Take the Kids on a Dessert Train in Taiwan

There’s a reason Taiwan continues to grow in popularity among family travelers, from its kid-friendly attractions to tasty foods … and desserts. In fact, there’s even an experience blending two elements into one: a dessert train.

Lion Travel and Taiwan Railway Company describe the interior and exterior design of their collaboration, Haifung Dessert Train, as sea- and coastline-inspired. However, the visual wow factor may translate into stepping into a Tiffany gift box with jewel-toned macarons in a display case offset by furnishings and appointments in cool blue hues.

© Elyse Glickman

Alternatively, the Art Deco-flavored interiors can also play like a bridge between the bygone era of rail travel and present-day art form of premium dessert making and Instagrammable moments. This perspective makes the Haifeng experience appealing for multigenerational travelers and parents wanting to introduce children to new foods, an appreciation for “slow” travel and a cultural learning experience.

Although the routes through Taiwan’s lush rural areas change seasonally, the excursion package — launched last fall — rolls out like a 5-star hotel high tea service where Chinese, Japanese and European dessert influences intermingle. A butler welcomes passengers aboard the train into one of four softly-lit carriages as subtle ocean-inspired music and a diffused fragrance wafts through the air. Floor-to-ceiling windows and retro sofas are intended to frame the vistas outside, while the relatively slow speed of the train (less than 20 mph) compels passengers to take in and appreciate the journey’s multisensory elements.

The desserts, served umikaze-style with tea (coffee and cocktails are available for an extra charge), are presented in a jewelry box-style presentation that allows each two-bite-sized dessert by luxury bakery MANO MANO to stand on its own thanks to regional ingredients worked into the recipes. Think lei cha rice-flavored canelés with an airier texture than its French counterparts and savory scones with Dajia taro sourced from Taichung with a hint of sweetness. Before the excursion wraps, a scoop of fresh, tangy ice cream from Taichung-based Minimal is presented. The bold palate-cleansing flavor created with unexpected ingredients (lactic acid and parilla) reflects why it is currently the only gourmet producer holding a Michelin-star.

© Elyse Glickman

The sightseeing aspect of the journey provides an interesting counterbalance to the lush ambiance and refined service provided by the smartly dressed staff aboard the train. Two stops last between 45 and 60 minutes, showcasing the raw beauty of the coastline and rustic charm of small towns.

While the excursion is planned to make passengers slow down to fully appreciate the simpler and/or finer things in life, the EMU500 electric multiple unit train itself is a technological marvel that enhances the views outside. The cabin lighting system gradually adjusts to the natural lighting and different landscapes to better replicate the feeling of being outdoors and surrounded by nature.

Serious foodies diving for local gems will also want to allocate time to explore the area around the departure town’s train station. While the architecture of original train stations like the one in Taichung offers a compelling look into Taiwan’s history during the Japanese occupation, there are also plenty of opportunities to sample and purchase savory and sweet treats, as well as handcrafted souvenirs from vendors outside the station and in kiosks inside the modern station.