[Songshan, Taipei, and Bagua Mountain, Taichung, Taiwan] 微熱山丘 Sunny Hills

As Taiwanese as pineapple cakes. Can we make that a thing? Like as American as apple pie? 

To go to Taiwan and not try the 鳳梨酥/pineapple cakes would be a travesty. There are so many different companies that make their own version of this simple snack, but not many make it as good as it could be. There are also different kinds, such as pineapple cakes with wintermelon pieces blended in, pineapple cakes made with native pineapple, and pineapple cakes made with foreign pineapples. It seems to me that most people I know prefer the foreign pineapples because they're sweeter. I prefer 土鳳梨/native pineapple because they're more tart. It also provides a better contrast to the shortcake surrounding it (versus sweet on sweet, especially with the wintermelon fillers that some use). And for a really good pineapple cake experience, enjoy it with some quality tea. You can use tea from a tea bag, but the best tea is always from leaves. I usually use some high mountain Oolong or Jasmine tea with mine.

At Sunny Hills, they welcome you with a full sized sample and a cup of tea. They are the only company to give away samples and encourage you to enjoy with some tea. If you go to Taichung area (Bagua Mountain), you can wander around the complex and get yourself some refills on the tea even after you've finished your sample. 

Allow yourself to fully enjoy the taste of the pineapple, all grown in the area, and the buttery goodness of the cake. The pineapple filling for Sunny Hills has no wintermelon filler and is non-GMO, the butter is from New Zealand (think organic, happy cows!) And, the flour is from Japan. This family is serious about providing guests with the best pineapple cake in Taiwan. You can only buy it at their retail locations (Taipei and Bagua Mountain). But, also note that they have opened locations up in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. It's amazing how successful they are considering they don't advertise like other companies and don't pay tour guides commission to bring their tour groups there (ala China style). 

 Turn at the weirdo on the bike!

I believe tour buses come out here, if you aren't lucky enough to have someone bring you, or if you can't rent a car/scooter. Upon entrance, someone offers you a full pineapple cake sample, and points you in the direction of the complimentary oolong tea. This group of people are waiting in line to purchase their pineapple cakes.

Taipei Address:

民生東路五段36巷4弄1號

1樓

Songshan District, Taipei, 台北市 105

Taiwan

Bagua Mountain Address:

八卦路1100巷2號

南投市, 南投縣 540

Taiwan