Ordering Taiwanese sausages online can feel like a gamble. You see different varieties—original, with cheese, with glutinous rice—but the product photos and brief descriptions make it difficult to choose correctly. The result? You end up with a flavour that doesn't suit your taste or a texture you didn't expect. This guide helps you find the Taiwanese sausage that matches your preferences based on key product features.
What to Look for When Choosing Taiwanese Sausage
Before we look at specific products, it's helpful to understand the main selection criteria. Taiwanese sausage, also known as xiang chang (香腸), is distinguished by several characteristics.
- Flavour Profile: The foundation of Taiwanese sausage is a balance between savoury and sweet. Unlike many European sausages, the recipe often includes sugar, which creates a slightly caramelised flavour after grilling. Variations add other elements, such as the creaminess of cheese or the extra sweetness of corn.
- Texture: The texture is largely determined by the filling. A sausage with a high meat content is typically firm and juicy. Additions like glutinous rice provide a completely different, more compact and chewy texture, similar to popular Taiwanese street food.
- Meat Content: A higher percentage of pork often indicates a richer, juicier flavour. Products usually state this in the ingredients list as a Quantitative Ingredient Declaration (QUID).
- Preparation Method: Most frozen sausages are designed for convenience. They can go straight onto the grill, into the pan, or in the air fryer. Pay attention to the recommended cooking time and temperature on the packaging to ensure the sausage is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Our Top Picks for 2026
Based on the criteria above, we have selected three different types of Taiwanese sausage from the brand La Wei Ju. Each variety offers a unique profile in taste and texture.
La Wei Ju Sausage for the Grill - Original Flavour
- Why This Product: This product focuses on the classic Taiwanese flavour. With an 85% pork content, this sausage offers a juicy and meaty texture. The seasoning, which includes cinnamon, provides an authentic, warm, and aromatic profile without the addition of corn or other fillings.
- Benefits:
- High meat content (85% pork) for a juicy bite.
- Classic, slightly sweet and savoury flavour.
- Versatile: suitable for grilling, pan-frying, or air-frying.
- Can be cooked directly from frozen.
- Who It's For: Those looking for the pure, traditional taste of Taiwanese sausage without extra additives. A great choice if you want to recreate the authentic street food experience at home.
LA WEI JU Taiwanese Sausage with Glutinous Rice and Corn
- Why This Product: This variety is a meal in itself. The combination of pork with glutinous rice creates a unique, firm, and chewy texture. The corn adds a sweet component. This type of sausage, known in a more complex form as da chang bao xiao chang, is a popular dish at Taiwanese night markets.
- Benefits:
- Unique, chewy texture due to the addition of glutinous rice.
- Filling and substantial, ideal as a snack or part of a meal.
- Combination of savoury pork and sweet corn.
- Who It's For: The adventurous eater who appreciates the texture of glutinous rice and is looking for a more filling Asian sausage. A great choice if you want something different from a standard meat sausage.
LA WEI JU Taiwanese Sausage with Cheese and Corn
- Why This Product: This Taiwanese sausage with cheese is a modern take that combines the savoury taste of meat with a creamy cheese filling. It's a fusion that taps into the popularity of cheese in Asian snacks. The sausage is made from a mix of pork and chicken.
- Benefits:
- Rich flavour thanks to the addition of a cheese filling.
- Quick and easy to prepare in the oven, air fryer, pan, or microwave (after thawing).
- Offers an interesting combination of textures: meat, creamy cheese, and sweet corn.
- Who It's For: Those who love the combination of savoury and creamy. It's an approachable choice for families and fans of fusion flavours.
Looking for More Options?
The selection above provides a good overview of the popular flavours within the La Wei Ju sausage range. However, if you are looking for other varieties, such as sausages with a spicier profile or other types of Chinese sausage, you can browse our full range of frozen products.
Explore all our frozen Chinese sausages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taiwanese Sausage
1. What is the difference between Taiwanese sausage and Chinese sausage (lap cheong)? The main difference is the preparation method and texture. Taiwanese sausage (xiang chang) is a fresh, raw sausage that must be grilled or fried. The result is juicy and firm. Chinese sausage (lap cheong) is a dried, cured sausage that is harder and sweeter. It is usually steamed and then sliced to be used in dishes like fried rice or glutinous rice.
2. What is the best way to cook Taiwanese sausage? For a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, grilling or pan-frying over medium heat is the recommended method. Turn the sausages regularly for 12-15 minutes until they are fully cooked (internal temperature of at least 75°C / 165°F). An air fryer is also an excellent option. Some people make shallow diagonal cuts in the sausages before cooking to allow the heat to penetrate better and make the outside extra crispy.
3. Should I thaw frozen sausages first? This depends on the specific product. Always consult the instructions on the packaging. For example, the La Wei Ju Original Flavour can be cooked directly from frozen. The varieties with glutinous rice or cheese typically recommend thawing the sausages completely in the refrigerator first to ensure even cooking.
Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer
Our recommendations are based on product information and specifications and are intended to help you make an informed choice.
