Anyone who leaves Taiwan without at least one box of pineapple cake is missing out. As one of the most popular edible gift/souvenirs in Taiwan (a thriving economy in Taiwan), it comes as no surprise that there are dozens of pastry specialty shops and bakeries that churn out delectable pineapple cakes and other traditional Taiwanese pastries, ready to be wrapped up and gifted (or straight up shipped home). While many people swear by the more modern Sunny Hills, just as many (if not more) line up for Chia Te to stock up by the box.

In fact, people purchase by bulk so often that most just go in, grab an order form, and then wait in line for them to box it up for you, rather than grabbing what you need from the shelves that are getting perpetually re-stocked throughout the day. Not to mention the stacks and boxes of extra inventory that seem to have a constant presence in the store. The experience itself may be overwhelming for the uninitiated, but there is a method to the madness, and whether you’re just picking up a couple treats to munch on or fulfilling a lengthy order, they have systems in place to cater.

Chia Te has the whole portfolio of traditional Taiwanese pastries. There’s the classic pineapple cake, a less traditional cranberry flavored pineapple cake, sun cakes and wife cakes (variations of flat, round pastries with sweet fillings), salted egg yolk pastries, mung bean pastries and other things in the moon cake realm, the popular scallion cracker nougat sandwiches and even large engagement cakes (which are traditionally gifted when an engagement is announced). Prices are moderate enough to be pretty accessible even if you aren’t buying in bulk, making it a must-stop for locals and visitors alike.