ChiaTe Pineapple Cake: The Must-Have Souvenir to Bring Back from Taiwan
Introduction to ChiaTe
ChiaTe is a renowned bakery in Taiwan, famous for its high-quality pineapple cakes and other traditional pastries. Established in 1975, ChiaTe has become a household name, synonymous with exquisite taste and exceptional quality. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to ChiaTe is a must to experience the best of Taiwanese bakery delights.
The Iconic Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥) are the star product of ChiaTe, beloved by both locals and visitors. These delightful pastries feature a buttery, crumbly crust filled with a rich, sweet pineapple filling. Unlike other versions, ChiaTe’s pineapple cakes are celebrated for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an irresistible treat.
Why ChiaTe’s Pineapple Cakes Stand Out:
Quality Ingredients: ChiaTe uses fresh, locally sourced pineapples and high-quality butter.
Unique Flavor: In my opinion, the flavor is better than Sunny Hills as the filling is both fruity and sweet, and the crust of the cake itself has a buttery taste almost like a butter cookie.
Texture: Buttery and flaky crust with a moist filling.
Where to Buy: ChiaTe’s flagship store is located in Taipei, but their products can also be found in select stores and online.
Pro Tip: For an even better experience, try microwaving ChiaTe’s pineapple cakes for 10 seconds.
Other Delicious Offerings
While pineapple cakes are the highlight, ChiaTe offers a variety of other delectable pastries that are equally worth trying.
Popular Pastries:
Cranberry Pineapple Cake: A twist on the classic, incorporating the tartness of cranberries.
Walnut Cake: Rich and nutty, perfect for those who love a crunchy texture.
Nougat: Soft and chewy, made with premium nuts and honey.
ChiaTe Milk Cake: Creamy and rich, a delightful treat for milk lovers.
Mochi Dorayaki: A fusion of traditional dorayaki with a chewy mochi center.
Longan Pastry: Sweet and aromatic, made with dried longans.
Seasonal Specials: ChiaTe also offers seasonal pastries that reflect Taiwan’s diverse culinary traditions, making each visit to the bakery a unique experience.
Visiting ChiaTe
Store Location:
– Address: No. 88, Section 5, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
– Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
If you are taking the MRT, the closest MRT station will be the Nanjing Sanmin station in the green line and you can exit that station from Exit 2 to be only about 300 feet or 100 meters away from the ChiaTe bakery.
Tips for Visiting:
Arrive Early: ChiaTe is extremely popular, so arriving early ensures you get the best selection of fresh pastries.
Taste Before You Buy: The store often provides samples, allowing you to taste before making a purchase.
My Experience
On my visit to ChiaTe, I had to wait about an hour in line around 10 AM. However, when I went back another day right before my flight at 7 PM, I didn’t have to wait in line. You have the option to fill out an order form and hand the form to them so that they can grab the items for you at the register, or you can grab what you want directly from the bakery and then pay at the register. I highly recommend going before closing, but do note that some items may be sold out towards the end of the day.
Some Things to Try: ChiaTe Milk Cake, Mochi Dorayaki, and Longan Pastry as well.
Delivery to Hotels: There are also ways for ChiaTe to be delivered to your hotel in Taipei if you don’t want to wait in line. This service can be arranged through various delivery apps and services.
Sold in Stores throughout Taipei: Throughout Taipei, there are stores, such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Watsons, that would sell ChiaTe Pineapple cakes. Though, not all locations sell ChiaTe pineapple cakes. For example, only some 7-Elevens and Watsons will occasionally sell ChiaTe, while some won’t. On top of that, please do note that it’s pretty common for those locations to sell out their entire ChiaTe inventory.
Conclusion
ChiaTe is more than just a bakery; it’s a cultural icon in Taiwan. With its dedication to quality and tradition, ChiaTe continues to delight customers with its exquisite pastries. Whether you’re savoring a pineapple cake or exploring other treats, ChiaTe offers a taste of Taiwan that’s unforgettable. Make sure to visit their store or order online to experience the best of Taiwanese baking.
