Record Number of Entries | Taichung’s Top 10 Local Specialties Announced

▲Taiwan’s Top 10 Local Specialties Voting Event. (Photo / fromWelcome Light Society - Shining Integrated Marketing Facebook fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The results of the 5th annual “Taichung City Top 10 Local Specialties” vote have been revealed. It’s no easy feat to stand out among a record-breaking 120 participating shops and 209 specialty products. Longtime favorites such as Yu Chen Hsin, Mei Fang Bamboo Tube Ice, and Katanoya once again secured their spots this year. In addition to these established brands, three “Rookie Awards” were specially given this year to Niang Jia Pie, Xing Fu Lang Tooth Crackers, and Mushroom House.

▲Two of the 2013 Taichung Top 10 Local Specialties: Mei Fang Bamboo Tube Ice (left), Fabu Sweet Orange Cake (right). (Photo / fromMei Fang Bamboo Tube Ice City Facebook fan page; Fabu Sweet official website)

After fierce competition, this year’s Top 10 Local Specialties list includes: Mei Fang Bamboo Tube Ice, Fabu Sweet (Orange Cake), Colored Ning Bo (Yuanqi Pickled Series), Little Hope Workshop (Bursting Milk Roll), Da Ming Tea Industry (Imperial Gift), Happy Pie (Health Black Sugar Mochi), Bao Quan (Bao Quan Sun Cake), Yu Chen Hsin (Mini Delight Crispy), New Sun Hall (Pineapple Tarts), and Katanoya (Red Wine Longan Crisp).

While long-established shops continue to enjoy popularity, the city government also made efforts to promote rising stars. Among them, Mushroom House by Mushroom Story House, Niang Jia Pie by Yuan Ming Shop, and Xing Fu Lang Tooth Crackers by Lü Cheng Foods were selected as “Rookie Awards.” This year’s local specialties vote was themed “Gifts with Taichung Flavor,” with each participating shop offering products for a charity sale. The total proceeds of approximately NT$220,000 were fully donated to the Hui-Ming School for the Blind Children. Mushroom House, from Yuanming StoreMother’s Home Cake, from Lücheng FoodsApricot Happiness Crackerswere awarded the “Newcomer Prize.” This year’s souvenir selection, themed “Gift & Enjoy Taichung,” featured product donations from each shop, with proceeds totaling around 220,000 NTD, all donated to the Hui-Ming School for Blind Children.