What to Buy in Taipei with Insider Taipei Picks

Arriving in Taipei felt like entering into a more relaxed version of home, with the same modern feel. But with a colder air and more mountains in the background. As a Singaporean, what is the first thing I noticed? The meal smells! Everywhere you walk, from night markets like Raohe and Shilin to small back alley sellers. You get hit with waves of sizzling scallion pancakes, bubble tea stands, and grilled skewers. It's a foodie's dream, particularly if you enjoy variety and strong flavors. And, compared to Singapore, eating out is really inexpensive. You can eat like a king without emptying your wallet.

Taipei is a great destination for someone who enjoys both shopping and exploring. Consider huge malls like Taipei 101, old souvenir shops in Ximending, and cultural alleys in Dadaocheng that feel like you're walking into another century. Whether you're looking for a place to stay in Taipei or simply planning your route across the city, you'll discover that getting around is surprisingly simple. The MRT is quick, clean, and tourist friendly. Oh, and the weather in Taipei? Cooler than Singapore, especially in spring and fall, so bring light clothing and enjoy the breeze!

🧧 Bring Home a Lucky Bamboo Charm from Taipei

I first noticed the Lucky Bamboo Charm while walking down busy Dihua Street in Taipei's old Dadaocheng area. The air was thick with the smell of herbs and tea leaves, and red lanterns danced above the tiny street. I visited a small stands run by an older woman who hand-tied each necklace with red and gold ribbon. She smiled and said that the charms were created to bring peace and prosperity. Something about its simple beauty and her kindness persuaded me choose one right away. It felt like a blessing I could take home.

📖 About Lucky Bamboo Charms

This must-buy souvenir in Taipei symbolizes resilience, good fortune, and harmony. In Taiwanese culture, bamboo stands for strength and steady growth. These small charms are often given during Lunar New Year or housewarmings. Making them one of the most authentic keepsakes from Taipei.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Sentimental Travelers

This charm is perfect if you love meaningful gifts. It’s lightweight, fits easily into a suitcase, and adds a gentle, symbolic touch to your home or workspace. Plus, it’s a lovely reminder of Taiwan’s rich cultural beliefs.

📍 Where to buy: Dihua Street, Dadaocheng

💰 Cost: Around NT$100–250 depending on quality; often comes gift-wrapped or boxed

💡 Pro Tips

• Choose ones made with real bamboo for better quality
• Avoid charms with plastic-looking leaves—they’re less authentic
• It’s safe to pack in carry-ons and makes great last-minute gifts

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Kids will enjoy choosing different colored ribbons or ones with small zodiac charms attached. It’s safe, unbreakable, and makes a great memory for the whole family.

🎨 Take Home a Hand-Painted Taiwan Lantern from Taipei

While walking around Shifen's crowded Old Street, I was pulled to a beautiful tiny lantern shop hidden between food shops and souvenir stands. Lanterns of all sizes hung from the ceiling, softly shining in the late afternoon light. A young artist was painting beautiful cherry blossoms on a red paper lantern, each brushstroke so clean and graceful. She offered to have one personalized with my name in Chinese calligraphy. Watching her make it by hand felt greatly personal, and I realized it was more than just a souvenir. It was a memory preserved in color and light.

📖 About Hand-Painted Taiwan Lanterns

These traditional gifts in Taipei are inspired by the famous Sky Lantern Festival in Pingxi. Originally used to send prayers to the sky, lanterns symbolize hope, peace, and blessings. A must-buy souvenir in Taipei, each one reflects Taiwan’s rich history and vibrant artistic culture.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Artistic Souls

This is perfect for anyone who loves handmade crafts or decor with meaning. It’s lightweight, visually stunning, and can be displayed at home as a conversation piece. Many also come with personalized designs for a heartfelt touch.

📍 Where to buy: Shifen Old Street, Pingxi District

💰 Cost: Around NT$150–400 depending on size and detail; usually wrapped in paper or boxed

💡 Pro Tips

• Ask for waterproof coating if you want to hang it outdoors
• Make sure the paint is fully dry before packing
• Get your name or a short wish written in Chinese—it adds meaning

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Absolutely! Kids can choose colors, paint their own small lanterns, or even take part in mini workshops. It’s fun, safe, and makes a great keepsake for all ages.

🧵 Discover the Charm of Hand-Embroidered Pouches in Taipei

While walking through the quiet lanes of Dadaocheng, I came into a charming little shop filled with the scent of tea leaves and antique wood. Inside, a local artisan was stitching delicate peony flowers onto small bags using vibrant silk threads. She smiled and told me each design is inspired by traditional Hakka designs, with meanings tied to luck, protection, and family. Watching her hands move slowly, I could feel the heart and patience woven into every thread. The textures were rich, the fabric soft yet sturdy which clearly something made to last. I picked a red-and-gold one, said to bring blessings for safe travels.

🎨 About Hand-Embroidered Pouches

These handmade crafts in Taipei are more than pretty accessories. They reflect Taiwan’s deep textile traditions, especially among Hakka and native communities. Popular as handmade souvenirs, they often feature symbolic flowers, birds, or lucky characters. They’re lightweight, practical, and full of cultural flair. Perfect as authentic handcrafted gifts in Taipei.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Cultural Shoppers

Ideal for collectors or those seeking meaningful keepsakes 🎁. These pouches can hold trinkets or travel charms, and many come with hand-stitched initials or custom blessings. Elegant, symbolic, and easy to carry.

📍 Where to buy: Yongle Fabric Market or Dadaocheng handmade shops

💰 Cost: Varies by complexity; simple pieces from ¥200, custom orders available

💡 Pro Tips

• Visit in the morning for better artisan interactions
• Ask for your initials or a word embroidered in Chinese
• Great for layering in luggage—no worries about damage

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Kids can watch the embroidery process or even join beginner stitching sessions. It's a great way to introduce them to traditional craft while picking out their own "lucky" pouch.

🎨 Take Home a Hand-Carved Wooden Stamp from Taipei

At a cozy little stall in Huashan 1914 Creative Park, I was drawn in by the scent of freshly carved wood and the soft sound of chisels tapping. The artisan behind the counter was carving a custom name stamp with steady hands and concentrated gaze. He added that traditional wooden stamps, known as "chops," have been used in Taiwan for decades to sign artwork, letters, and even governmental papers. I selected a piece of aromatic camphor wood and watched as he meticulously engraved my name in stylized Mandarin characters. The entire process felt very personal, as if I was acquiring a piece of ancient Taipei culture specifically for me.

🎨 About Hand-Carved Wooden Stamps

Taipei's local artisan crafts are part of a long-standing calligraphy and sealing culture. They are widely used in Taiwan for art, identity, and symbolism, and they make thoughtful and useful handcrafted souvenirs. Every stamp is one-of-a-kind, made from natural wood and frequently written with meaningful symbols or images.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Creative Souls

A perfect gift for journalers, scrapbookers, or anyone who loves personalized keepsakes. These stamps are interactive, customizable, and carry a piece of your travel story in every press of ink.

📍 Where to buy: Huashan 1914 Creative Park or Red House Artist Village, Ximending

💰 Cost: Varies by complexity; simple pieces from ¥250, custom orders available

💡 Pro Tips

• Choose camphor wood for a fragrant, long-lasting stamp
• Bring a name or phrase you'd like carved in Chinese or English
• Let the artisan add a small symbol (like a star or flower) for extra flair

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Kids love seeing their names transformed into stamps—and many shops offer mini DIY kits. It's a fun, hands-on souvenir the whole family can enjoy using together.

🍍 A Bite of Sunshine: Pineapple Cake from Taipei

I first tried the famous pineapple cake at a cozy little bakery near Taipei Main Station. The display case was glowing with golden-yellow pastries, and the buttery scent pulled me right in. I took a bite and was instantly hooked—flaky on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with a sweet-tart pineapple filling that melted in my mouth. My travel buddy and I ended up buying three boxes on the spot—one to snack on, one for family, and one just in case. Each piece was individually wrapped, making it perfect for sharing (or not).

📖 About Pineapple Cake

Pineapple cakes are among the most iconic edible gifts from Taipei. Known locally as "fènglísū" (鳳梨酥), they symbolize luck and prosperity, especially during festive seasons. Made with real pineapple jam and buttery pastry, these snacks to buy in Taipei are beloved by both locals and tourists alike.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Food-Loving Travelers

Perfect for gifting or mid-flight snacking—these cakes are individually packed, halal-friendly (in many bakeries), and easy to carry. Great for sweet tooths and cultural snack collectors!

📍 Where to buy: Chia Te Bakery, SunnyHills, or any Taipei airport souvenir store

💰 Cost: Around ¥300–¥600 per box; comes in travel-safe wrapping or elegant gift boxes

💡 Pro Tips

• Try the SunnyHills version for a tart, 100% pineapple filling
• Chia Te offers seasonal flavors like cranberry or longan
• Always check expiry dates—best eaten fresh within 2–3 weeks

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the sweet flavor and soft texture. It’s nut-free, easy to chew, and perfect for picnics or road trips. Just be warned—it disappears quickly!

🍠 Sweet, Soft & So Taiwanese: Purple Yam Mochi from Taipei

I found these chewy purple yam mochi at a street stall in the heart of Jiufen Old Street. The stall was full of handmade treats, but the pastel-purple rounds caught my eye immediately. The vendor handed me a warm sample—soft, squishy, and lightly dusted with rice flour. One bite and I was hooked: the mochi was perfectly chewy, and the purple yam filling was smooth, earthy, and just the right amount of sweet. My hands were already full of shopping bags, but I made room for a full pack to take home. I even had to stop my travel buddy from eating the whole thing before we got back to the hotel!

📖 About Purple Yam Mochi

A beloved local snack and handmade delicacy, purple yam mochi reflects Taiwan’s love for chewy textures and natural root flavors. Often made fresh daily, these are must-try snacks to buy in Taipei, especially for fans of Japanese-style wagashi and regional sweets. They’re also popular souvenirs to eat in Taipei for their beautiful colors and soft texture.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Sweet-Toothed Travelers

These handmade mochi are vegetarian-friendly, individually wrapped, and great for gifting. Light and suitcase-safe, they’re perfect for anyone who enjoys trying new textures and traditional sweets.

📍 Where to buy: Jiufen Old Street stalls or specialty snack shops in Ximending

💰 Cost: Around ¥200–¥400 per pack; comes in clear trays or cute printed gift boxes

💡 Pro Tips

• Check for fresh-made vs. factory-packed—fresh ones are softer
• Eat within 3–5 days for the best texture
• Pair with Taiwanese oolong or milk tea for the ultimate local combo

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! The chewy texture is fun for kids, and the sweet flavor isn’t overpowering. Some shops even offer mini mochi in fun shapes for kids to enjoy.

🧢 Snap Up Taipei Style with a Jellyfish & Son Graphic Tee

I found this gem while walking through Zhongshan's popular alleys. Specifically, inside a concept store full of lively prints, odd accessories, and indie beats playing in the background. A graphic tee with funny drawings of local snacks and MRT trains hung on a rack next to the window. The label said Jellyfish & Son, a name I'd never heard of but immediately loved. The cotton was silky, the fit expressed carefree streetwear style. And the designs? Pure Taiwanese popular culture gold. I purchased one straight immediately, then returned for a second as a gift. It's the type of treasure you want to brag about.

📖 About Jellyfish & Son

This independent brand is making waves in local fashion in Taipei with whimsical designs inspired by daily life, nostalgia, and inside jokes only locals (or curious travelers!) might get. It’s one of the top names in fashion souvenirs from Taipei for its unique prints and comfy, gender-neutral fits.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Stylish Explorers

It’s trendy, breathable, and totally Insta-worthy 📸. Whether you're into quirky streetwear or want a wearable memory from Taipei, this tee ticks all the boxes. Also great for layering in SG’s weather!

📍 Where to buy: Zhongshan Creative District or Huashan 1914 Creative Park

💰 Cost: Prices range from ¥800–¥1500; many shops offer Asian-fit sizes and customizations

💡 Pro Tips

• Look for limited-edition collabs—they sell out fast
• Ask if they offer bundle deals (great for gifting)
• Some shops let you try on or get free resizing with purchase

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! They’ve got mini versions and matching tote bags, making it fun for kids and parents alike. A cool, comfy family-friendly buy that packs flat in luggage.

🎒 Style Meets Craft: Canvas Backpack from Plain Me Taipei

I discovered Plain Me while browsing the alleys around Taipei's East District. One of those moments when you stroll in "just to browse" and leave with a new favorite. The store featured a really clean look, with well-organized racks of streetwear and bags in muted earth tones. I was drawn to a khaki green canvas backpack with leather straps and minimalist design. It seemed robust yet stylish. It's something I could wear around Taipei before returning to Singapore for work or weekend café trips. The shop clerk explained that it was made in Taiwan with travelers in mind, mixing fashion and functionality.

📖 About Plain Me Canvas Backpacks

Plain Me is a standout name in local fashion in Taipei, known for its blend of Japanese-Taiwanese streetwear and everyday utility. Their canvas backpacks have become must-have souvenir clothing from Taipei for anyone who loves stylish gear that holds up. Think urban explorer vibes with a focus on clean lines, clever pockets, and premium materials.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Minimalist Travelers

Perfect for Singaporeans who like to travel light and look sharp. It fits laptops, snacks, cameras—everything for a day out. The neutral tones match easily with any outfit and suit both men and women.

📍 Where to buy: Plain Me stores in Zhongxiao Dunhua or Songshan District

💰 Cost: Prices range from ¥1200–¥2500; limited editions available seasonally

💡 Pro Tips

• Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and better attention
• Ask about weatherproof versions if you're heading to rainy regions
• They offer tax refunds for tourists—just ask at the counter

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Smaller versions are available for teens or light packers, and their accessories (like sling bags or pouches) are fun add-ons for older kids too. Super practical for family day trips or airport use.

🛒 Treasure Hunting at Taipei’s Yongkang Street

The moment I stepped onto Yongkang Street, I could feel the creative buzz in the air. The street was lined with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and pop-up stalls tucked between leafy trees. I wandered past racks of handmade jewelry, indie fashion labels, and shelves of Taiwanese-designed home goods. One shop had adorable hand-poured candles shaped like bao buns 🕯️, while another let me sample locally made skincare testers with floral scents. A friendly shopkeeper even wrapped my ceramic chopstick holder like a gift—it felt like every purchase here came with a personal story.

📖 About Yongkang Street

One of the best shopping streets in Taipei, Yongkang Street is famous for its relaxed charm and creative spirit. Once known mainly for its food scene (hello, original Din Tai Fung!), it’s now a hub for indie shopping in Taipei. You’ll find everything from minimalist fashion and stationery to artisan snacks and home décor—perfect for those looking for unique souvenirs or stylish finds.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Leisurely Shoppers

Great for solo wanderers or families who love to slow down and explore at their own pace. It’s walkable, photogenic, and full of hidden gems for thoughtful gifting.

📍 Where to find: Near Dongmen Station (Exit 5), Da’an District

💰 Cost: Varies widely; bargaining is rare—most shops have fixed prices

💡 Pro Tips

• Visit on weekday afternoons to avoid crowds
• Check side alleys for quieter, lesser-known boutiques
• Grab a fruit tea or mango shaved ice for a mid-shop refresh

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes! Many shops have cute trinkets for kids, and there are cafés with kid-friendly menus. The sidewalks are stroller-accessible, and nearby parks offer a relaxing break for little ones.

🛍️ Exploring the Creative Corners of Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Stepping into Huashan 1914 Creative Park felt like entering an open-air gallery meets indie mall. Set in a repurposed factory space, the area buzzed with local designers, weekend markets, and curious shoppers. I wandered through pop-up booths selling everything from hand-dyed scarves to minimalist ceramics. One studio let me watch an artist sketch custom tote bags on the spot—I ended up buying one with a skyline of Taipei drawn in clean, black ink. The vibe was casual but artistic, with chill background music, scent of coffee in the air, and creative energy around every corner.

📖 About Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Originally a sake factory, this industrial complex is now one of the most popular creative markets in Taipei. A hotspot for shopping in Taipei, it’s filled with pop-up shops, exhibitions, and local brands offering handmade crafts, unique fashion pieces, and design-led gifts. A go-to for anyone who enjoys discovering emerging designers and local markets in Taipei.

🎁 Why It’s Great for Artsy Singaporean Shoppers

Ideal for anyone into design, fashion, or creative souvenirs. It’s great for finding one-of-a-kind gifts, plus the whole space is Instagram-friendly with lots of cool corners for photos 📸.

📍 Where to find: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District (near Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station)

💰 Cost: Varies widely; mostly fixed prices, though some vendors offer bundle discounts

💡 Pro Tips

• Check their event schedule—some weekends have live music or craft fairs
• Look for “Made in Taiwan” tags to support local designers
• Try the on-site cafés or ice cream carts for a quick rest

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Family-Friendly?

Definitely! Kids will love the open space, art installations, and creative workshops. Some vendors even sell DIY kits or fun patches and stickers for younger visitors.

🧳 Wrapping Up Your Taipei Treasure Hunt

Looking back on my trip, the souvenirs I brought home from Taipei weren’t just things—they were pieces of the city itself. From hand-stitched pouches to buttery pineapple cakes and quirky fashion finds, each one reminded me of the creativity, warmth, and charm that Taipei is known for. Sure, I ran out of suitcase space (twice!) and stumbled through a few Mandarin phrases, but honestly? The joy of browsing vibrant markets and chatting with passionate local shopkeepers made it all worth it.

The city’s energy is something else， every street, from Yongkang to Huashan, holds the promise of a new discovery. If you’re dreaming of your own adventure, there are great travel promotions for Taipei right now. Have a look at the latest deals on flights to Taipei from Singapore and check out cozy, artsy hotels in Taipei while you’re at it. Happy planning, and may your next souvenir be something you’ll treasure forever.