Suggested Souvenirs
Unique Kinmen Souvenirs
There are a variety of souvenirs you might want to buy, including the special Kinmen knives, peanut candies (gong tang), Kaoliang liquor, noodles and wind lion god products. If you find yourself loaded down with gifts, feel free to ask the shopkeepers if they can deliver your purchases to the airport for you. Some Kinmen souvenir stores offer this service.
Gong Tang (貢糖 = Gòng tang)
One of Kinmen's agricultural products is peanuts, and they are the main ingredient of this popular souvenir. Gong tang literally means “tribute (to the emperor) candy”. In the Southern Fukian dialect of Chinese, “gong” means “to manually hit”, which is what is done to the peanuts in order to make the candy. It comes in various flavors and textures: plain peanuts, peanuts with coconut, peanuts with sesame, etc, crunchy and chewy. The crunchy plain version is similar to peanut brittle, but less sweet.
Artillery Shell Steel Knives
Kinmen's most unique product is an example of how swords can be turned into ploughshares. But in this case, it's bombshells into knives. Made from the remains of the thousands of artillery shells that landed on Kinmen, using sophisticated techniques of casting and forging, Kinmen's steel knives are very sharp and exceptionally durable. On average, one bombshell can be made into 60 high quality knives!
Kaoliang Liquor (高粱酒 = Gāoliang jiǔ)
Made from sorghum, the colorless Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor possesses a delicate and pure bouquet. A subtle sweet aftertaste is its signature distinction. Kaoliang liquor aged for five years is especially smooth and rich in flavor.
Yi Tiao Gen (一條根 = Yītiáo gēn)
This is Kinmen's version of ginseng. It's a native root with therapeutic functions, used to heal bruises and relieve pain. It comes in two forms: an ointment and patches.
Beef Jerky (牛肉乾 = Niúròugān)
Kinmen beef jerky is made with fresh beef baked with exclusive special ingredients and spices. It's tender, and is a good snack on its own, but also goes well with Kaoliang liquor.
Kinmen Vermicelli (麵線 = Miànxiàn)
Kinmen's very thin noodles are made through a series of complicated manual steps including rubbing, folding, kneading and flinging. The local water used in the making is extremely pure. No salt or any other seasoning is added. The noodles are sun-dried naturally. They only need seconds of cooking in boiling water, and the resulting texture is chewy.
Taro from Little Kinmen
Little Kinmen's agricultural staple is taro. Featured in local dishes, both sweet and savory, a good way to share them back home is in the form of taro chips. Not too oily or salty, they're not unhealthy!
Minnan-style Shaobing (Chinese Layered Flatbread)
Baked shaobing gives an enchanting aroma of sesame oil. It is often filled with pork leg and scallions. The taste of this crispy savory snack is going to linger in your mouth. Sweet shaobing with maltose filling is also highly recommended.
So-A-Gu (Fried Dough Twist)
Think fried donut twist…with a twist! Dough sticks are braided like rope and deep fried until they turn golden. Then, they are coated with a sweet syrup mixed with minced garlic. A memorable combination!
Wind Lion God Souvenirs
A wide variety of wind lion god products are available to keep guard over you even after you leave Kinmen. Just like the real ones, each wind lion god features a vivid expression and a whimsical touch of creativity.