Must-Buy Souvenirs in Ximending! 5 Carefully Selected Shops from Classic Sweets to Instagrammable Goods

Why Hunt for Souvenirs in Ximending?

Known as Taipei’s ‘Harajuku’, Ximending is a hugely popular area for travelers, where the latest trends intersect with retro local culture. While often highlighted for its food and fashion, it’s actually a fantastic hidden gem for souvenir shopping.

In recent years, many new shops have opened, offering sophisticated modern Taiwanese sweets and charming Taiwanese designer goods. Traditional long-standing confectioneries coexist with these latest boutiques, meaning you can find everything from bulk gifts for colleagues to special presents for loved ones, all in this one area.

LAI HAO Ximen Store

📍 Address: No. 169, Xining Rd, Ximen Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

‘LAI HAO’ is a select shop featuring a collection of pop and adorable designer goods that perfectly encapsulate Taiwan’s charm. While their Yongkang Street store has long been a classic, the much-anticipated opening of their Ximen branch makes it even easier to experience the latest in Taiwanese creativity.

Inside the store, you’ll find an array of items you’ll want for yourself and your friends, such as nostalgic fishing net bags, glasses with Taiwan Beer logos, and pins featuring local food motifs. They sometimes offer Ximending-exclusive merchandise, so even repeat visitors to Taiwan can discover something new.

Beyond miscellaneous goods, they also boast a rich selection of food souvenirs like tea, dried kumquats, and nougat crackers. There’s even a corner with cute commemorative stamps that you can use for free, so bringing a travel journal is recommended. With its clean and bright interior, it’s a popular spot beloved by travelers from around the world, including Korea.

Santhong Han Kuo Zi Souvenir Ximen Store

📍 Address: No. 21, Section 2, Wuchang St, Wanshou Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108002

With its eye-catching purple signboard, ‘Santhong Han Kuo Zi’ is a renowned shop with over 40 years of history, yet it produces innovative sweets that perfectly suit Ximending’s youthful vibe. It’s conveniently located for a casual stop when you’re tired from walking around Ximending.

A definite must-buy is their ‘Liuxinsu’ (flowing custard pastry), filled with a gooey center. The taro (芋泥) and strawberry flavors, in particular, are highly popular for their modern and rich taste, a delightful departure from traditional pineapple cakes. Their crispy ‘Nongxin Juan’ (egg rolls) also have a large fan base.

What’s particularly appealing to travelers is their generous offer of samples for all products. There’s absolutely no pressure to buy after tasting, and no pushy sales, allowing you to choose only what you genuinely find delicious – a testament to their exceptional hospitality. Many items are individually wrapped, making them convenient for bulk souvenirs for the workplace.

Sugar & Spice Taipei Ximending Store

📍 Address: 1F, No. 5, Section 2, Wuchang St, Wanshou Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

While pineapple cakes are a quintessential Taiwanese souvenir, ‘Sugar & Spice’ (Tangcun) nougat (niúgátáng) boasts overwhelming popularity right alongside them. Made with carefully selected French butter and Californian almonds, it delivers a rich milky flavor that spreads delightfully in your mouth.

It defies the common perception of nougat ‘sticking to your teeth’, offering a perfect balance of pleasant chewiness and the crisp texture of almonds—truly exquisite. While the price point is a bit higher, the packaging is also very sophisticated, making it an ‘unfailingly good’ choice for gifts to loved ones or as a thoughtful present for superiors.

Beyond nougat, their crunchy, crispy cookies are also a hidden gem. Credit card payments are accepted, and sometimes special offers like JCB card discounts are available, so it’s smart to check for various benefits before checking out.

Hong Kong Pastry King

📍 Address: No. 6-2, Hanzhong St, Fuxing Village, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Tucked away in a Ximending alley, ‘Hong Kong Pastry King’ (Gangji Suhuangdian) is a well-known establishment founded by a Hong Konger who moved to Taiwan in 1998. Having received Taiwan’s National Treasure Award in 2004, it offers a superb collection of sweets that beautifully blend Taiwanese and Hong Kong food cultures.

Their signature ‘Emerald Mung Bean Cake’ (feicui lǜdòu gāo) has a delicate texture that melts in your mouth, making it a favorite among regular customers. Other unique and elegant items include melon cakes and ‘Tea Mooncakes’ (chá yuèbǐng) available in six varieties like Earl Grey and Jinxuan Oolong Tea, which offer a rich aroma of tea and are rarely found elsewhere.

Step inside, and the staff warmly greet you, offering freshly baked samples. Japanese menus are also available, and the homely atmosphere, where you can take your time to choose while listening to explanations, captures the hearts of many travelers.

LAI HAO Yongkang Main Store

📍 Address: 1F, No. 11, Lane 6, Yongkang St, Yongkang Village, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

While it requires a short MRT ride from Ximending, ‘LAI HAO’s main store on Yongkang Street (Yongkangjie) is an absolute must-visit when talking about Taiwanese designer goods. If you fall in love with Taiwanese souvenirs at the Ximen branch, be sure to check out the main store too!

The interior is truly a ‘cuteness overload.’ From stationery, postcards, and pouches designed by young Taiwanese creators to delicious Taiwanese teas and dried fruits (available for tasting), they boast an overwhelming selection. Product descriptions in Japanese are abundant, and the staff are friendly and can assist in Japanese, allowing you to shop without language barriers.

With the hospitality of storing large luggage like suitcases, it’s also the perfect last-minute shopping spot right before returning home. Fully equipped for credit card payments, you can take your time to select tasteful souvenirs without worrying about cash on hand.

Local Tips for Successful Souvenir Shopping in Ximending

Ximending gets crowded with young people and tourists from afternoon to evening. If you want to leisurely enjoy samples and choose products, the best time to visit is from morning to early afternoon, just as shops begin to open.

Furthermore, in traditional Taiwanese confectionery shops, it’s a common practice to be encouraged to ‘try it first!’ This isn’t a sales pitch but a gesture of hospitality, meaning ‘we’re confident in our taste, so we want you to be satisfied with your purchase.’ If there’s a flavor that piques your interest, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for a sample and find your favorite item.

Also, don’t forget to check the box size and if items are individually wrapped, keeping suitcase storage in mind. All the shops we introduced feature sturdy packaging, making them suitable for bringing back to Japan. Through your shopping experience in Ximending, we hope you’ll take home the vibrant energy and memories of a deep Taiwan.