The Best Taiwan Pineapple Cakes (Taipei)? Discover the Top 5 Pineapple Pastry Brands You Should Try: Chia Te 佳德、新東陽 Hsin Tung Yang、LeeChi 台北犁記、Pans’s Cake 小潘蛋糕坊、Sunnyhills 微熱山丘

What Makes Taiwan’s Pineapple Cake Special

Pineapple cake (鳳梨酥, “fengli su”) is a small pastry with a buttery, crumbly shortbread‑like exterior and a sweet (or sweet‑tangy) pineapple-based filling.

The filling is often a jam made from pineapple (sometimes mixed with winter melon) to mellow acidity and stretch volume; premium versions may use 100% pineapple jam for a fuller, fruitier taste.
The cake’s shape is typically square or slightly rectangular — more like a filled cookie or pastry than what many think of as “cake.”

Over time, pineapple cake evolved from a local treat to a must-buy souvenir, loved by tourists and locals alike.

Why Pineapple Cake Became a Symbol of Taiwan

The pineapple itself became a major crop and export commodity during the Japanese colonial era (1895–1945). When pineapple production surged, surplus fruit and canned pineapple became abundant — and local bakers turned that into pastries.
Over time, the pineapple cake became more than just a way to save surplus fruit: it became a cultural symbol. The Hokkien word for pineapple — pronounced “ông‑lâi” — sounds like a phrase meaning “prosperity has arrived.” That makes pineapple cakes a popular gift for celebrations, weddings, or well‑wishing occasions.
Today, pineapple cakes are deeply embedded in Taiwan’s food identity and tourism — for good reason.

Chia Te Pineapple Cake 佳德糕餅 — Taipei’s Most Famous Award-Winning Pastry

Source: Chia Te Official Website

Chia Te (佳德) is one of the most celebrated pineapple cake brands in Taiwan, consistently praised for its buttery crust, fragrant aroma, and well-balanced filling. Its flagship store often attracts long queues, especially during holiday seasons.

What Makes Chia Te Special

Buttery, crumbly crust with strong dairy fragrance
Balanced filling using pineapple and winter melon
Reliable consistency and freshness
Elegant packaging ideal for business gifting

Compared to Sunnyhills, Chia Te is richer and sweeter with a smoother filling.

Who Should Buy Chia Te

Travelers wanting a universally loved gift
Visitors buying for colleagues or formal occasions
Anyone who enjoys buttery, pastry-focused flavors

Store Information

Chia Te Bakery (佳德糕餅)

Address：No. 88, Sec. 5, Nanjing E. Rd., Songshan District, Taipei
Hours：8:30 AM – 8:30 PM daily
Price：Approx. NT$38 per piece, NT$228–760 per box depending on quantity (6/12/20 pieces per box)

Hsin Tung Yang Pineapple Cake 新東陽 — The Most Convenient Brand for Travelers

Source: Hsin Tung Yang Official Website

Hsin Tung Yang (新東陽) is best known for its accessibility. With numerous branches, including airport locations, it is ideal for travelers who need souvenirs at the last minute.

What Makes Hsin Tung Yang Special

Classic Taiwanese taste with softer, smooth filling
Easy to find at MRT stations and airports
Consistent quality suitable for bulk purchases
No long queues, unlike boutique bakeries

Who Should Buy Hsin Tung Yang

Visitors with limited time
Travelers who value convenience over artisanal flavors
People needing multiple boxes for family or coworkers

Store Information

Hsin Tung Yang (新東陽)

Address (Main Taipei Branch): No. 21, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao W. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei (Multiple locations across Taipei)
Airport Stores: Available in both Taoyuan International Airport terminals
Hours: Vary by branch; airport locations typically 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: 8 pieces for NT$150 (prices are higher for gift boxes and airports)

LeeChi Pineapple Cake 台北犁記 — A Traditional Taste from Old Taipei

Source: LeeChi Official Website

LeeChi (台北犁記) is famous for its nostalgic bakery style and traditional flavors. Located near MRT Songjiang Nanjing Station and in the busy shopping area.

What Makes LeeChi Special

Soft traditional crust
Mild pineapple flavor suited for older generations
Classic Taiwanese pastry craftsmanship
Longtime reputation among Taipei locals
Also famous for Mung Bean Cake (綠豆椪)

Who Should Buy LeeChi

Travelers who enjoy classic pastries
Visitors who want to go window-shopping
People gifting to elders or those who prefer subtle flavors

Store Information

LeeChi (台北犁記)

Address: No. 67, Sec. 2, Chang'an E. Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei
Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Price: NT$310–520 per box (12/20 pieces per box)

Pan’s Cake Pineapple Cake 小潘蛋糕坊 — The Local Favorite with Tangy Flavor

Pan’s Cake (小潘蛋糕坊) is a hit among Taiwanese locals thanks to its bright, tangy pineapple filling and reasonable prices. Though located in Banqiao, it’s just a short ride from Taipei Main Station.

What Makes Pan’s Cake Special

Soft, cake-like texture, strong buttery aroma. Famous for 'Phoenix Cake' (with salted egg yolk).
Great value for flavor and price
Loved by locals, often sold out on weekends
Wide variety of pastry options

Who Should Buy Pan’s Cake

Travelers wanting a “local favorite” flavor
Fans of naturally buttery pineapple
Budget-conscious shoppers seeking high taste-to-price value

Store Information

Pan’s Cake (小潘蛋糕坊)

Main Store Address: No. 135, Ln. 135, Zhongzheng Rd., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Price: NT$19–23 per piece, NT$395–595 per box (12/15/18 pieces per box)

Sunnyhills Pineapple Cake 微熱山丘 — The Premium 100% Pineapple Experience

Source: Sunnyhills Official Website

Sunnyhills (微熱山丘) is the benchmark for premium pineapple cakes. With 100% Taiwanese pineapple filling and minimalist packaging, it appeals to travelers seeking a pure, fruit-driven taste.

What Makes Sunnyhills Special

100% native pineapple (no winter melon)
Tangy, fragrant, fibrous filling
Minimalist, elegant wooden-box packaging
Tea tasting service for every visitor

Who Should Buy Sunnyhills

Source: Sunnyhills Official Website

Travelers wanting premium artisan pastries
Fans of natural, fruit-only filling
Shoppers looking for luxurious, well-designed gifts

Store Information

Sunnyhills (微熱山丘)

Address: No. 1, Aly. 4, Ln. 36, Sec. 5, Minsheng E. Rd., Songshan District, Taipei
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Price: NT$42–50 per piece, NT$500–750 per box (10/15 pieces per box)

Comparison Table — Top 5 Pineapple Cake Brands in Taiwan

Brand	Flavor Profile	Texture	Best For	Convenience	Price (Approx.)	Store Highlights
Chia Te	Rich, buttery, balanced sweetness	Smooth filling, crumbly crust	Business gifts, general gifting	★★★☆☆	NT$38–50/pc	Famous flagship store, often crowded
Hsin Tung Yang	Classic, sweet, mild	Soft and uniform	Last-minute travelers	★★★★★	NT$35–45/pc	MRT + airport availability
LeeChi	Traditional, nostalgic	Soft crust, mild filling	Older recipients, heritage seekers	★★★★☆	NT$32–35/pc	Near MRT Songjiang Nanjing Station
Pan’s Cake	Sweet, milky, egg yolk	Fibrous, natural	Local flavor lovers	★★★★☆	NT$19–23/pc	High value; Banqiao location
Sunnyhills	100% pineapple, tangy	Fibrous, aromatic	Premium gifting	★★★★☆	NT$42–50/pc	Free tasting; elegant packaging

Where to Buy Taiwan’s Best Pineapple Cakes

Source: Hsin Tung Yang Official Website

Taipei provides the most accessible shopping experience, with bakeries located across traditional neighborhoods, residential areas, and transportation hubs.

Buying in Taipei City

Chia Te → Songshan District
Sunnyhills → Minsheng Community
LeeChi → Zhongshan District
Pan’s Cake → Banqiao District

Morning visits offer fresher pastries and shorter queues.

Buying at Airports

Airports offer maximum convenience with:

Hsin Tung Yang
Select Sunnyhills boxes

Convenience Stores

7-Eleven and FamilyMart offer budget selections, good for snacks or low-cost gifting.

How Convenient Is It to Buy Taiwan Pineapple Cake?

Convenience Rating

Brand	Rating	Notes
Hsin Tung Yang	★★★★★	Best availability; airport stores
Sunnyhills	★★★★☆	Easy MRT access; limited branches
LeeChi	★★★★☆	Near popular shopping areas
Pan’s Cake	★★★★☆	Short train ride from Taipei
Chia Te	★★★☆☆	Peak-hour queues

Best Shopping Times

Before noon → fresher stock
Avoid weekends → Chia Te & Pan’s Cake busiest
Afternoon → Sunnyhills tasting crowds

Storage Tips

Store in cool, dry place
Shelf life 30–60 days
Pack flat in luggage

Transportation Guide for Taiwan Pineapple Cake Shopping

Finding the best pineapple cakes in Taipei is easy thanks to the city’s efficient transportation network. Most bakeries are accessible by MRT, and travelers can combine multiple stops within a single day. Below is a more detailed guide to help you plan your route smoothly, whether you prefer public transit, rideshare services, or leisurely neighborhood walks.

MRT Access

Taipei’s MRT is the most reliable and budget-friendly way to reach major pineapple cake shops. Each brand is located in a walkable district, making it simple even for first-time visitors.

Chia Te → Nanjing Sanmin Station (Green Line)
A 7–10 minute walk through a quiet residential area. Expect crowds near the store during peak hours.
Sunnyhills → Zhongshan Junior High School Station (Brown Line)
A pleasant walk into the Minsheng Community, known for its tree-lined streets and cafés—perfect for combining shopping with sightseeing.
LeeChi → Songjiang Nanjing Station (Orange and Green Line)
Near Songjiang Nanjing Station, the area is filled with traditional shops and local eateries. This route gives travelers a glimpse of old-meets-new Taipei, making LeeChi a convenient bakery stop while exploring nearby neighborhoods.
Pan’s Cake → Banqiao Station (TRA / HSR / MRT)
This shop is located in New Taipei City, but Banqiao is one of the region’s major transportation hubs. The bakery is within walking distance (15-20 min) or a short taxi ride from the station.

When Tripool Helps

While MRT works for most travelers, tripool becomes especially useful when:

You want to visit multiple bakeries in one trip without transferring between MRT lines
You are carrying several gift boxes, which can be bulky on public transport
You are traveling with seniors, children, or a group
You want a point-to-point direct ride without navigating stations or crowds

👉🏻 Tripool offers predictable pricing and pre-booked routes, making it a smart option for travelers with tight schedules or heavy shopping bags.

Other Options

Taipei offers several flexible alternatives depending on your comfort and itinerary:

Taxi: Widely available, reasonably priced, and ideal for short distances between shops.
YouBike: Great for exploring flat, bike-friendly neighborhoods like Minsheng Community near Sunnyhills.
Walking: Many bakery districts are pleasant and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to enjoy local cafés, markets, and shops along the way.

👉🏻 These transportation choices ensure that pineapple cake shopping fits seamlessly into any style of travel—from solo explorers to busy families.

RTR Editor’s Note — Our Honest Take on Taiwan’s Pineapple Cakes

Source: RoundTaiwanRound

As the editorial team behind Round Taiwan Round (RTR), we’ve guided countless travelers through Taiwan’s food culture, and pineapple cake remains one of the most requested souvenirs. It’s beloved not only for its flavor, but also for the warm, generous spirit of Taiwanese hospitality it represents.

From our experience, choosing the “best” pineapple cake depends on your priorities. Chia Te is consistently excellent—its buttery crust and balanced filling make it a universal favorite, though the long queues require patience. Sunnyhills offers a completely different experience with its vibrant, 100% pineapple filling and minimalist presentation, perfect for travelers seeking something premium and artisanal.

Pan’s Cake is the local favorite, known for its buttery fruitiness and great value, while LeeChi delivers nostalgic, traditional flavors that pair beautifully with a walk along the shopping area. For pure convenience, Hsin Tung Yang stands out. Its airport and MRT availability make it a dependable option for last-minute shoppers.

After years of hearing traveler stories, we’ve learned that pineapple cake shopping is more than picking up a gift—it’s an essential Taiwan experience. Taste widely, choose what speaks to you, and let each bite bring back memories of your time on the island.

🎁 Gifting advice: sample different styles and choose based on your recipient and travel schedule. Pineapple cakes bring joy not only through their taste but also through the memories they carry home.