Discover the Ultimate Cacao Experience at Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei!
Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei is a renowned brand that brings out the best in Taiwanese cacao, offering premium-quality chocolates.
Its excellence is proven by its numerous awards at international chocolate competitions.
At the Taipei store, you can enjoy unique flavors and participate in exclusive tasting experiences, making it a favorite among tourists and locals alike.
In this article, we will delve into the allure of Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei, providing detailed access information, popular products, and tips for visiting.
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, this must-visit spot promises a delightful and unique chocolate experience!
The Allure of Taiwanese Cacao at Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei
Why Is Taiwanese Chocolate So Famous?
1. High-Quality Cacao Cultivation
The Pingtung region in southern Taiwan boasts an ideal environment for cacao cultivation, thanks to its tropical climate and abundant rainfall.
The volcanic fertile soil and stable weather conditions support the production of high-quality cacao beans. Additionally, cacao has been promoted as a sustainable alternative to betel nut cultivation, advancing sustainable farming practices in the region.
These efforts contribute not only to increasing farmers’ incomes but also to environmental conservation in the area.
2. Historical Background and Japan’s Influence
The history of cacao cultivation in Taiwan dates back to the 1920s.
Notably, Taichiro Morinaga, the founder of Morinaga & Co., identified Pingtung as an ideal location for cacao cultivation during his visit to Taiwan.
Subsequent research on fermentation techniques at Pingtung farms laid the foundation for Taiwan’s cacao industry.
This historical backdrop has played a pivotal role in the development of Taiwan’s cacao culture and its global recognition.
3. International Recognition and Awards
Taiwanese chocolate brands have earned numerous accolades at international competitions, with Fu Wan Chocolate standing out as a key player.
In the 2017 International Chocolate Awards (ICA) Asia-Pacific competition, Fu Wan’s “Taiwan No.1 Pingtung Chocolate 62%” won the overall grand prize.
The brand continued its success by winning two gold, four silver, and four bronze medals at the 2018 Academy of Chocolate (AOC) awards.
In 2019, Fu Wan Chocolate received five gold, 19 silver, and four bronze medals at the ICA World Final, becoming the most awarded brand of the year globally.
These achievements demonstrate the exceptional quality of Taiwanese cacao and the innovation of Fu Wan Chocolate, helping elevate the reputation of Taiwanese chocolate on the world stage.
4. Fusion with Local Ingredients
Taiwanese chocolate brands leverage local specialties to create unique flavors.
Products incorporating Tie Guan Yin tea, lychee, and sakura shrimp offer distinct and unparalleled tastes that reflect Taiwan’s cultural identity.
By integrating these ingredients, Taiwanese chocolate brands provide consumers with a novel experience that highlights the essence of Taiwan.
This structured overview, organized under H3 and H4 headings, provides a logical and engaging presentation of why Taiwanese chocolate, especially Fu Wan Chocolate, is internationally celebrated.
What Kind of Brand is Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei?
Fu Wan Chocolate: A Taiwanese Bean-to-Bar Specialist
Fu Wan Chocolate (福湾巧克力) is a high-quality bean-to-bar chocolate brand based in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan.
The founder, Warren Hsu, leveraged his culinary expertise to collaborate with local cacao farmers, creating sustainable and premium-quality chocolate.
The brand showcases the charm of Taiwanese cacao while promoting its unique flavors and cultural essence to the world.
Commitment to Tree-to-Bar and Environmental Sustainability
What is the Tree-to-Bar Method?
Fu Wan Chocolate employs the “Tree-to-Bar” method, handling every step of the process from cacao cultivation to chocolate production entirely in-house.
This approach ensures strict quality control and reduces environmental impact.
A Fully Integrated Process from Cacao Cultivation to Chocolate Production
Cacao Cultivation at Their Own Farm
Fu Wan Chocolate owns a cacao farm in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan.
The region’s volcanic, fertile soil and warm climate produce high-quality cacao beans.
These beans are grown sustainably without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, respecting the natural environment.
Processing at the On-Site Factory
Harvested cacao beans are fermented, dried, and roasted at an adjacent factory to preserve their freshness and quality.
Environmental Sustainability
- Reduced Transportation Costs and CO2 Emissions
By managing all processes locally, Fu Wan Chocolate significantly reduces transportation costs and CO2 emissions. - Minimized Waste
Efforts are made to minimize waste during the production process, lowering environmental impact. - Eco-Friendly Packaging
Fu Wan Chocolate uses environmentally friendly materials for its packaging, contributing to a more sustainable society.
Why is Fu Wan Chocolate Loved?
These efforts enable Fu Wan Chocolate to offer products that combine high quality with environmental responsibility, earning the brand widespread support.
Diverse Flavors
Unique Flavors Showcasing Taiwanese Ingredients
Fu Wan Chocolate is known for its wide range of flavors that incorporate Taiwan’s unique local ingredients.
Chocolates Infused with Taiwanese Tea
Using Taiwanese oolong tea and Oriental Beauty tea, these chocolates harmonize the delicate aroma of tea leaves with cacao.
Pineapple Cake-Inspired Chocolate
Modeled after Taiwan’s traditional pineapple cake, this chocolate captures the essence of Taiwan’s culture.
Other Products Featuring Local Specialties
The brand also offers chocolates made with unique ingredients such as sakura shrimp and mountain pepper (magao), delivering one-of-a-kind flavors.
Innovation in Flavor Development
Fu Wan Chocolate is actively developing new flavors, ensuring customers can always look forward to discovering exciting products on each visit.
A Comprehensive Guide to Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei
Fu Wan Chocolate Store Information and Café Highlights
Taipei Daan Store (with Café)
The Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei Daan Store, opened in 2023, is the brand’s latest location. In addition to offering a variety of chocolate products made with Taiwanese cacao, this store features a café where visitors can enjoy exclusive menu items.
Store Information
- Address: 1F, No. 69, Dongfeng Street, Daan District, Taipei City
- Phone: +886 2 2706 2228
- Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 11:30 AM–7:30 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
Café Highlights
Exclusive Products
- Taiwan Oolong Tea Chocolate: A unique creation featuring the local flavor of Taiwanese oolong tea.
- Tropical Fruit Chocolate: A refreshing flavor made with dried mango and passionfruit, perfect as a souvenir.
Café Menu
- Chocolate Drinks: Indulge in the rich aroma and flavor of premium cacao.
- Chocolate Desserts: The popular chocolate parfait is both visually stunning and Instagram-worthy.
Access Information
By MRT
From MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station Exit 2, walk straight down Dongfeng Street. Turn right at the intersection with Section 1, Fuxing South Road, and the white building on the left is Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei.
Nearby Attractions
The area is filled with trendy cafés and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to visit during a day of sightseeing or shopping.
Pingtung Main Store (with Production Facility)
Located in Donggang Township, Pingtung County, the main store serves as Fu Wan Chocolate’s production hub, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the chocolate-making process firsthand.
Store Information
- Address: No. 100, Dapeng Road, Donggang Township, Pingtung County
- Phone: +886 8 835 1555
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Features
Factory Tour
Visitors can witness the entire Tree-to-Bar production process, from cacao bean cultivation to chocolate creation, all housed within the facility.
Access Information
By Public Transport
Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to “Xiaogang Station,” then transfer to a Pingtung Bus to Donggang Township. From the bus stop, take a taxi or walk to the store.
By Car
Drive south from Kaohsiung along National Highway No. 1, then take National Highway No. 88 and continue via Provincial Highway 17 to Donggang Township. Parking is available at the store.
International Retail Locations
- Bar & Cocoa (Denver, USA)
Address: 7000 E 47th Ave Drive, STE 600B, Denver, CO 80216, USA
Phone: +1 877 778 8599 - Chocolate Covered (San Francisco, USA)
Address: 4069 24th Street, Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Phone: +1 415 641 8123 - Chocoladeverkopers (Nijmegen, Netherlands)
Address: Lange Hezelstraat 72-76, 6511 CL Nijmegen, Netherlands
Phone: +31 6 29788205 - Hello Chocolate (Singapore)
Phone: +65 6573 1025 - The Chocolate Club Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Address: Shop 343, 3/F, Prince’s Building, Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
Email: team@thechocolateclubhk.com - Cocoa Runners (London, UK)
Address: The Old Fire Station, 140 Tabernacle St, Old Street, London EC2A 4SD, UK
Phone: +44 844 692 1234
Online Store
Fu Wan Chocolate’s official online shop offers worldwide shipping. For details, please refer to their official shopping guide on their website.
Note: Store information may be subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest updates.
Factory Tour
Fu Wan Chocolate offers guided tours for visitors to experience the chocolate-making process and learn about Taiwanese cacao.
Tour Details and Pricing
- Tree-to-Bar Chocolate Tour
- Duration: 30–40 minutes
- Content: Guided tours of cacao cultivation areas, drying facilities, and production factories.
- Price: NT$100 per person (~USD 3.10)
- Minimum Participants: 6 people
- In-Depth Tour
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Content: A comprehensive explanation of the chocolate-making process, including tasting sessions.
- Price: NT$600 per person (~USD 19.30)
- Minimum Participants: 6 people
- Exclusive Farm-to-Table Tour
- Duration: 4 hours
- Content: A detailed tour of the cacao farm and factory, guided by chocolate experts, and tasting sessions.
- Price: NT$3,000 per person (~USD 96.40)
- Minimum Participants: 6 people
- Chocolate Tasting Set
- Price: NT$900 per set (~USD 28.90) + 10% service charge
- Details: Includes 9 types of chocolate paired with authentic Taiwanese tea.
Schedule
- Available Days: Saturdays and Sundays
- Morning: 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM / 4:00 PM
How to Book
Reservations are required for all tours. To reserve, contact:
- Phone: +886 8 832 0888
- Email: Refer to the official website.
Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei’s Top Products
- Taiwan Tie Guan Yin Tea Chocolate
- Description: Dark chocolate infused with Tie Guan Yin tea for a refreshing and aromatic flavor.
- Price: NT$320 per 45g bar (~USD 10.30)
- Taiwan Black Pepper 62% Chocolate
- Description: Dark chocolate blended with Taiwanese black pepper for a spicy yet balanced taste.
- Price: NT$320 per 45g bar (~USD 10.30)
- Taiwan Pink Lemonade Chocolate
- Description: Made with Taiwanese lemons and roselle for a sweet and tangy pink treat.
- Price: NT$320 per 45g bar (~USD 10.30)
- Taiwan No.1 Pingtung Chocolate
- Description: A single-origin dark chocolate made with 100% Taiwanese cacao beans, showcasing the rich aroma of cacao.
- Price: NT$320 per 45g bar (~USD 10.30)
- Pineapple Cake Chocolate
- Description: Inspired by Taiwan’s iconic pineapple cake, combining the tangy sweetness of pineapple with chocolate.
- Price: NT$320 per 45g bar (~USD 10.30)
- Oolong Tea Chocolate
- Description: A blend of Taiwanese oolong tea and chocolate, offering a roasted aroma and sweet finish.
- Price: NT$320 per 45g bar (~USD 10.30)
- Individually Wrapped Chocolates
- Description: Perfect for gifting or sharing, these come in compact packaging with a sleek design.
- Price: NT$50 per piece (~USD 1.60)
Note: Exchange rate used: 1 TWD ≈ 0.032 USD (as of November 2024)
Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei offers an exceptional experience where you can immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of Taiwanese cacao. Don’t miss the chance to explore their unique products and café offerings!
A Blissful Experience at Fu Wan Chocolate Taipei: Summary
- Fu Wan Chocolate is Taiwan’s premier Tree-to-Bar chocolate brand.
- The brand has won numerous awards at global chocolate competitions.
- It contributes to improving the quality of Taiwanese cacao beans.
- Fu Wan Chocolate emphasizes the Tree-to-Bar process, managing every step from cacao cultivation to chocolate production.
- The brand offers a variety of chocolate flavors made with local Taiwanese ingredients.
- Fu Wan Chocolate is actively committed to environmental sustainability.
- The Taipei Daan Store is conveniently located, just a 5-minute walk from MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station.
- Exclusive chocolates and café menus are available only at the Taipei Daan Store.
- Visitors can join chocolate factory tours to learn about the production process.
- The store offers chocolates that are perfect as uniquely Taiwanese souvenirs.
- Fu Wan Chocolate provides a premium chocolate experience with high-quality products.