Must-Try Taiwanese Snacks: From Nougat Crackers to Local Treats (Feat. L’Atelier Lotus)

One of the things I remember most from traveling abroad isn’t always the sightseeing. Sometimes, it’s the local food and snacks you can only enjoy there.

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In Japan, it might be convenience-store egg sandwiches or wasabi-flavored snacks. In Hong Kong, it could be traditional local eateries or egg tarts.

Taiwan is no different.

Pineapple cakes and nougat crackers are probably the first things that come to mind when people think about Taiwanese souvenirs. But after visiting Taipei several times, I’ve found myself becoming more interested in trying different local snacks.

This was my fourth trip to Taiwan, and this time my travel plan was simple:

Less moving around, more good food, and plenty of time to relax.

And honestly, it was hard to leave snacks out of the plan.

A Nougat Cracker Worth Trying in Taipei

On my first trip to Taiwan, I mainly bought well-known pineapple cakes from brands such as Chia Te, SunnyHills, I-JI-SHENG, and TAIHO.

At the time, I wasn’t particularly interested in nougat crackers.

That changed during my second trip, when I discovered Mimi Cracker. Since then, trying a different nougat cracker has become one of my little traditions whenever I visit Taiwan.

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On my third visit, I happened to try a nougat pie at my hotel and liked it so much that I actually went looking for it again.

This time, I decided to try one of Taipei’s better-known options: L’Atelier Lotus.

Why I Recommend Visiting L’Atelier Lotus in the Morning

L’Atelier Lotus is a name you may come across when looking for nougat crackers around the Yongkang Street area.

Some popular products can sell out or have limited availability, so visiting later in the day may mean missing out on what you wanted.

If you’re planning to visit, I personally recommend getting there at around 7:30 AM.

That said, the number of people waiting and product availability can vary depending on the date, day of the week, and season. It’s a good idea to check the latest information before heading out.

Getting up early isn’t exactly convenient when you’re on vacation, but if you’re serious about trying a popular Taiwanese nougat cracker, I think it’s worth the effort.

How Does It Taste Compared With Mimi Cracker?

After trying several nougat crackers, including Mimi Cracker and Spice & Sugar, I found L’Atelier Lotus to have a slightly different flavor profile.

For me, the cracker was crisp on the outside but had a softer texture inside, while the nougat itself wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet.

I also noticed a pleasant milky, creamy flavor from the milk powder, which made it a good choice even for people who don’t particularly enjoy very sweet snacks.

Of course, taste is highly subjective.

If you’re visiting Taipei for the second, third, or fourth time, comparing Mimi Cracker and L’Atelier Lotus could actually be a fun little food adventure.

More Taiwanese Snacks Worth Looking For

Nougat crackers aren’t the only Taiwanese snacks I’d recommend.

JIU ZHEN NAN Nougat Caramel

JIU ZHEN NAN is another brand worth checking out when you’re looking for Taiwanese sweets.

Their nougat caramel is particularly interesting if you already enjoy the chewy texture and rich flavor of nougat-based sweets.

Personally, this was the kind of snack where I opened the bag thinking I’d have just one—and somehow kept reaching for another.

You can look for it at department stores and major locations around Taipei, including the Xinyi area, depending on your itinerary.

SPICE & SUGAR

SPICE & SUGAR is another option for Taiwanese-style snacks, including nougat crackers and nougat-based treats.

Personally, I prefer Mimi Cracker or L’Atelier Lotus when it comes specifically to nougat crackers. But if price or shelf life matters to you, SPICE & SUGAR is worth comparing.

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You Don’t Have to Buy Only Pineapple Cakes in Taiwan

When people talk about Taiwanese souvenirs, pineapple cakes are usually the first thing that comes to mind.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.

But after visiting Taiwan several times, I’ve actually started enjoying the process of finding local snacks that match my own taste even more.

If you’re planning a Taipei trip, consider combining your snack shopping with a visit to Yongkang Street and Dongmen. You can explore the neighborhood, grab something local to eat, and pick up a few snacks along the way.

And if L’Atelier Lotus nougat crackers are on your list, I’d recommend going in the morning rather than waiting until later in the day—around 7:30 AM is my personal recommendation.

Just remember that inventory and waiting times can change, so checking the latest information shortly before your trip is the safest option.

After all, traveling isn’t always about checking off famous attractions.

Sometimes, finding one local snack you can only get in that destination becomes one of the memories you take home with you.

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• 🇰🇷 한국어판 → 대만 여행에서 꼭 먹어봐야 할 간식, 누가크래커부터 현지 주전부리까지 (Feat. 라뚤리에 루터스)