Bite into an oozing filling and feel pure bliss—here's a map of 8 must-try taiyaki spots across

▲In recent years, red bean pancake flavors have been reinvented in countless ways, and every single one is irresistible. (Photo / Reposted from the Happy Train Wheel Cake fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Taiwan can be called the kingdom of snacks, with delicious treats hidden everywhere—from traditional markets and night markets to alleyways. When it comes to classic Taiwanese desserts, "wheel cakes" are an absolute must. The red bean pancakes from childhood memories have gradually evolved with more Westernized flavors. In addition to traditional options like red bean, taro, and shredded radish, a variety of innovative flavors continue to emerge. The burst of filling in every bite is simply indulgent. Come explore the trendiest wheel cake shops across Taiwan!

1. Taipei  Cheesy Potato Pancakes to Win Your Stomach
《Sometimes Red Bean Pancakes》
Location: 1F, No. 399, Yanshou Street, Taipei City
Business Hours: 12:00 - 18:30

▲The signature cheesy potato flavor at Sometimes Red Bean Pancakes. (Photo / miss kitb)

Eating a red bean pancake can also be a very hipster experience. Tucked away in the alleys of the Minsheng community in Taipei, this low-key and unpretentious “Sometimes” red bean pancake shop only offers three flavors—red bean, butter, and mashed potato cheese—but still draws loyal queues. The unique savory cheesy potato flavor is the secret weapon that keeps regulars coming back. And if you’re thirsty, you can pair your treat with a cup of Ruby Red Tea. A full stomach and a satisfied heart—that’s happiness.

▲The plump and hearty red bean filling is worth the wait in line. (Photo / From the “Sometimes Red Bean Pancakes” Facebook page)

2. Taipei  Student Favorite: Dreamy Strawberry Red Bean Pancakes
《Kyoto Castella Nanyang Shop》
Address: No. 4, Nanyang Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:30

▲A colorful griddle topped with various flavors of red bean pancakes. (Photo / Provided by netizen _ieat_; please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

This red bean pancake shop is located on bustling Nanyang Street—a go-to spot whether you’re shopping or attending cram school, and you’ll always crave a sweet dessert after a meal. In addition to a range of creative fillings, even the pancake skins have gotten a makeover. For example, the matcha red bean flavor features a green matcha shell filled with red bean cream, while the strawberry flavor boasts a pastel pink shell stuffed with fresh fruit and cream. Even before taking a bite, the vibrant display on the griddle is enough to heal the soul!

3. Taipei  Flying Saucer Pancakes: Huge Portions That Fill You Up with One Bite
《Flying Saucer Pancakes》
Location: Shilin Night Market (near Ah Hui’s vermicelli stand at the entrance of Shilin Ciyou Temple)

▲The amazing combo of cold strawberries and hot cream has gone viral. (Photo / Provided by IG@zora_wen; please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

For the coolest street food experience, head to Shilin Night Market. Recently, “flying saucer pancakes” have sparked a huge queueing trend. The classic red bean pancake has been reimagined as a “strawberry ice cream fire” flavor—crispy golden crust filled with 4 to 5 frozen strawberries and warm cream. The fusion of hot and cold creates a burst of sweet and tangy flavor in every bite. This novel taste is definitely worth trying.

4. Taoyuan  Chocolate + Strawberry = Too Tempting. Black Skin Strawberry Is Irresistible
《Happy Train Wheel Cakes》
Address: No. 3, Lane 200, Donglong Road, Longtan District, Taoyuan
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 13:00–19:00 (Closed weekends)

▲Limited-edition “Black Skin Strawberry” flavor for just NT$20 each. (Photo / From the “Happiness Train Wheel Cake》Facebook Page）

Winter calls for strawberries, and while wheel cake shops across Taiwan have rolled out limited-edition strawberry flavors for the season, Taoyuan’s Happiness Train Wheel Cake brings out the classic ultimate combo of chocolate and strawberry to compete. With its thick, rich chocolate crust, generously filled with luscious chocolate filling, and topped with a fresh strawberry in the center, both chocolate lovers and strawberry fans are bound to be completely won over.

5. Taichung – The Hype-Worthy Red Bean Cake. Even the Taro & Egg Yolk Flavor Is Worth the Wait
《Dabanniro》
Address: No. 418, Section 2, Taiwan Boulevard, West District, Taichung City (next to Regent Hotel)
Business Hours: 10:00–22:00

▲ Taichung’s Dabanniro has become an ultra-famous must-line-up food. (Photo/IG@06_l, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

It is said that Japanese Dabanniro was introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period, eventually becoming the common traditional snack known as the red bean cake. This long-popular, always-crowded eatery in Taichung specializes in selling Dabanniro with a distinct Japanese flair. With up to 14 sweet and savory flavors to choose from—including red bean, cream, taro, pickled radish, sweet potato, matcha red bean, cheese, crystal peanuts, and sesame—each flavor is generously stuffed and undeniably delicious. Especially popular is the “Taro & Egg Yolk” flavor, limited to just 120 pieces per day, which you’ll definitely want to line up for. While waiting, you can also snap photos with the cute Japanese-style lanterns.

▲ Take some photos with the lanterns while you wait. (Photo/IG@r_12.11, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

6. Taichung – Worth Getting Fat For. The Custard Cream & Strawberry Red Bean Cake
《INO Ice》
Address: No. 7, Lane 75, Taiping Road, North District, Taichung City
Business Hours: 14:00–22:00

▲ The custard cream & strawberry red bean cake comes topped with three big fresh strawberries. (Photo/from theINO Ice》fan page)

Traditional snacks meet Western flavors for a whole new taste experience. At INO Ice in Taichung, you can try unique red bean cake flavors you won’t find anywhere else, such as matcha pumpkin cheese, matcha white cheese lime grape, and Michelle chocolate cream Oreo. Every winter, they also roll out their “evil army” of indulgent delights—the custard cream & strawberry red bean cake—stuffed with three fresh strawberries inside a generous filling of creamy custard. The sweet and tangy goodness has made this winter star a best-selling hit.

▲ All flavors are generously filled to bursting point. (Photo/from INO Ice fan page)

7. Tainan – The NT$10 Red Bean Cake That’s Insanely Good Value and Bursting with Fillings
《Sweet at Heart. Red Bean Cake》
Address: No. 81, Nanhua Street, West Central District, Tainan City
Business Hours: Monday–Friday 11:00–17:00, Saturday & Sunday 11:00–18:00

▲ Sweet at Heart’s red bean cake is generously packed with big red bean chunks. (Photo/by Aibi Girl)

When talking about street food, you can’t forget Tainan, this food paradise. Located on Nanhua Street in Tainan, “Sweet at Heart. Red Bean Cake” offers every flavor for just NT$10. Their classic red bean and cream fillings are piled high like little mountains, and what’s more, each red bean is huge—just looking at them makes your mouth water. And all of that for just NT$10 a piece? One bite into the juicy filling and you’re guaranteed a burst of flavor. Mind the heat, though.

8. Pingtung – “Taiwan-Style Macaron” Colorful Red Bean Cakes
《Dou Chef Zi Red Bean Cake Exclusive Shop》
Address: No. 485, Section 2, Zhongxing Road, Wandan Township

▲ These very Taiwanese colorful macarons use natural ingredients as coloring agents, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind. (Photo/taken from theDou Chef Zi Red Bean Cake Exclusive Shop》Facebook)

Wandan in Pingtung County is the hometown of red beans in Taiwan, and these plump, flavorful beans are a treat on their own. Small red bean pastry stalls can be found everywhere, but the ones at Dou Chuzi in Wandan are truly unique. Their red bean pastries come in a variety of colors—red, black, and yellow—thanks to natural dyes made from adzuki beans, bamboo charcoal, and gardenia, resembling a Taiwanese-style twist on macarons. The pastry shells are colored with natural ingredients, making them as vibrant and appetizing in photos as they are in taste.