
Let the pursuit of your preferences – whether for structure and texture or sweetness and flavor – guide you to Taipei’s finest desserts.
There’s an enchanting presence to a connoisseur. Sommeliers, for instance, captivate with their ability to unravel the essence of a wine in a single sip, speaking a language that turns flavor into poetry. But expertise isn’t confined to such rarefied realms – it can also be found in the quiet mastery of uncovering the story baked into a perfect cinnamon roll.
Taipei, where the scent of cinnamon drifts from more than 70 establishments, offers a playground for cultivating a refined, sugary palette. Below is a curated list of recommendations to guide you along the way – a roadmap to help articulate what’s on the tip of your tongue.
This list is by no means comprehensive – I’ll happily expand it if the tab is on you – but it reflects the buns that have bested the competition in their respective categories, representing the elements crucial to a roll’s identity: dough, cinnamon, sweetness, icing, presentation, and satisfaction. Think of each roll as a doughy steppingstone to discerning the cinnamon roll of your sweetest dreams.
For dough quality and texture
Always Bean Good Coffee
No. 22, Lane 103, Xin’an St., Xinyi Districtct
Tucked away from Xinyi’s bustling shopping district, Always Bean Good Coffee sits quietly on a hillside near Taipei Medical University. The walk to the café is along a grassy road with a clear view of Taipei 101, apt for those seeking a brief escape away from the city’s bustle and into crisp air. The shop has a summer-like charm – its white exterior and outdoor counter evoke the simplicity of a seaside café. Inside, the pared-down design feels airy and inviting, with a casual, quiet energy shaped by its student clientele.

But the real standout here is the frosted cinnamon roll, priced at NT$100. Unlike the bread-like texture of many rolls, this one leans into a sponge-like softness reminiscent of a moist cake. The dough offers a springy bite despite bearing the weight of its thick icing. While the center is slightly sticky, the crisp outer layers provide a subtle crunch that creates a pleasing contrast. Hints of butter and mild sweetness make the roll’s depth of flavor particularly memorable.
The roll’s freshness reveals itself in every bite, an exploration of textures as much as flavors. While I’m typically one to race straight to the gooey center of cinnamon heaven, I found my taste buds curiously enraptured more by the journey than the destination. If you’re willing to venture off the beaten path, this gem offers a cinnamon roll experience worth the trek.
For the best filling
Baguette Grand Hyatt Taipei
No. 2, Songshou Rd., Xinyi District, First floor, Grand Hyatt Taipei
Stepping into a luxury hotel when you’re not a guest can feel slightly daunting, but fear not – Baguette Grand Hyatt Taipei is a welcoming venue. Situated in Xinyi District, inside one of Taipei’s 5-star hotels, the bakery offers a small seating area where you can savor your treat amid an atmosphere of refined elegance. Think of marble floors, soaring ceilings, and understated sophistication.

Baguette’s caramel pecan cinnamon roll is exceptional. From the first bite, the cinnamon flavor takes center stage but the roll strikes a masterful balance – neither overly sweet nor sharp, but perfectly spiced. The cinnamon filling is impressively consistent, evenly distributed across every layer so that the outer edges rival the coveted center. No waiting for the “sweet spot” here, as each bite delivers the same consistent, delightful taste. The filling is incredibly moist, almost cooling on the tongue, with a smooth, paste-like texture that avoids the usual runny or overly gooey pitfalls.
Packaged neatly in a convenient cardboard box, this NT$130 cinnamon roll is ideal for enjoying on the go, especially if you’re looking to avoid the awkwardness of sitting among hotel guests. Take it with you on a leisurely stroll to the nearby shopping district, soak in the energy of live street performances, and let this pastry turn an ordinary day into something special.
For balanced sweetness and flavor
Fly’s Kitchen
No. 4, Lane 16, Section 1, Da’an Rd., Da’an District
Fly’s Kitchen is a small café that has earned a big reputation for its cinnamon rolls. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, exuding a subtle charm that effortlessly draws attention to the menu’s offerings, ensuring they remain the centerpiece of the customer experience.
Its cinnamon rolls are massively popular thanks to their impeccable balance – each layer offers the same delicious experience, hitting all the right points in a delicate blend. The sweetness avoids the common traps of being overly sugary or bland, allowing the cinnamon to shine with its warm, spiced taste. Notes of vanilla and brown sugar weave through every bite, adding a richness that sets these rolls apart.
Priced at NT$120, these perfectly balanced cinnamon rolls are a must-try as you browse one of Taipei’s lively apparel shopping districts. It’s the kind of bun that proves small details can make a big impact.
For icing and glaze
The Cinnamon Tree
No. 42, Lane 243, Jinhua St., Da’an District
No. 3, Lane 49, Shida Rd., Da’an District
The Cinnamon Tree’s Jinhua location is nestled in a quaint neighborhood near the Dongmen MRT Station. The surroundings of trinket shops and grassroots fashion boutiques have the feel of a small town within the city. Situated across from a small but picturesque park, the modest storefront might lack seating but certainly doesn’t lack appeal. Lines are a frequent sight here, and while I usually shy away from queues, this spot is worth the wait.

Unlike many cinnamon roll eateries that focus on a single staple item, The Cinnamon Tree offers an enticing selection, with the maple cream bun cinnamon roll stealing the spotlight – literally, as it sits basking under a heating lamp, wafting its aroma down the street. The maple glaze is generously spread across the roll, adding a satisfying creaminess without causing a mushy mess. Unlike other icings that crystallize or harden as they cool, this glaze remains smooth and velvety, making every bite taste as if it were just pulled fresh from the oven.
The glaze does an excellent job of complementing the cinnamon rather than competing with it. Each bite delivers a consistent harmony of flavor and texture. Grab one at NT$110 to go and head to the adjacent park – a supreme setting for enjoying this smothered delight.
For structure and presentation
CHIT CHAT Cafe
No. 38, Section 5, Nanjing East Rd., Songshan District
No. 73, Baoqing St., Songshan District

CHIT CHAT is the epitome of a classy city café, offering simple elegance ideal for savoring a meal. With a full brunch menu featuring vibrant, healthy options, it’s also a destination for breakfast.
For those used to chowing down one large cinnamon roll, CHIT CHAT’s portions may feel modest by comparison. Each NT$130 order includes two smaller rolls for the same price as a single roll elsewhere. Still, they are shaped like classic cinnamon rolls, with a gentle rise at the center like a tiered cake. This thoughtful portioning aligns with Taiwanese preferences for lighter servings, offering a satisfying treat that doesn’t overwhelm.
I was surprised at the roll’s unique firmness, which was satisfyingly disarming considering that I’ve grown accustomed to big, cushy rolls. CHIT CHAT’s couplets are neatly plated, an appealing presentation that showcases the tiny layers. The surprise comes from the caramelized nuts tucked between the layers, cascading onto the plate as you slice through. The nuts bring a nice contrast to the cinnamon, making for a more dynamic flavor and providing a slight crunch with each bite.
The X factor
McDonald’s McCafé
When I mention to people that McDonald’s sells cinnamon rolls, the reaction is almost always one of disbelief. Known globally for fries and burgers, the golden arches rarely bring to mind pastries – yet this unassuming gem deserves a spotlight. Adding to its allure is its rarity: only McDonald’s locations featuring a McCafé carry it, and it’s often sold out by the end of breakfast at 10:30 a.m. The exclusivity is heightened by the fact that this treat isn’t available for delivery, meaning you’ll need to make a deliberate effort to seek it out and strike gold.
This cinnamon roll is more akin to a swirl in its presentation. The outer layers resemble a flaky, croissant-like pastry. Crispy and golden, it delivers an unexpectedly pleasant crunch. As you work your way toward the center, the roll transforms into a more traditionally American cinnamon roll experience, culminating in a gooier, sweeter core. The filling here is exceptional: thick and rich with cinnamon flavor expertly contained between the layers. It’s a true textural journey, from crisp to decadently soft.
Its affordability is what makes this swirl a knockout for me. At just NT$50, it’s at least half the price of most cinnamon rolls in Taipei. Word of advice: while ordering at the kiosk is convenient, it comes with the risk of the cashier canceling your order if the roll is sold out. For a better chance of success, head to the counter and ask directly. If you manage to snag one, you’ll walk away with a pastry that is a hidden legend among Taipei’s cinnamon roll offerings.
Honorable mention
Miss V Bakery Café
No. 6, Lane 222, Dunhua North Rd., Songshan District
Fl. B1, No. 45, City Hall Rd., Xinyi District
No. 22, Lane 49, Chifeng St., Datong District
I would be remiss not to mention Miss V Bakery. Its Songshan location is just around the corner from my office and has been a mainstay morning treat option for me. As one of Taipei’s most prolific cinnamon roll purveyors, Miss V has earned its reputation for crafting sweet delicacies that are both widely known and deeply loved. Seated dining is available inside with a modern but cozy space; however, the bakery situated at the front of the shop is excellent for on-the-go orders before punching the clock.
As a longtime Miss V customer, I approached this article with the firm belief that its cinnamon roll offerings, featuring several variations, would unquestionably find their place among the greats. But after a tour of Taipei’s top brass buns, they paled in comparison. That said, at NT$75, it’s much more wallet-friendly without compromising on quality. The dough is springy, the cinnamon is subtle yet satisfying, and the option to add icing offers versatility to suit your preference.

A Note on Cinnamon Rolls
When editing this piece, I couldn’t resist adding a sticky-fingered side note: while the American-style cinnamon roll may have conquered the world, its origins lie in Sweden. The Swedes began incorporating Sri Lankan cinnamon into their pastries not long after Roman spice traders introduced it to Europe. They continued to experiment with the spice until they reached perfection after World War I, when the modern kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) came to be.
In Sweden, the cinnamon bun reigns supreme. Since 1999, October 4 has been celebrated nationwide as Cinnamon Roll Day (Kanelbullens dag), a beloved tradition that demands indulging in at least one of these sweet, spiced delights. Skipping out on this day is practically a betrayal of cultural heritage.
In America, cinnamon rolls first took root in Philadelphia, brought over by European immigrants who carried their baking traditions to the New World. While the original version is generously spiced with cinnamon and topped with pearl sugar – a type of sugar that doesn’t melt during baking – the American adaptation has embraced a sweeter, more indulgent style. Modern American cinnamon rolls are often crowned with rich, gooey icing, setting them apart from their counterparts in most other countries. Perhaps it’s this unapologetically decadent touch that has cemented their status as a beloved treat around the globe.
— By Julia Bergström