We Filipinos are known for buying “pasalubong” (gifts) every time we travel. Whether it’s a local snack, a fashion accessory, or a trinket that can be displayed at home — these items serve as souvenirs from the different places that we’ve visited.
In Taiwan, there are plenty of things that you can bring home as “pasalubong” for family and friends. For this article, we’ve gathered some of the most popular products (including food and non-food items) that travelers like to buy whenever they visit Taiwan.
List of Top Souvenirs from Taiwan
Wondering what to buy as souvenirs from Taiwan? Here is a list of products that truly represent this beautiful island nation!
Candied Fruits
There are many types of fruits that are cultivated in Taiwan: mangoes, pineapples, plums, and more. Many of these are dried and preserved, so you can take them home as candied fruits! You can buy candied fruits of different types and flavors in most roadside shops, night markets, and shopping malls.
Dried Seafood
Bringing fresh seafood from Taiwan is not allowed, but dried seafood that have been properly processed and packed can be taken home. These include varieties of dried fish, shrimp, sea cucumber, and other types of seafood. Since we Filipinos already consume products such as “tuyo,” “daing,” and “tinapa,” we are bound to enjoy trying out dried seafood from Taiwan!
Tea
Thanks to the ideal climate and land geography (altitudes) in Taiwan, the country produces some of the most finest teas in the world. These include green tea, black tea, white tea, and the famous Oolong tea. If you want to bring home a beverage that would remind you of this beautiful country, be sure to buy some tea!
Ceramic Tea Sets
After buying tea, you might as well buy a tea set, which you can use personally or as a gift for someone. These sets usually include a teapot, cups, and saucers… in matching colors and designs.
You can purchase tea sets pretty much anywhere in Taiwan, though if you want the best — go to Yingge, a district in New Taipei City known for its ceramics and pottery industry. You can browse and buy tea sets from the shops at Yingge Ceramics Old Street, before paying a visit to the famous Yingge Ceramics Museum.
Facial Masks
Facial masks are very popular in Taiwan. Available in stores such as Watsons and Cosmed, these facial masks are known for their moisturizing, brightening, and skin-firming properties. The fact that they are affordable, light, and easy to carry also make them the perfect souvenirs for your lady friends!
Notably, the most popular facial mask brands in the country are Annie’s Way, Dr. Wu, and My Beauty Diary. Consider these brands when you’re planning to buy beauty products in Taiwan.
Calligraphy Sets
Chinese calligraphy is a popular art form in Taiwan; it takes hours or practice, which requires a lot of patience and dedication. If you or someone you know is into calligraphy writing and design, consider buying calligraphy sets as souvenirs.
A popular place where you can buy calligraphy sets is Dihua Street in Taipei. You can also join in one of the calligraphy workshops during your visit. Now that would be an amazing experience!
Glass Art
If you’re looking for an eye-catching souvenir that you can display back home, glass art or glass handicrafts are a wonderful option. Local Taiwanese glass artists are known for creating beautiful and magnificent glass handicrafts. Of course, make sure that they are packed carefully before you bring them home!
Glove Puppets
In Taiwan, glove puppets are used in Budaixi, which is a form of Chinese opera. In many temples and cultural attractions, you might catch a live performance where glove puppets are used. If you like telling stories, consider buying Taiwanese glove puppets to entertain the kids (and kids at heart) back home!
Incense Sticks
Taiwanese people burn incense sticks in their temples, as part of religious and cultural traditions (e.g. praying to deities, honoring ancestors, and purifying spaces). Although Filipinos generally do not practice these traditions, we can use incense sticks to create a relaxing and therapeutic atmosphere in our homes.
Jade
Since ancient times, jade has been regarded as a symbol of beauty and virtue. It is also associated with longevity, prosperity, and good luck. For these reasons, there are many jade products in Taiwan, including jade jewelry, charms, statues, and decorations.
The best place to buy jade is at Jianguo Jade Market in Da’an District, Taipei. Here, you can choose from a wide range of jade products, along with other precious gems. To learn more about jade, you could also visit the Jade Exhibit at the National Palace Museum.
Magnets and Coasters
Of course, magnets and coasters would be on this list! They are light, easy to pack, affordable, and available in many designs. Just visit any souvenir stall or gift shop, and you are bound to find Taiwan-themed plenty of colorful magnets and drink coasters!
Lanterns
Lanterns play an important role in Taiwanese traditional culture and festivals. They serve not only as decorations, but also as symbols of hope and good fortune. You can buy lanterns in many souvenir shops across different parts of the country.
Mochi
Originally a Japanese snack, mochi is extremely popular in Taiwan. Made from glutinous rice, this chewy snack comes with a wide variety of fillings: chocolate, peanut, red bean paste, taro, fruit flavors, and more! When you buy mochi, be sure to look for those that are vacuum packed, since mochi usually has a short shelf life!
Name Stamps
Name stamps are custom-made souvenirs that you can buy from most souvenir shops in Taiwan. Basically, a local stamp maker would write or translate your name using Chinese characters, then create a stamp for you. This is one souvenir that’s definitely unique!
Paper Umbrellas
If you are looking for a unique, handcrafted souvenir, consider buying paper umbrellas. In Taiwan, paper umbrellas are traditionally given as wedding gifts; they symbolize blessings and children for the newlyweds. Available in different sizes, colors, and designs, paper umbrellas are perfect as gifts or souvenirs!
Pineapple Cake
Pineapple cake is absolutely a must-try when you go to Taiwan! Filled with tangy, sweet pineapple jam, tasting these “cakes” will have you craving for more! You can buy pineapple cakes in most supermarkets, convenience stores, and tourist shops.
Sun Cake
The sun cake is another popular pastry product in Taiwan. The flaky, layered dough is filled with sweet, malt syrup — making it the perfect complement to a cup of tea or coffee! Interestingly, this round-shaped pastry originated from Taichung.
Traditional Fans
Taiwanese traditional fans come in different shapes — round, oval, or semi-circle (which is folded up, just like the Filipino “abaniko”). They also come in various colors, designs, and materials. The great thing about these fans is that they come in handy during hot weather, plus they make beautiful displays!
Taiwanese Tote Bags
While shopping for souvenirs, you’re going to need a tote bag to put everything in, right? In fact, the tote bag itself can also be a souvenir! We’re talking about the colorful “Jia Zhi” bag, made of nylon mesh, an eco-friendly shopping bag that’s widely used in the country. Consisting of red, blue, and green colors, this bag has also been dubbed as “Taiwan’s LV (Louis Vuitton) bag.” Cool!
Fruit Wine
The first item on this list is candied fruit… and now we end with fruit wine. Taiwanese fruit wines are made from lychee, passion fruit, plums, and other local fruits. Refreshing and flavorful, these wines will certainly remind you of your amazing visit to Taiwan!
As travelers, we always make it a point to buy a memento or souvenir of our trips. If you’re in Taiwan looking for “pasalubong,” go back to this list and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones!
Some of the items on this list are popular snacks and drinks. Check out this article for more information about the must-try foods and beverages in the country!