“You come all this way just to see my farm, and I must show you it.”
When the owner and operator of TL Chocolates & Cacao Farm mentioned this to us, we stopped for a while and thought about how strange the scenario could seem to him. We concluded that he might find it odd that we were in this circumstance. The two females from the United States had inquired about visiting his chocolate farm in Taiwan; however, he is not precisely situated in a handy position. On the other hand, I feel that one can locate delicious chocolate in practically any location.
The chocolate and cacao culture in Taiwan demands to be savored and appreciated, from bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturers who use Asian cacao to classically-trained pastry chefs who use local ingredients. Because the chocolate sold there is not only home-grown but also home-made, going to a local chocolate store is one of the top things to do in both Taipei and the rest of Taiwan. In addition to the local culinary excursions that are offered in Taipei and the tea making workshops that are offered in Taichung, you can get a taste of some indigenous delicacies with a western twist here.
This is by no means a full list of all of Taiwan’s chocolate stores; just some of them are included here. Even if we had the time, we wouldn’t have been able to visit all of these stores. However, based on the suggestions of some of our friends who work in the chocolate business as well as some of the individuals we encountered along the route, the following is a selection of some of the finest chocolate that Taiwan has to offer (and a few to stay away from). On your trip across Taiwan, you really must make time to stop at a chocolate shop.
The first edition of this book was released in 2017, and it has been revised and improved with the addition of a dozen new entries, as well as images and details on their locations.
Contents
- 1 Taipei Chocolate
- 2 Yilan County Chocolate
- 3 Taoyuan Chocolate
- 4 Haulien County Chocolate
- 5 Nantou County Chocolate
- 6 Taichung Chocolate
- 7 Changhua County Chocolate
- 8 Taitung County Chocolate
- 9 Yunlin County Chocolate
- 10 Chaiyi Chocolate
- 11 Khaosiung Chocolate
- 12 Pingtung County Chocolate
- 13 Map of Taiwan Chocolate Shops
Taipei Chocolate
Is Taiwan Is Chocolate
Brunch, coffee, and chocolates with a fruity flavor are just some of the things you can get at this business, which is also just perfect for Instagram. What more could you possibly want from this chocolate store located in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan? As soon as you step through the front door, you are greeted with dimly lit walls and a bevy of exquisite candies displayed in neat rows. The atmosphere inside the café is reminiscent of being inside a chocolate box. It took the clerk a bit to notify me that they only accepted cash, but if you are looking for a small treat, it is worth stopping in since it is just across from the metro station. I would suggest opting with the Earl Grey, Lemon, or Nutty Waffle Chocolates since they are not as visually appealing.
Address: No. 11, Lane 10, Jiuquan Street, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10:30am-9pm, daily
Schokolake
This museum-turned-guesthouse is located just off the red line of the MRT, and it provides do-it-yourself classes for children, desserts, chocolate- and coffee-based drinks, bean-to-bar chocolate, and house-made bonbons, in addition to meals in its restaurant. Due to the fact that they are located on a large estate, there is a NT$200 entrance fee; however, half of this fee can be applied toward the purchase of food or beverages at their cafe at a later time. Both Taoyuan and Taichung are home to smaller branches of Schokolake, one of which is known as Timi Cocoa and is located in Taoyuan.
Address: No. 32, Lane 505, Section 5, Zhongshan North Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 (Google Maps)
Hours: 11:30am-10pm, Mon-Sat; 2-10pm, Sundays
Henry & Cary
Are you looking for the chocolate store in your local neighborhood? You don’t need to search any farther. A more wallet-friendly choice may be found hidden among the chic chocolate stores that populate Taipei. Prices at Henry & Cary are determined by weight and apply to a selection of baked goods, as well as flavored and dipped chocolates. The relatively sugary and budget-friendly snacks are manufactured in-house using couverture that is purchased from abroad. The dealer gets to decide whether the bottom of a beautiful box or a plastic bag contains the key to your happiness.
Address: No. 14, Lane 74, Wenzhou Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 (Google Maps)
Hours: 12-9pm, daily
Q Sweet
The inside is white, but the motif is definitely purple; there is a gigantic map of cacao origins and the nations that produce the most chocolate hanging on the wall. There is just one table available for customers, and it is strategically positioned directly across from the display cabinet containing the treats. On this table is a single menu that describes all of the available beverages. Pate de fruit that is created from regional fruits and little squares or much bigger bars of their chocolate that is produced from bean to bar are both available for purchase.
In spite of the language barrier, the staff is really helpful, and they give free samples whenever possible. The chocolate was somewhat pricey but really delicious, and to the best of my knowledge, this is the only location in Taiwan where you’ll be able to buy Cuban chocolate with a single provenance.
Address: No. 7, Lane 199, Section 4, Xinyi Road, Da’an District, Taiwan 106 (Google Maps)
Hours: 11:30am-8pm, daily
Black As Chocolate
This establishment, despite its name, does not sell chocolate at all; instead, it specializes in baked goods and frozen desserts. The reviews for these products aren’t very positive, despite the fact that they come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, fruits, and creams. In all candor, the only reason I’m including it here is in the off chance that you believe they actually sell chocolates!
Address: not even going there
Hours: don’t worry about it
Taiwan Cofe Project
View this post on Instagram
Even though it’s not precisely a chocolate store, this enterprise was just too intriguing for our guide to leave out. Cocoa butter and ground coffee are the two main components of these chocolatey coffee bars, which is where the name comes from. The owner of the business has decided to make coffee chocolate bars out of ground Taiwanese coffee beans and sugar instead of cocoa beans and sugar. To compensate for the coffee’s lack of fat, the owner uses local Taiwanese cocoa butter in the bars.
These coffee-based creations highlight the distinctive coffee-growing regions within Taiwan while staying true to the style of chocolate making. Although still a relatively new addition to the landscape of chocolate bars, these coffee-based creations highlight the distinctive coffee-growing regions within Taiwan. Although they have a modest proportion of white chocolate, they taste mostly like coffee despite their technical classification as white chocolate. Their cote bars, which are made using Taiwanese teas, are a recent addition to the products they provide. You can get information on where to pick up their bars as well as pop-up locations by visiting their Facebook page, which is mentioned above.
Address: N/A
Hours: N/A
Chocoholic
We were lost in the shopping center for a good half an hour before we found this café on the B2 level; however, with seating for only 20 to 25 people, I’m not sure if it was worth our time. Because the majority of the restaurants in the area have a very lively noise level, the atmosphere might not be ideal on the weekends. However, as there is a wide selection of beverages that can be made with chocolate, coffee, or tea, it is definitely worth a visit if you are already in the area looking for a chocolate fix.
The vanilla ganaches are delicious, and if one is to judge the desserts by the vanilla apple pie cheesecake, they are delicious as well. Their larger standalone location has a wider selection, but given that it primarily consists of Valrhona ganaches and chocolates, it can’t be considered particularly original. It is important to note that there is a 10% service charge added to all dine-in orders, which is something that we discovered to be quite common in Taipei but not anywhere else in Taiwan.
Main Store Address: No. 2號, Lane 7, Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 (Google Maps)
Hours: 1-10:30pm, weekdays & 12-10:30, weekends
Le Ruban Patisserie
Amazing lemon cake, which essentially translates to “lemon cake made by grandma.” On a dreary day, the coffee was just what the doctor ordered, and the pineapple hazelnut puff we had was vibrant and creamy. However, the chocolates and pate de fruits are the true standouts of the dessert spread. The fluffy ganache made in the French tradition may be found on the interior of the award-winning batons du chocolat, which are shaped like long rectangles. My favorites were the roses and raspberry tea as well as the red berry tea.
Although everyone working behind the counter had a fundamental understanding of English, having access to Google Translate was very essential in this scenario. Take note that this business once specialized in chocolate, but they have since shuttered that location and moved their operations inside their patisserie. The chocolate is still there, but now it’s just one of many other options available.
Address: No. 11, Alley 20, Lane 300, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, 10693 (Google Maps)
Hours: 11am-8pm, daily
Du Rhône Chocolatier
Because they are imported from the original chocolate workshop in Switzerland, which bears the same name, the chocolates have probably traveled even further to get to Taiwan than you have. This chocolate maker has been around since 1875, when it was established in Geneva. Since then, it has expanded out of Europe and brought its bean-to-bar excellence to Asia. Along the right side of the cramped shop is a display case that is lined with chocolates that have been carefully arranged.
Your order is waiting for you with artisan chocolate bars and champagne truffles.
Address: 號, No. 158, DunHua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105 (Google Maps)
Hours: 11am-10pm, daily
Yu Chocolatier
Even though it’s a hot day in Taipei, this café is nice and refreshing. These award-winning truffles are worthy of a taste, as they are made by one of the top chocolatiers in Taiwan, which also happens to be one of the most expensive, since each one costs $85 Taiwanese New Dollars (or four). The Signature Yu and the Basil Lemon were my favorites from each of them. The staff members spoke among of the greatest English of anybody we encountered in Taiwan, and in addition to that, the chocolates and the décor are really stunning, even the restrooms.
Within the business proper, there is seating for up to 10 customers at any one time. This is the place to go if you want to have a sophisticated conversation over a glass of whiskey in a quiet setting. Be aware that there is an additional cost of $110TWD for their exquisite packaging, but if you want to consume them quickly, you may select for a pre-sealed bag instead (as I often do).
Address: No. 10, Alley 3, Lane 112, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 (Google Maps)
Hours: 12-8pm, closed Wednesday
Yilan County Chocolate
Cacao d’Or
This is a very little store, with just two tables and a few seats scattered about, yet every inch of space has been used quite well. The charming store offers a variety of beverages, including coffee and chocolate-based sweets, as well as ice cream served in cups or cones and 10 distinct types of bonbons. The chic shop, which caters to the Taiwanese preference for chocolates that are reminiscent of those found in Europe, has swiftly established itself as a customer favorite in the area and may do the same for you.
Address: No. 55, Yizhong Road, Yilan City, Yilan County, Taiwan 260 (Google Maps)
Hours: 11am-9pm, daily
Taoyuan Chocolate
Republic of Chocolate (Hunya Chocolate Museum)
At first sight, you may mistake this three-story structure for a factory or a warehouse due to its industrial appearance. After paying the 200 NTD admission price (coupons are included), however, you will be granted access to a gigantic chocolate museum that is presented in both English and Chinese. On the second and third levels, in addition to the restaurant, gift store, and museum, there are rooms designated as the Do-It-Yourself Kids’ Chocolate Workshop.
There are four different chocolate manufacturing tours available each day at the museum. These visits include images of the museum’s model cacao plants, which are displayed prominently in the facility’s center. On-site parking is completely free for all guests.
Address: Section 2, Jieshou Road & Qiaokeli Street, Bade District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan 334 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9:30am-5pm, closed Mondays
Cacao Alley Bean to Bar Chocolate
Cocoa Alley, located on the outskirts of Taipei, is a chocolate bar manufacturer that sources its cacao from Venezuela and Peru. You may place your purchase online (through the link provided), and you can try to pick up your bars during the following hours. When I went to Taipei for the first time in 2017, I observed that they were operating, and it seems that in the years since then, they have really started the ball going.
Address: No. 18, Lane 38, Wensan 3rd Street, 333 Guishan District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (Google Maps)
Hours: 9am-6pm, weekdays
Haulien County Chocolate
Love Choco
Love Choco is not an exception to the trend of quaint and well-kept chocolate stores that are prevalent in Taiwan. They provide hundreds of seasonal chocolates in flavors ranging from Apricot to Sesame, as well as boxes of sliced ganache in a variety of shapes. On the menu, you’ll find both traditional Taiwanese teas and a variety of cocktails based on espresso. You should take a detour through the mountains, look at the scenery out the window, and have some chocolate on your trip down the east coast. After that, carry on.
Address: No. 201, Section 2, Zhongyang Road, Ji’an Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 973 [Ji Nong Cao Century Park] (Google Maps)
Hours: 2-6pm, weekdays and 11am-6pm, weekends & holidays
Choco Choco
Do you feel like having a drink with your platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries and oranges? Or how about a platter of truffles or a brownie that would look great on Instagram? This cozy chocolate shop also functions as an art gallery and a cafe in the neighborhood, and it serves a wide variety of single-origin hot chocolates, drip coffee, and latte beverages. Additionally, the store provides education seminars on cacao and coffee, which provide intriguing perspectives from a nation that produces both cacao and coffee.
Address: No. 70, Chung Hue Street, Hualien City (Google Maps)
Hours: 2-10pm, closed Tuesdays
Nantou County Chocolate
TL Chocolates & Cacao Farm (東琳坊巧克力房)
Tseng Cheng Tung, the proprietor of TL Chocolates, is without a doubt one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of conversing with. When he teaches his workshops on chocolate making, he takes participants on tours of his cacao plantation, which contains 800 trees and is likely the most northern cacao plantation in the world. Even though you have to make an appointment to attend classes, it is well worth your time to go through the process.
When we went, Mr. Tseng had made some chocolates for the both of us that included cut pieces of local fruit, cacao pulp jelly, and chocolate milk jelly. He gave them to us before we left. Make a reservation by contacting the farm through their Facebook page.
Address: 55151, Taiwan, Nantou County, Mingjian Township, 東湖村虎坑巷47號 (Google Maps)
Hours: 8am-4pm, daily (by appointment only)
Chocolate Workshop in Munich
This is the place to go if you’re searching for a tea and chocolate match since it’s famous for its wonderful ice cream and truffles and provides a lot of free samples. You now have the opportunity to engage in the mother’s cherished chocolate stash, which was started by the mother and was inspired by the small daughter of the mother. The city of Munich may be tiny, but it has a lot of open air places where you and your companions may enjoy eating macarons or sinking your teeth into lava fudge cake.
Address: No. 324, Bagua Road, Nantou City, Nantou County, Taiwan 540 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9am-6pm, daily
Coco Tree Chocolate
Despite the fact that it is named “Chocolate Cafe,” the establishment does not have a particularly large selection of chocolate products in its inventory. Their selection of six different chocolates and several different afternoon tea sets failed to impress me in any way. In addition, they would only sell coffee as part of their predetermined menus, despite the fact that the flavors are lacking and the chocolate itself is quite sweet. Even though the majority of their products are available in English, I do not suggest paying them a visit.
Address: No. 29, Lane 12, Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10am-8pm, daily
Vanilla Knight
Galaxy chocolates from Vanilla Knight, which also runs a Vanilla Farm that was closed to the public on the day we went. But the vanilla ganaches are superb! My favorite bonbon was roughly translated as “blood orange crisp” and burned bright like the sun.
When you step into Vanilla Knight Chocolates, you are greeted with a bright open environment that is reminiscent of the vanilla green house that is located next door. Your attention is attracted to a little display case that is stuffed with miniature chocolate treats that have been disguised as pieces of art. The fresh ganaches and bonbons, some of which are molded into the form of miniature planets, are what the business is most well-known for. The café offers a limited selection of caffeinated beverages and a wide variety of baked goods, and along one wall of the seating area there is an illustration that depicts the process of collecting vanilla beans.
If you are interested in seeing the vanilla garden, you will need to get in touch with them in advance using their website or Facebook page to set up an appointment. Their bourbon vanilla gelato as well as their lime and passion fruit ganache plates are works of art in their own right. I would suggest that you take a seat if you have the opportunity to do so, and that you treat yourself to a drink and a piece of cake or pudding.
Address: 號, No. 241-2, Section 1, Zhongshan Road, Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 545 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10am-6pm, daily
Nina Chocolate
A multicolored chocolate heaven may be found right smack dab in the middle of Taiwan. This location receives positive feedback for being welcoming to children and making an effort to provide educational opportunities, despite the fact that it is located in a rather inconvenient location. As soon as you step through the front door, your attention is drawn to a lengthy glass display case that contains dozens of exquisite truffles. Cookies, cakes, and ganache, oh my! All seasonal favorites! They also offer Do-It-Yourself Chocolate Making Classes and Afternoon Tea Sets, which are both in keeping with the quaint and nostalgic atmosphere of the establishment.
Take note that this may be found in close proximity to the Swiss Garden by Qingjing Farm, and that it is managed by the same individuals that constructed the Cona Chocolate Castle (see below).
Address: 546, Taiwan, Nantou County, Ren’ai Township, 榮光巷8-3號 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9am-7pm, daily
Feeling 18
[easy-image-collage id=7162]
Even though it is located in the middle of a sizable town, if I hadn’t known any better, I would have assumed that this location was the town itself. You might get the impression that Feeling 18 has completely taken over this area given that it features a café that serves Taiwanese coffee and tea, a potent pastry selection, a homemade gelato stand, and a climate-controlled chocolate workshop. Even year-round fruit stalls may be seen scattered around the landscape. The temperature in the chocolate shop is kept at an even 18 degrees Celsius to ensure that the chocolates do not lose their flavor or texture. This is where the name comes from.
When you go, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the hazelnut praline or the passion fruit white chocolate ganache. I’d also urge you to get a three-scoop cup or cone with literally any of the flavors; I’ve tried ten of the flavors, and they’re all delicious. I’ve tried ten of the flavors, and they’re all delicious. The Thai Tea, Maleku & Sea Salt, and Lychee Rose are, in my opinion, the best three flavors. Before your ice cream melts, be sure to snap a picture at one of the adorable photo op locations.
Address: No. 20, Ci’en Street, Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 545 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10am-7pm on weekdays & 10am-8pm on weekends
Cona Chocolate Castle
In the summer of 2018, this kid-friendly chocolate castle first opened its doors. The grounds provide a selection of outdoor picture opportunities in addition to three distinct levels of attractions, each of which offers a unique set of activities. On the third level, there is an interactive chocolate area replete with a picture stage and a chocolate education machine. The café and restaurant are located on the second story. The DIY room is located on the same level as the gift store, and it allows children to design their own chocolates for a fee of 200 New Taiwan Dollars while wearing costumes purchased from the gift shop located on the first floor.
Because the proprietors have already built up a solid reputation in the community, the prices of their items are higher than those of comparable possibilities in the area. The chocolate by itself is good, but I would not suggest the ice cream since Feeling 18’s version is far more delicious and costs considerably less (if on the sweet side). This chocolate business isn’t the finest, but it does a fair job of educating both children and adults about the steps involved in manufacturing chocolate. Take note that there is an entry charge of 200 New Taiwan Dollars per adult, as well as a bus stop just across the street (which includes a 50NT coupon).
Address: No. 32號, Taomi Road, Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 5453 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9am-6pm, daily
Taichung Chocolate
Mucha Chocolate Shop
[easy-image-collage id=7165]
Oh, this is just wonderfully energizing. After escaping the oppressive heat of Taiwan, I found myself in the midst of a chocolate lover’s paradise as I entered Mucha Chocolate Shop. You may chill yourself with iced coffee and chocolate, and sampling from tins of chocolate-covered fruits entice you to remain for a longer period of time. A variety of fillings, ranging from regional fruits and liquors to ganaches made from a single origin are used in their assortment of enrobed chocolates. The kind proprietor gladly translated the Chinese menu for me, and she even tied a gorgeous bow on top of my box before she sent it to me (as her chocolates deserve).
Address: No. 386, Huamei Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403 (Google Maps)
Hours: 12-10pm, closed Mondays
Chochoco
The display cases on each side of the bright shop are brimming with decadent French-style chocolate truffles and other chocolate-based sweets. Your attention is first drawn to the wall of gift boxes; but, you are quickly drawn away by a sign advertising afternoon tea. You go up to the counter of the chocolate bar, where there are tall chairs, and make your order. However, I do hope you have some cash on hand since this excursion is not going to be a cheap one.
They exclusively offer chocolates in huge packs, with the smallest being a pave chocolate box that costs roughly 360 New Taiwan dollars (as of my last visit). Although the salesmen were quite kind and spoke English rather well (and offered me tea as soon as I stepped in), it is difficult to rationalize spending so much money on unproven chocolates. On the other hand, an afternoon tea set at Chochoco is not easily forgotten because to the house-made biscuits and seasonal sweets that are included in it.
Address: No. 122, Section 1, Wuquan West Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403 (Google Map & Other location Google Map)
Hours: 10am-9pm, daily
Chomeet Chocolate
Chomeet is a little bean-to-bar business that is managed by probably the cutest couple in all of Taiwan (though I admit, my sample size is small). They make up for the cramped inside with a large amount of open outside space, which is often put to use for chocolate education events and do-it-yourself workshops. At the moment, they offer a chocolate iced drink in addition to three distinct kinds of bean-to-bar chocolate squares created with cacao from Taiwan: 99%, 75% with bee pollen and black tea, and coffee with red quinoa. Each of these squares is manufactured with cacao from Taiwan. chomeet chocolate is my Instagram handle.
Address: 413, Taiwan, Taichung City, Wufeng District, 和平路2-4號 (Google Maps)
Hours: 1-6pm, weekdays & 10am-6pm, weekends
Choco17 (香榭17巧克力工坊)
This store is only available online. When we showed up to their workshop without knowing this, the owner was completely taken aback by our being there. You are welcome to pick up your purchase in the store, but she would prefer that you buy online because she spends the majority of the shop’s open hours crafting and packaging her wares. The dark chocolate ganache and chocolate-covered orange peels that we got were delicious and just what the doctor ordered. They are not too sweet, much like the majority of the chocolate in Taiwan. Additionally, by shopping here, you are helping to directly support a small local company in the area.
Address: No. 477, Zhongzheng Road, Yuanlin City, Changhua County, Taiwan 510 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10am-9:30pm, daily
K’in Cacao
K’in Cacao was established in 2018 by a Taiwanese family that now resides in Africa. The family’s two youngest daughters are presently in charge of running the business. Once you go inside the store and take in all of the stunning artwork, you’ll understand why the proprietors chose to call it “golden cocoa”; the name literally translates to “golden cacao.” K’in Cacao is committed to producing chocolate from cacao sourced only from African countries, namely from a very limited number of farmers located in the central Congo.
They make a variety of chocolate bars, including milk, white, and flavored varieties, in addition to a range of dark chocolates. If you keep an eye on their Facebook page (which is mentioned above), you can see the dates for forthcoming chocolate making workshops that you may do on your own, and you can also see who local artists they are working with at the moment. During my visit, they were working on putting the finishing touches on a bar that combined white chocolate with hibiscus, a taste combination that brought back strong memories of their native Central and West Africa.
Address: No. 23號, Jingming 1st Street, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 40759 (Google Maps) [about a block from Chun Shui Tang’s Dadun location]
Hours: 11am-6pm, daily
Changhua County Chocolate
Coco Dream
chocolates made in the French manner and a dozen different varieties of ice cream? Sign me up. This small retailer, which is located just south of Taichung City, is known for selling a variety of fresh juices and teas, as well as ganaches and cookies that are made in-house. For years, the owner has been working toward realizing her dream of offering chocolates that are both delicious and affordable. She has received training in Belgium, Japan, and Taiwan, and she is known for her exquisite chocolates, which she creates by combining alcoholic beverages, fruits, teas, and spices.
Address: No. 477, Zhongzheng Road, Yuanlin City, Changhua County, Taiwan 510 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10am-9:30pm, daily
Taitung County Chocolate
Funky Chocolate
Photo credit: Funky Chocolate. All Rights Reserved.
Warm beverages of a single origin, such as single origin hot cocoa and coffee, complement the cozy interior, while wide green spaces outside serve as a gentle reminder that you are still in Taiwan. The proprietor makes the vast majority of the beverages himself, and the shop is decked out with jute bags made from coffee beans that serve as decorative accents. In addition to that, the majority of the bean-to-bar chocolate that is sold in their shop is produced by him. Packages of chocolate-dipped fruits and nuts, as well as truffles made in-house, are displayed at the entrance of the shop. If you are looking for the full experience, I would suggest purchasing a set that includes both coffee and truffles.
Address: 號, No. 51, Yong’an Road, Luye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan 955 (Google Maps)
Hours: 2-6pm, Fri.-Sun. & 2-6pm Mon.-Thu. (with advance notice)
Yunlin County Chocolate
Camaca Chocolate
Guests not only come for the exquisite truffles and intricate pastries at this establishment, which is yet another quality stop for a cup of afternoon tea. The company uses imported chocolate from Switzerland to craft each delicate confection, from fruit and nut mediants to fresh cream ganaches rolled in cocoa powder. Swiss chocolate is used in all of the company’s products. The extensive coffee and chocolate menu, in addition to the extensive selection of gelatos (including sugar-free options), will have you picking a table and taking a seat as soon as you walk through the door.
Address: No. 268, Zhongjian West Road, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640 (Google Maps)
Hours: 1-9pm, closed Tuesdays
Chaiyi Chocolate
Cemas Kakanen
View this post on Instagram
This is the bean-to-bar chocolate division of a company that specializes in Japanese-style sweets. The shop not only sells chocolate bars, but also chocolate gelato, chocolate cakes, bonbons, and other pastries made with chocolate. During the winter holidays, they also sell a unique collection of gift sets that come in the form of gift baskets and contain chocolate bars and chocolate-filled pastries.
Address: No. 123號, Minzu Road, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10am-6:30pm, Mon.-Sat.
Khaosiung Chocolate
Coca Mama
There is a little urban store just off the freeway that sells chocolates that are begging to be photographed. This well-known chocolatier in Khaosiung provides customers with a wide assortment of bonbons, sliced ganaches, and pate de fruit, all of which come in elegant packaging and conceal even more exquisite confections inside. During the Christmas season, be on the lookout for seasonal decorations and pretty sophisticated chocolate masterpieces that are being sold.
Although it may be challenging to get to the business using public transportation, getting there is not an insurmountable obstacle. In general, they produce high-quality chocolates that are worthy of being given as gifts; nonetheless, their milk and white chocolates have an overpowering sweetness and a distinct absence of chocolate taste. The initial taste described is almost often the one that predominates over the whole tongue. I think you’d really like the raspberry bonbon.
Address: No. 170, Shuiyuan Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 80766 (Google Maps)
Hours: 12-9pm, Tues.-Fri. & 10am-6pm, Sat. & Closed Sundays
Jade Li Chocolatier
4 bars of chocolate made by Jade herself!
This one-woman surgery is now only available online, therefore it is important to prepare ahead for it. All of Jade’s bonbons are created by hand, and she is putting a lot of effort into developing a line of bean-to-bar chocolates that make use of the cacao and vanilla extracted from the area. Her works of art contain tastes such as balsamic vinegar, plum wine, and yuzu, each of which is unique and deserving of its own accolade. If you are able to find her while she has chocolate bars in stock, my top recommendations are the 66% Dark bar or the White Chocolate Rose with Strawberry & Nibs.
Additionally, Jade has been toiling away at the creation and publication of a book on chocolate written in Chinese over the course of the last year or so. You can see a list of her current flavors on her Instagram account (which is mentioned above), which you may access while she is working to provide a real shop to the people of Kaohsiung. To make an order, you just to send her a message.
Address: online only
Hours: N/A
E’Z Chocolat
If you’re feeling parched, head on over to the “Coco Bar” at E’Z Chocolat for a shot of hot sipping chocolate or espresso. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re the generous type, a piece of one of the shop’s pretty pastries, cut into pieces for dunking and sharing, would be an appropriate pairing with the beverage. While you are waiting, you can look through their extensive selection of chocolates, which includes a couple dozen different flavors, ranging from rose to coffee or vanilla. But maybe just peruse.
When I walked in, I was given a sample of the flavor we’re working with in the form of a small cup of tea and a piece of the firm ganache that had been sitting out. The quality of the chocolates I purchased left quite a bit to be desired; on the other hand, their butter cookies are quite delicious. I didn’t get the chance to try any of their cakes, but it seems like that’s where they really shine and what they ought to be known for.
Address: No. 51號, Qingnian 2nd Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 802 (Google Maps)
Hours: 12-9pm, daily
Pingtung County Chocolate
FuWan Chocolate
To find this chocolate producer, which has a reputation that spans the globe, just look for the signs that are brilliant yellow. When you first enter, you will be greeted with a corridor lined with chocolate infographics that will take you from their restaurant, where they provide meals in addition to afternoon tea and bonbons, to their air-conditioned chocolate studio. Guests who are looking for a quick escape from the adjacent cities may stay at their hotel, which is conveniently located just outside the workshop.
The six chocolate bars of Taiwanese origins that they handcraft have helped their chocolate brand become well-known. But they also use cacao from Papua New Guinea and Ecuador to make additional single origin bean-to-bar chocolates. Additionally, they make delectable flavored bars using French chocolate. If you get the opportunity to visit, you should definitely make the most of your time there by exploring the grounds and checking out their newly planted cacao garden, which is just just beginning to bear fruit.
Address: 屏東縣東港鎮大鵬路100號, No.100, Dapeng Rd., Donggang Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 928 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9am-6pm, daily
Choose Chiu’s Chocolate
Ming Song Chiu with one of the cacao trees outside his restaurant in Pintung County, Taiwan.
Ming Song Chiu has devoted the past 14 years of his life to making it possible for Taiwan to cultivate cacao as an economically viable crop. It all started with a yearning for Taiwanese coffee of superior quality, but it quickly expanded to include other premium raw materials for flavoring. His family started the first craft chocolate business in Taiwan, and these days he makes their tree to bar chocolates using both his own cacao and the cacao grown by other local cacao farmers.
The vivacious owner and his son, who doubles as the head chef at the restaurant, run both the shop and the restaurant together. In addition to the many different types of tea and coffee that they grow on their plantation, they serve waffles and other light meals there as well. Chocolate, on the other hand, is essential because it contains a low amount of sugar and has a taste that is both subtle and chocolaty. To see their cacao trees, simply continue walking a short distance past the entrance; if you look closely enough, you might even find some pods that are approaching maturity. But if you want to learn more about the past and the potential of Taiwanese cacao, you should absolutely make an effort to track down someone who speaks English.
Address: 921, Pingtung County, 內埔鄉, 富田村富豐路328號 (Google Map)
Hours: 10am – 9pm, Tue-Sun.
Cocosun Cacao Farm
The “chocolate enzyme drink” served at Cocosun Cacao Farm & Chocolate Museum is extremely well-known in the surrounding area. This drink is created with fermented cacao nibs and tastes very much like white wine transformed into a chocolate slushy form. Additionally, they create bean-bar chocolate right there on the premises. Intrigued? Their brand, Jobar, uses cacao from Ecuador, but the company itself makes their bonbons with couverture from Belcolade. Jobar uses Ecuadorian cacao.
After exploring the farm or participating in one of their Chocolate Do It Yourself classes, you can reward yourself with some freshly harvested cacao pods and a delicious pizza at the on-site restaurant. Even if there is at least one staff who is fluent in English, you will still need to interpret the majority of the store’s merchandise. There is no cost to attend this event.
Address: 923, Taiwan, Pingtung County, Wanluan Township, 復興路2之55號 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9am-6pm, daily
Joyce Chocolate Cafe Workshop
A fallen cacao pod on Joyce’s farm.
This workshop-cafe holds what amounts to an open house every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. During this time, Joyce, the owner, personally demonstrates the process of making chocolate (of course, with samples!). Later on, she goes on to explain the functioning of the cacao and coffee trees that are growing right outside the windows of the cafe. The fact that Joyce has been all over the world to learn about how cacao is harvested and chocolate is made makes her a valuable resource for people who are obsessed with chocolate.
She expanded her sphere of influence in 2019 to include Taipei, where she now hosts occasional pop-up events. In addition to the weekend hours during which walk-in customers can purchase locally sourced coffee and teas, as well as house-made chocolate bars and ganaches, the Pintung location is also available upon request for hosting workshops for groups of four or more people. Cacao tea that was brewed in-house should not be missed!
Address: No. 108, Tongan Road, Neipu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 912 (Google Maps)
Hours: Weekends from 1pm – 6pm, or by appointment for workshops.
Uncle A-Shin’s Choco Farm
[easy-image-collage id=7168]
As you make your way through this plantation, you will be rewarded with much-needed blasts of air conditioning each time you enter a room. There are also plenty of wide open spaces in between. They have performances by local indigenous people four times a day, and at the same times they offer do-it-yourself classes on how to make chocolate and experiment with herbs. Even though we were two young women in our 20s and their target audience was families with young children, we still had a fantastic time at the leisure farm. This is typical of most Taiwanese leisure farms.
After a strenuous walk, you should relax at the cafe for a while. Relax with a cup of Taiwanese coffee, some house-made ice cream, and a selection of truffles (I’m a big fan of the Passion Fruit and Honey & Almond varieties), respectively. A beach is only a few hundred meters away, and there is even a little swing right outside the cafe.
Address: No. 27-8, Wanli Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9am-6pm, daily
Map of Taiwan Chocolate Shops
If you found this article helpful, please pin it so that others can find it!
Which Taiwan chocolate shop will you go to first?
