From fantastic food to cute cartoon characters, Taiwan is famous for many things and trying to narrow it down for this iconic Taiwan list wasn’t easy.
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The love for Taiwan amongst travellers is immense, and there are some particularly popular Taiwan things you must try whilst there (or bring back home as souvenirs).
Featuring favourites like the striped taiwan shopping bag, beef noodles and even a good luck snack, here is our guide to the most famous Taiwanese things that are iconic to Taiwan.
You might like – Our first timers guide to Taiwan including Taiwan SIM cards
Taiwan checklist
We love using agoda.com, expedia.com and booking.com for researching and booking all our hotels.
For booking tours, transfers and buying SIM cards/eSIMs we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator, KK Day or Klook. You can also purchase eSIMs from Airalo.
For booking rental cars visit Discover Cars. For private drivers and taxis, check out our Transfer guide >
For more recommendations, check out our Taiwan travel booking resources page >
All set for Taiwan? Do one final check with our Taipei first timers guide and our packing list guide. Travelling with kids? Check out our Taipei For Kids eBook >
Iconic Taiwan – the most famous things in Taiwan
1. Taipei 101
We start our guide to iconic things in Taiwan with the most iconic building in the country – the awesome Taipei 101 skyscraper!
Once the world’s tallest building (the tallest is now the Burj Khalifa in Dubai), Taipei 101 is 508 metres high and has…you guessed it… 101 floors.
The building’s design has 8 segments stacked on top of each other. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered very lucky.
You can access th upper floors for the best views in the city, whether it be the more expensive observation deck and outer walkway or the much (much) cheaper Simple Kaffa Sola on the 88th floor.
Looking out across Taipei, the observation deck runs between floors 88 and 91, whilst there are two floors of high-up restaurants on floors 85 and 86. Taiwan’s fastest elevator soars up incredibly quick at a speed of up to 1,010m per minute (and yep, your ears might pop).
Admission to Taipei 101 is quite steep (like the tower really), but very much worth it. We found it took a LONG time to exit on our last visit so bear that in mind if you have any plans afterwards.
Skip the line and book your Taipei 101 observation deck ticket >
2. Striped Taiwan market / shopping bag (“Ga Ji Dai”)
Perhaps the number 1 iconic Taiwan item, you will see these red, green, white and blue striped shopping ‘Gaji’ bags all over Taiwan, used to carry goods by locals and tourists.
Locals also often jokingly call them the ‘Taiwan LV’ bag (like Louis Vuitton but much MUCH cheaper).
Once a common working class carry bag used by grandmas, housewives and even farmers (to carry seeds), these Taiwan tote / market bags are now used by the old and young alike.
Amazingly, they are so iconic, we’ve also seen Taiwan striped shopping bags in magnet form, on cards and a whole array of other market bag merchandise.
Read more in our guide to Taiwan’s striped shopping bag >
Buy a Ga Ji Dai striped bag on Amazon >
Join our Facebook Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT) Group!
Need help with your Taiwan itinerary or have any questions? Head on over to the most fun and fastest growing Taiwan Facebook group with 130,000+ members and ask the experts!
Click here to join our group >
3. Taiwan Pineapple Cake
Taiwan’s classic pineapple cake is a decadent dessert that is a regular topic of conversation in our Facebook Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT) group. Many believe Sunnyhills or Chia Te Bakery to be the best pineapple cake, but others prefer Pan’s Cake and Suntone.
This big debate sounds like a great excuse to try plenty of Taiwan pineapple cakes!
This is possibly the most popular Taiwan food souvenir to take home as it is uniquely Taiwanese and something you are allowed to take back home through customs.
Read more about the best pineapple cakes in Taiwan as voted for by our Taiwan Facebook group >
Purchase ChiaTe pineapple cakes on Amazon >
Check out our Taipei neighbourhoods guides:
Beitou >
Dihua Street and Dadaocheng >
Gongguan and Longquan >
Tamsui >
Ximending >
Xinyi >
Zhongshan >
Also check out our guide to the best neighbourhoods in Taipei >
4. Themed 7-Elevens in Taiwan
Taiwan is themed 7-Eleven heaven! We all know that Taiwan is famous for its sheer number of 7-Elevens, regularly frequented by tourists and locals alike.
There are currently around 7,000 7-Elevens in Taiwan – now that is a lot of slurpees and ready meals!
However, unique to Taiwan, there are tons of themed 7-Elevens with famous cartoon characters or well-loved brands.
From Hello Kitty 7-Eleven to Snoopy 7-11 (plus even an airplane themed 7-Eleven), here is our guide to the best themed 7-Elevens in Taipei plus the best themed 7-Elevens in Kaohsiung.
You might like – Our guide to Taiwan’s convenience stores and supermarkets (including Carrefour)
5. Taiwan Night Markets
For many first time visitors to Taiwan, the first thing they think of when planning their itineraries is which night market to visit.
Luckily we have a list of the best Taiwan night markets and the best Taipei night markets including a favourite of locals – Gongguan Night Market in one of Taipei’s student districts.
With over 200 notable Taiwan night markets dotted all over the country, locals (and lucky tourists) are blessed with a treasure trove of tasty Taiwanese food including stinky tofu (more on this shortly).
Taiwan is famous for its night markets and rightly so as it is just as much about the atmosphere and experience as it is about the food. They typically run from around 5pm to midnight and comprise fantastic food stalls, fairground style games and attractions plus live music and singers.
You might like – Our guide to the best Taiwanese foods >
6. Taiwan Bear / Formosan Black Bear
The national mascot of Taiwan and used in Taiwan Tourism’s advertising, the Formosan Black Bear is more often depicted in cute cartoon form than the real life version.
So iconic, you’ll see cute Taiwan bear souvenirs and merchandise all over Taiwan, from t-shirts in NET (clothing store) to marvellous models on the Xinbeitou train.
As well as the Taiwan Tourism cartoon bear, Kaohsiung also has a cartoon ‘Oh Bear’ as their mascot with statues all over the city – it is a fun thing to spot when in Kaohsiung with kids.
Formosa Black Bears live in mountainous Taiwan areas like Yushan National Park or you can see them in captivity at places like Taipei Zoo, next to the Maokong gondola.
You might like – 40+ things to do in Kaohsiung guide >
7. Din Tai Fung
Perhaps the most famous Taiwan restaurant chain that has gone global, trying Din Tai Fung’s delicious soup dumplings (xiao long bao) is a tasty Taiwan traveller rite of passage.
With new Din Tai Fung restaurants popping up all over the world, there is no better place than to try them at the ‘source’ in Taiwan.
Given its popularity, don’t be surprised if you have to queue although they have a simple-to-use ticket waiting system and app; they’ve thought of everything!
If you visit Taipei, head to the original Din Tai Fung where it all began in 1958 on Yongkang Street, or discover over a dozen different outlets across the city, including several in the Xinyi neighbourhood.
From how to eat xiao long bao soup dumplings to the cheapest Din Tai Fung prices in the world and their menu highlights, here is our ultimate guide to dining in Din Tai Fung >
You might like – Our guide to the best Taiwan chain restaurants and cafes >
8. 3D / Cute transport cards
Getting around Taiwan is simple when using EasyCards, iPass and iCash prepaid cash cards which can be used on public transport, convenience stores and more.
The best bit about prepaid cash cards in Taiwan (other than the convenience and mass usage) is that there are so many cool and cute designs! You’ll find many cartoon character design cards and even miniature food and drink 3D model cards (yes, you read that right)!
Where to find cute / 3D iCash and EasyCards is a popular topic of conversation in our Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT) Facebook group – check out our guide to 40 cool card designs >
9. Taiwan Stinky Tofu
Never has there been a more divisive Taiwanese food – probably!
Love it (like me – Neil) or hate it (Caroline), you will 100% encounter stinky tofu on your Taiwan travels and you will know you’re getting close because the stench is hard to miss.
This iconic Taiwan snack is made from cubes of firm tofu marinated in a brine (that usually includes dried fish, meat and fermented milk) and left for months, then deep fried or steamed to serve.
The flavour is a bit of an acquired taste – slightly sour, and apparently the worse it smells, the better it tastes (there are 13 different grades of stinky tofu).
Taiwan’s stinky tofu is best served deep fried, so crispy on the outside and soft inside, and presented with a sweet and spicy sauce or kimchi on the side.
You might like – 40+ things to do in Taipei with kids >
10. Taiwan Railway Bento / ‘Bian Dang’
No long railway journey in Taiwan is complete without a Taiwan railway bento box (also known as a ‘bian dang’ 便當).
A delicious traveller rite of passage, enjoy a bento box meal bought from the train station and enjoy it onboard – best served with epic Taiwan views through the window (and maybe a Taiwanese tea – or beer!)
A popular part of Taiwanese dining culture, these Taiwan lunch bento boxes are inexpensive and so tasty!
When you buy your first bian dang in Taiwan, you’ll see how they are practically the same as Japanese bento boxes. This is because the practice of box meals in Taiwan originated during the era of Japanese rule / colonialism in the early 20th century.
Read more in our Taiwan Railway Bento / ‘Bian Dang’ guide >
11. Shiba Says
A cute Shiba Inu dog, ‘Shiba Says’ is a Taiwanese cartoon character designed by illustrator Konatsu with almost 1 million followers on Instagram.
As well as featuring on all of the Taipei Metro public safety videos, you’ll see lots of Shiba Say souvenirs, from cute keyrings to birthday date magnets.
You might like – 65 best things to do in Taipei >
12. Taiwan Tea
Time for (Taiwan) Tea! Popular across the country, the famous Taiwan loose leaf tea is a popular purchase from tea-growing regions like Pinglin and Alishan. Plus closer to Taipei, Maokong has a huge collection of tea houses that have sealed bags to take home.
Check out this Pinglin tea culture and Maokong day tour from Taipei >
Check out the range of Taiwan tea on Amazon >
13. Bugcat Capoo
Bugcat Capoo (貓貓蟲咖波) is one of the most popular Taiwanese cartoon characters. A cute cross between a blue cat and a bug, created by Taiwan illustrator Yara (亞拉).
Bugcat Capoo has over 1.6 million followers on Instagram and celebrated its 10th anniversary last year in 2024.
There are lots of fun Bugcat Capoo things to do in Taiwan including the Bugcat Capoo house in Taichung in addition to the Foam Cat Cafe at Taichung Station.
Plus there is a Bugcat Capoo 7-Eleven in Taipei plus another themed 7-Eleven Bugcat store in Kaohsiung.
You might like – Things to do in Kaohsiung with kids >
14. Taiwan Lantern Festival
Taiwan is synonymous with lanterns, from the illuminated Jiufen Old Street at night to the year round lanterns at Kaohsiung’s famous sanfeng temple and the daily lantern release on the Pingxi Line in Shifen.
However one of the biggest annual events is the Taiwan Lantern Festival, which changes location each year.
After a successful and record breaking 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival last year in Taoyuan which attracted over 20 million people, next year’s 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival is set to take place in Chiayi.
Read our Taiwan Lantern Festival guide (we went to the 2024 and 2025 festivals) plus our Taipei Lantern Festival guide.
Taiwanderers Tip – did you know we have a Taiwan events hub which lists all the best Taiwan events and festivals for each month including Lunar New Year and Christmas.
15. Beef Noodles
One of Taiwan’s most famous dishes, there are many fine beef noodle soup shops in Taiwan. There are so many reasons we love beef noodles, from the juicy braised beef to the slurp of the noodles, incredible meaty beef bone broth to the social element in most noodle shops.
But which are the best beef noodles? Hidden away in a back alley of Zhongzheng District near Taipei Main Station, Liu Shandong Beef Noodles 劉山東牛肉麵 is surely a contender. It has been around since the 1950s and for our money and taste, is the best beef noodle soup in Taipei (possibly Taiwan).
Another popular Taipei beef noodle shop is Lao Shan Dong, which possibly has the best beef noodles in Ximending. This 70 year old handmade noodle restaurant has Michelin recognition and is located in the basement of the Wan Nian building in Ximending (it is right in the corner and could be easy to miss).
You might like – Things to do in Ximending at night or Ximending on a rainy day
16. Bubble Tea / Boba Tea
Possibly Taiwan’s best known drink, Taiwan bubble tea is famous for its soft and chewy tapioca balls which you suck up through a straw whilst in tea or or milk (soy milk is another popular Taiwan drink).
We were lucky enough to visit the Chun Shui Tang Original Store in Taichung.
Reputedly the original creator of Taiwanese bubble tea, Chun Shui Tang has gone on to big things with stores and tea-shops all over Taiwan plus branches overseas like in Hong Kong and Japan. However it all started in 1983 with this Taichung Chun Shui Tang Original Store.
In Taiwan, you will find bubble tea stores everywhere and popular chains include 50嵐 / 50 Lan / FIFTYLAN, Gong Cha, Cha Time and Ten Ren’s Tea.
Also look out for the brown sugar boba milk tea from Xing Fu Tang Flagship store in Ximending.
You might like – 30+ things to do in Taichung >
17. Taiwan Hot Springs
Hot Stuff – Taiwan is known as one of the best hot spring destinations in the world, with over 100 different hot spring locations like Beitou and Wulai, both easy day trips from Taipei or Ruisui hot springs in Hualien.
Visitors to Taiwan can enjoy a variety of thermal treatments and spas that use natural hot springs, from public baths like Beitou to hedonistic hot-spring resorts and hotels.
You might like our guide to Sulfur Valley and Beitou’s Thermal Valley.
Try this – Top 10 Taiwan hot springs with Klook >
18. Alishan Forest Railway
Alishan is known for many things, from its ancient tall trees to its ‘sea of clouds’ (a ‘mist’ see Taiwan attraction) but perhaps it is best known for the Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan’s most famous train journey.
Whether you are hiking through the forests or just want to let the train take the train, it is well worth taking a trip on the iconic red and white trains through the forest.
As featured on countless Taiwan travel articles, postcards and even T-shirts, most of the rail Alishan Forest Railway journeys last only a few minutes but there is something magical about riding through the forest on a steam train waving at tourists (and the occasional squirrel).
Check out our Alishan itinerary and Alishan hotel guide.
19. Cat cafes
Did you know Taiwan is famous for having the world’s first cat cafe? Yep, the global trend of cat cafes started right here in Taipei with the Kitten Coffee Garden near Shilin.
Taiwan’s first cat cafe Kitten Coffee Garden is one of the most ‘purr-fect’ things to do in Taipei – ‘fur’ real. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest / first cat cafe that is still open today.
Opened in 1998 and currently located in Shilin, Taipei’s Kitten Coffee Garden is a cute coffee shop home to 13 cute cats and two adorable dogs.
Check out our guide to Kitten Coffee Garden / Cafe Cats and Dogs in Taipei >
20. Taiwan Rice / Mochi Cakes
Pineapple cakes not your thing? I (Neil) am not a fan so for a tasty alternative snack that you can take home, try some flavoured Taiwan rice-cakes (‘mi gao’) and mochi balls available in various flavours – these are a famous Taiwan treat to try!
How ‘mochi’ do you wish you were in Taiwan right now eating nice rice cakes?
You might like – Things to do in Taipei at night >
21. Kuai Kuai Coconut Corn Puffs
There are many iconic Taiwanese snacks but one in particular is bought as much for good luck as it is for eating!
The familiar green packet of Taiwan’s Kuai Kuai coconut butter corn puffs can be seen everywhere, from supermarket shelves through to a common offering in temples.
Amazingly, it also features in many workplaces as a charm or amulet placed around computers or technology to stop them breaking.
So iconic is this Kuai Kuai / Guai Guai 乖乖Taiwan coconut puff, you can even buy Guai Guai merchandise like an EasyCard shaped like a miniature pack or even Kuai Kuai tissues.
From flavours to folklore, here is our guide to Taiwan’s Kuai Kuai corn puffs and culture >
22. Taiwan Souvenir Stamps
Collecting stamps around Taiwan’s various attractions and Metro stations is one of the most iconic things to do in Taiwan (and free!).
Possibly as a fun Taiwan souvenir for yourself, there are even special stamp books and notepads you can buy so you can keep your stamp collection safe, ready to take home.
There are lots of places where you can buy beautiful stamp books – popular locations in Taipei include one of the gift shops on the top floor of Red House in Ximending, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (link) gift-shop plus the Taipei 101 gift-shop.
Alternatively you can purchase a stamp book on Amazon such as this one >
You might like – Our guide to the top Taiwan souvenirs and the best places to buy them in Taipei
23. Caramel Egg Pudding Dessert
Widely available in most shops and a nostalgic taste for many, Taiwan’s famous caramel milk dessert 統一大布丁 is a tasty treat enjoyed by millions every day.
A popular pudding, no trip to Taiwan is complete without trying a Taiwanese caramel egg pudding dessert (Tong Yi Pudding) straight from the fridge.
Taiwan’s famous caramel dessert and its packaging is so iconic, you’ll even see miniature versions in gift-shops and in EasyCard form – plus lots of other caramel pudding flavored food-stuffs!
Read our Taiwan caramel milk pudding guide >
24. Taiwanese hamburger (Gua Bao)
Often referred to as a “Taiwanese hamburger”, the gua bao is a popular snack that has become famous around the world.
The dish consists of a soft fluffy steamed bun with hearty fillings such as braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, peanut powder and coriander.
We tried an amazing version of this dish at the famous and award winning Lan Jia Gua Bao restaurant in Gongguan. The bao is served in a plastic bag so that you won’t lose any ingredients that may slip out whilst eating it.
Our final iconic Taiwan / famous Taiwan Thing
25. Mikan, Taiwan’s famous station cat
If you love cats, Kaohsiung is the place to be – it has several famous station cats, perhaps the most famous of which is Mikan.
Meet Mikan 蜜柑, Kaohsiung’s cutest station cat. Mikan has a huge social following, her own range of cute kitty merchandise and makes regular appearances at a Kaohsiung Metro KRTC station (KRTC stands for Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation).
A stray cat adopted by Kaohsiung station staff, Mikan the cat’s fanbase is growing all the time and hundreds flock to Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Kaohsiung Metro station every time she appears (often in costume).
The station is even cat-themed, plus a bakery next door sells cat shaped steamed buns.
Find out more about Mikan, Taiwan’s famous station cat >
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