En Dian Square Cookies

Not enough ratingsNT$95–590 / per personPastry

10:30–21:30Chiayi City East Dist.

Gift boxLong-standing

VerdictFlaky, not-too-sweet heritage square cookies that make a fine gift

A long-established square cookie shop near Chiayi City Hall, said by some to be where the square cookie began. Handmade with distinct flaky layers and crisp without being cloying, it offers more than ten flavors such as original, almond, seaweed and coffee, from NT$95 a box, a classic Chiayi gift.

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Review

En Dian Square Cookies is at No. 221 Zhongshan Road in the East District, near Chiayi City Hall, and is one of the signature makers of Chiayi's square cookies. Trip.com says it was founded in 1956 by Dang Chang-fa, who combined northern flatbread technique with southern pastry methods; GoFunIt calls it a shop of about sixty years and mentions the claim that it originated the square cookie. Sources disagree on the founding year, but all list it as a must-buy Chiayi gift.

Square cookies are flaky pastries rolled into many layers and baked. En Dian's are known for distinct layers, a crisp bite and low sweetness. There are more than ten flavors, including original, salted, almond, seaweed, honey-egg, coconut, butter, lemon, green onion, coffee, brown sugar and chocolate, both sweet and savory. Trip.com lists a single box at NT$95, a 16-piece assorted gift box at NT$300, a four-flavor box at NT$400 and a six-flavor box at NT$590.

Fans praise the crispness and layering, likening them to thick, flaky crackers that go well with coffee or tea, with the coffee flavor suiting those who want something sweeter; some find a clear difference compared with other brands and say they make a respectable gift. Critics mention that the owner can be curt and that there are no samples, which makes choosing flavors tricky on a first visit.

Online listings show hours of about 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., though some sources say it opens at 10 a.m.; check before you go. The shop is on Zhongshan Road, close to the Wenhua Road night market and the Central Fountain area, so it is easy to stop by after the market; parking nearby is mostly street spaces and paid lots. Gift boxes suit presents and single boxes suit tasting, and since the cookies dislike humidity, finish them soon after opening.

Good for anyone wanting a classic Chiayi gift to take home or who likes pastries that are not cloying. First-time buyers can pick original plus one or two savory flavors such as seaweed or green onion, and add a box of coffee or brown sugar to compare; for gifts, choose the four- or six-flavor box. Depending on quantity, expect about NT$95 to NT$590.