Si Jin Tang Egg Rolls (Station Shop)

Review

Si Jin Tang is a Taichung brand of handmade egg rolls. Its Station Shop sits at No. 31 Minquan Road in West District, a short walk from Taichung Station, which makes it easy to pick up an order before catching a train. There is also a Qinmei shop, and earlier reports mention a store on Zhongming South Road. The brand made the Top 30 of the 2023 Taiwan Baking Awards and appears regularly in Taichung souvenir roundups.

Each piece is rolled by hand into a teardrop shape, so no two look quite alike. Reports describe thin, finely layered rolls that are crisp and light, with a clear egg and butter aroma but no cloying sweetness. Flavors include original milk, whole sesame, Icam cocoa, Shizuoka matcha, old-style pork floss and tribal coffee; the cocoa and coffee start slightly bitter and finish sweet, while the matcha is mild rather than astringent. There are also two savory crisps, scallion and Parmesan, which are crunchier than the rolls and closer to a cracker. The shop highlights Anchor unsalted butter, washed eggs and Japanese white sugar.

Media and bloggers mostly praise the delicate texture and attractive packaging, calling them easy to share, and some also recommend the soft, moderately sweet pound cake. The most common warning is that walk-in stock can run out, so you may not get the flavor you want on the spot. Most articles found date from 2020 to 2023 and contain little criticism; preferences between flavors vary.

Reports from 2021 to 2023 list an 8-piece mini pack at NT$70, a gift box of five mini packs at NT$370 and a square box of about 32 pieces at NT$320, with lower prices for friends of the official LINE account; prices may have changed. Sealed mini packs keep for about three months, longer than the boxed version. For holiday gifts, order at least a month ahead, and on ordinary days it is still wise to reserve on LINE before picking up; bulk orders on the official website can be delivered. Sources disagree on the Station Shop's hours and closing day, so check before you go.

It suits travelers looking for a pretty, easy-to-share souvenir. First-timers can start with original milk, those who like more depth can try coffee or cocoa, and anyone buying for a crowd will find the five-flavor gift box the simplest choice.