineapple Cake, Chewy Nougat Biscuit, and Chilled Mung Bean Pastry
Pineapple cakes and nougat biscuits consistently stand out as some of the most iconic and enduring treats among the many classic Taiwanese pastries. Hsin Tung Yang uses only the best ingredients for its pineapple cakes. We select only the freshest eggs and the finest New Zealand butter (free from additives) for the outer layer. The cakes are baked to perfection in a 360-degree rotating oven, resulting in a beautifully golden crust. The rich, creamy flavors of milk and eggs are perfectly complemented by a filling made with Taiwan's finest pineapples. With a subtle sweetness that never overwhelms, each bite offers a delightful moment of pure bliss.
Also, experience the latest generation of Taiwanese treats by trying our nougat biscuits! The perfect blend of crispy scallion soda crackers and smooth nougat creates a truly unforgettable taste. The perfect balance of a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy interior, combined with a tantalizing mix of sweet and savory flavors, makes the treat truly irresistible. In addition to the classic original flavor, the biscuits are also available in flavors such as mango, cranberry, and pearl milk tea.
We also recommend trying our traditional chilled mung bean cake. Made with wholesome ingredients like premium mung bean paste, low-glycemic sugar, and olive oil, this healthy snack offers a delicate texture and a refreshing sweetness. For the best taste, storing the cake in a freezer is recommended. The cool texture and refreshing flavor make it an ideal treat, especially when paired with a cup of tea on a hot summer day.
Taichung | Trendy and Refined
Taichung is a culturally rich city with a captivating blend of historical charm and modern urbanity. Around the city, visitors can experience a distinctive aesthetic and celebration of life. PARK2 Caowu Square is one of the symbols of Taichung's new and modern identity. It consists of a two-story unconventional park space covering an area of 6,600 sqm. Taichung's first-ever cultural experience space, Blank Plan, has become a go-to spot for art and culture lovers, offering a unique blend of tea art, wine tasting, coffee appreciation, and engaging exhibitions. The Taiwan Fuju Kao Peng X Zhongdao GLAb is a unique hybrid coffee exhibition space that merges art, culture, and commerce, featuring collaborations with brands such as Coffee Stopover. As well, Zhongxin Market and Shenji New Village are cultural and creative hubs that highlight the city's artistic and innovative spirit. They are part of a diverse range of tourist attractions in the city.
Sun Cake, Taro Pastry, and Purple Crystal Pastry
Sun cake and taro pastry are undoubtedly the first Taichung specialties that pop into the minds of most Taiwanese. The city has a long-standing reputation as Taiwan's pastry capital, with numerous long-established and recently opened pastry shops that were founded here. The sun cake, a classic pastry, is believed to have evolved from maltose cake over a hundred years ago. Its island-wide fame only took off after it was given its current name, and it has now become a representative product of Taiwan. The flaky, thin crust is what makes a sun cake truly special. The crust is crafted using low-gluten flour and pure, high-quality lard. Delicate and flaky, the cake melts in your mouth. The filling is made with a special blend of maltose, soft and without sugar crystals.
While sun cake is an established classic, taro pastry and purple crystal pastry are new, trendy sensations. Taichung’s Dajia District is well-known for its taro cultivation. When the district experienced bumper harvests in the past, local pastry chefs responded by developing special taro cakes. This innovation not only resolved the oversupply issue but also catapulted this new pastry into the spotlight of Taiwan's pastry scene. Hsin Tung Yang's taro cakes feature Dajia's finest betel nut heart taro, resulting in a dense filling bursting with authentic taro flavor. A special variety of taro cake, the purple crystal pastry comes with a surprise inside – chewy mochi – which gives the treat a chewy and bouncy texture. Taiwan has a distinct culinary tradition of using taro to create a variety of delicious treats. Japanese, Korean, and Western visitors often express their surprise when finding out. This makes taro cakes an ideal gift option to introduce foreign friends to Taiwanese flavors.
Tainan | Modern and Vintage
For the past four hundred years, the lives of Tainan residents have been inextricably linked to local temples and the intricate network of narrow alleyways. This has given the city’s streets a unique character. Shennong Street has been a vibrant commercial hub since the Qing Dynasty. After a period of decline, the street experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the influx of distinctively young businesses. Infused with youthful energy and innovative spirit, the street has also developed a more artistic atmosphere. Guohua Street is another area tourists should check out. Between Baoan Temple on one end and Shuixian Temple on the other, a plethora of local delicacies awaits. The food is so tempting, you'll wish you had a bigger stomach. Yongle Market is located at the intersection of Guohua Street and Minzu Road. While on the first floor is a typical day market, the second floor is where you'll discover hidden gems, including cozy coffee shops, curated select shops, and vintage clothing stores.
Dried Mango
Taiwan produces an abundance of mangoes during the summer months. The majority of the fruit is cultivated in the southern cities of Tainan and Kaohsiung, and the county of Pingtung. Native mango (tu manguo), Irwin mango, Jinhuang mango, and Keitt mango are the most common varieties. Among these, the Irwin mango, with its medium size, low fiber, sweet taste, and vibrant red skin, is the most beloved variety. The main production areas are Yujing in Tainan City and Fangshan in Pingtung County. As the earliest location in Taiwan where mangoes were cultivated, Yujing has earned the title of "Hometown of Mangoes." For its dried mango, Hsin Tung Yang uses sweet and thick Irwin mango as the main ingredient. We use low-temperature drying to lock in the fruit's natural goodness. No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or colors are added. It's a tasty and healthy treat!
Kaohsiung | A Vibrant Port City
Kaohsiung is a port city that is constantly transforming and always pulsating with vitality. It has been undergoing a rapid transformation in recent years, with numerous large-scale construction projects reshaping the city skyline. In particular, the area close to the harbor, known as the Asia New Bay Area, has been revitalized by the gradual completion and expansion of the light rail network. This has linked together a multitude of new and established attractions. From the Kaohsiung Music Center and the iconic Great Harbor Bridge to HOLO Park and The Pier-2 Art Center, and the historic Hamasen Railway Cultural Park and Takao Railway Museum, the area offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to every visitor. Kaohsiung’s harbor area has become a truly exciting and attractive tourist destination.
Mullet Roe
Surrounded by the ocean, Taiwan boasts a special seafood delicacy that captures the essence of the sea. This high-quality food is an essential part of any celebratory feast. It is also a top gift choice during holidays and for special occasions. The product in question is mullet roe! The production and consumption of mullet roe have been a long-standing tradition in Taiwan. Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan, plays a vital role as a spawning ground for mullet. As a result, both the fishing and processing industries have flourished. Hsin Tung Yang's mullet roe is made from 100% natural, wild-caught mullet. Its eye-catching brownish-red hue and perfectly symmetrical oval form make it a visual delight. Under the light, its translucent quality becomes apparent with bloodlines visible. This is due to its high and evenly distributed fat content. Its fragrant flavor, chewy texture, and elastic bite, combined with a delightful aftertaste, make it a favorite among Japanese food enthusiasts. Its reputation extends far beyond Taiwan.
【Exclusive offers】
Foreign passport holders enjoy a NT$100 discount when they check in on social media and spend a minimum of NT$1,000.