Want to bring back memories of Taichung without making a wrong choice? No worries! Taichung isn’t just about food streets and night markets — it also has a list of must-buy souvenirs. From the century-old Sun Cake, handmade cheesecakes, to fragrant goose-oil scallion sauce, each is a gem of culture, flavor, and craftsmanship. This guide introduces five of Taichung’s most popular souvenir shops, so you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping at the same time!
Taichung Must-Buy: Ichihuku – Century-Old Sun Cake
Features
The Sun Cakes from the long-established Ichihuku are known for their crisp pastry and mildly sweet filling. Widely loved as a Taichung specialty, every bite lets you savor the delicate layered texture.
Why It’s Recommended
– A trusted old brand with stable quality
– Mild sweetness, popular across all ages
– Elegant boxed packaging, perfect for gifts
How to Enjoy
Best paired with hot tea or black coffee, which balance the sweetness and bring out the aroma.
📍 Address: No. 52, Zhongshan Rd, Central Dist., Taichung
Taichung Must-Buy: Hong Rui Chen – Sandwiches with the Golden Ratio
Features
Soft bread layered with butter, condensed milk, and ham makes Hong Rui Chen’s sandwich an irresistible treat. The balance of sweet and savory keeps you coming back for more. A must-buy Taichung snack that’s also popular with foreign visitors.
Why It’s Recommended
– The Taichung-exclusive original flavor is a must-try
– Made fresh daily for maximum freshness
– Remains soft even after refrigeration
How to Enjoy
Ham sandwiches cannot be taken abroad. For overseas trips, choose the vegetarian egg-and-milk version. Eat as soon as possible after purchase; refrigerate and finish within 3 days.
📍 Address: No. 122, Sec. 1, Ziyou Rd, West Dist., Taichung
Taichung Must-Buy: Hoard Cake – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Classic Cheesecake
Features
Hoard Cake’s cheesecake is smooth, light, and fragrant with natural milk flavor. With just the right sweetness, it’s a favorite Taichung dessert among young culture-lovers.
Why It’s Recommended
– Made with fresh cheese for natural aroma
– No artificial flavorings
– Elegant packaging, ideal for gifts
How to Enjoy
Best eaten chilled. You can also freeze and slice it for a firmer texture.
📍 Address: No. 725, Buzih Rd, Beitun Dist., Taichung
Taichung Must-Buy: Dawn Cake – Rich and Tangy Pineapple Cake
Features
Dawn Cake uses Taiwan’s native pineapples for a rich, tangy flavor with noticeable fiber texture. The tart filling contrasts perfectly with the buttery, crumbly crust, making it a representative souvenir of Taichung.
Why It’s Recommended
– No preservatives, safe and delicious
– Balanced sweet-and-sour taste, never too heavy
– Stylish packaging, perfect for SNS-worthy photos
How to Enjoy
Pair with oolong or green tea to enhance the pineapple aroma.
📍 Address: No. 43, Wuquan W. 3rd St, West Dist., Taichung
Taichung Must-Buy: Niang Yi Cun – Fragrant Goose Oil with Shallots
Features
Made with local goose oil and crispy fried scallions, this versatile sauce is aromatic and flavorful. Just add it to noodles or rice to elevate the taste instantly. It has become one of Taichung’s hottest souvenirs in recent years.
Why It’s Recommended
– Natural, rich aroma with no greasy taste
– Handmade, no preservatives
– Savory flavor loved by all ages
How to Enjoy
Perfect for noodles, fried rice, steamed fish, or eggs. A true “all-purpose sauce” every kitchen should have.
📍 Address: No. 81, Daming 1st Rd, Tanzih Dist., Taichung
Taichung Souvenir Map: One-Day Shopping Route
To efficiently collect all five must-buy souvenirs, start from the city center and visit in this order:
Ichihuku (Zhongshan Rd, Central Dist.)
Hong Rui Chen (Ziyou Rd, West Dist.)
Hoard Cake (Buzih Rd, Beitun Dist.)
Dawn Cake (Wuquan W. 3rd St, West Dist.)
Niang Yi Cun (Daming 1st Rd, Tanzih Dist.)
💡 Tip: Buy long-lasting items first (Sun Cakes, Pineapple Cakes, Goose-Oil Scallion Sauce), then pick up refrigerated ones (Cheesecake, Sandwiches) at the end to ensure freshness.
OhYoung Language Center: Shop While Learning Chinese + Cultural Experience
Want to make your Taichung souvenir shopping more meaningful?
OhYoung Language Center offers classes that combine “language + life,” letting you buy souvenirs while learning Chinese naturally.
Course Features
– Small classes focused on conversation skills
– Real-world practice in souvenir shops, malls, and night markets
– Cultural workshops (such as making Sun Cakes or Pineapple Cakes)
– Flexible programs, suitable for short or long-term learners
In class, you’ll learn useful phrases like how to order, ask about prices, or request flavors. Then you’ll head to real shops with classmates to practice, leaving a lasting impression of what you’ve learned!
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About Taichung Souvenirs
Q1: Which souvenirs can be taken abroad?
→ Most baked goods are fine, but sandwiches and cheesecakes require refrigeration. Goose-oil scallion sauce contains no meat, and as long as it’s packaged properly and not restricted by liquid rules, it can usually be taken abroad. Always check your destination’s regulations.
Q2: What’s the shelf life?
– Sun Cakes: ~30 days
– Pineapple Cakes: ~20–30 days
– Cheesecake: 5–7 days refrigerated
– Sandwiches: 3 days refrigerated
– Goose-Oil Scallion Sauce: 3–6 months at room temperature
Q3: Who are they suitable for as gifts?
→ Sun Cakes and scallion sauce are great for older relatives. Cheesecake and pineapple cakes are loved by younger people. Sandwiches are perfect as a ready-to-eat snack during your trip.
Q4: Where is the most convenient place to buy?
→ City shops are easy to access, and some items are also available at Taichung HSR Station or the airport.
Q5: Do shops offer delivery?
→ Almost all offer delivery, and some even ship overseas.
Head to Taichung now — enjoy delicious food while learning Chinese!
The best way to truly master Chinese is to immerse yourself in Taiwanese daily life.
With OhYoung Language Center, you’ll step beyond textbooks into markets, street stalls, and shops — learning the most practical and authentic Chinese skills in real-life situations!
