Bao Ge Baked Xiaoliuqiu Mahua Twists

Review

Bao Ge's flagship shop is on Shanban Road in Liuqiu Township near Shanban Bay, and it is one of the most recommended mahua twist souvenirs on Xiaoliuqiu. Both a travel site and Supertaste's Xiaoliuqiu souvenir roundup include it, and one diner's shopping post ranks it as the top must-buy.

Mahua twists are Xiaoliuqiu's signature gift, and Bao Ge's speciality is the fry-then-bake method, which keeps them crisp but less oily; Supertaste notes they use less oil. There are more than nine flavours, with original the best seller, plus brown sugar, seaweed, plum, strawberry, spicy, salted egg yolk and wasabi. The shop also makes rice twists from brown rice baked at low temperature, in flavours such as lightly sweet, peanut sesame, garlic and rose salt. According to one diner, a 180 g pack costs about NT$60, with a buy-ten-get-one-free offer.

Fans say they taste fresher and crisper than other brands, not overly sweet or salty, and appreciate sampling every flavour before deciding, the air-conditioned shop as a break from the sun, and friendly service at the flagship. Complaints say the short twists are a little hard and need small bites, and some were unhappy with staff at another branch.

Google lists flagship hours of 08:00 to 17:00, extended to 17:30 at weekends, and there is also a Sanmin Road branch. Scooters are the easiest way around the island and can park out front. Online ordering and home delivery are available, with discounts for large group orders, so there is no need to lug bags around the island.

It suits anyone in Xiaoliuqiu looking for easy-to-share gifts for the office or family. Taste every flavour first, choose two or three favourites plus original, and buy ten packs to get one free; if shipping home, ask about delivery.