Explore these sweet culinary treasures in Taiwan
Taiwan is a culinary paradise that beckons food enthusiasts from around the globe. With its diverse and delectable array of dishes, Taiwan offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience. From bustling night markets to street food stalls and elegant restaurants, the island's cuisine is as rich and varied as its culture. Fascinatingly, Taiwan boasts a wide variety of desserts and sweet beverages waiting to be discovered.
Pearl milk tea
Taiwan's pearl milk tea has become widely famous throughout Asia and most of the world today. Drink stalls provide various flavors of flavored milk tea, which are then topped with starchy balls made of flour, jelly, and occasionally sliced fruit. It can be customized to suit various tastes, with options for sweetness levels and variations that include fruit flavors, ice-blended versions, and toppings.
Pineapple cake
The filling of pineapple cakes is made from a combination of regional pineapple and chewable pieces of winter melon; as a result, it has a darker color, a rougher texture, and a sourer flavor than most. It is similar to jam but is thicker and stickier. It is presented inside a shortcake-like pastry. They feature a golden, buttery pastry casing with a fruity flavor.
Ai-yu jelly
Ai-yu jelly is a popular treat in Taiwan. Made from the seeds of the fig fruit, ai-yu jelly boasts a unique texture that is both gelatinous and slightly crunchy. The jelly is always served cold with ice, lime juice, and occasionally with fruits. This gives it a sweet-and-sour flavor that will both rehydrate you and refresh your taste buds.
Mochi
Mochi, a delightful chewy rice cake, holds a special place in Taiwan's culinary culture. These glutinous rice balls have a sweet or salty filling and are as soft as marshmallows. The most conventional mochi are rolled in peanut flour and filled with red bean paste. Strawberry jam, green tea jam, sesame paste, and peanut paste have all gained popularity as fillings lately.
Shaved ice mountain
Large blocks of flavor-infused ice are typically machine-shaved into ribbon-like sheets or a fine powder that resembles snow to create shaved ice mountains. Traditionally, shaved ice was served with red bean-stuffed tapioca. They are now laden with fresh fruit and flavorings, including mango pieces and tapioca balls, all of which are soaked in copious amounts of condensed juice and sweet milk.
