In Taipei, standing in line has become a statement. More than just a way to buy something, Taipei’s queue craze is now a full-blown lifestyle trend.
Young people, families, and influencers alike are lining up for hours. They’re chasing limited-edition goods, viral eats, and shared moments that end in dopamine-fueled satisfaction. In fact, in today’s Taipei, the line is the destination.
Unlike in the past, people aren’t just waiting out of necessity. They’re doing it for fun, status, and the thrill of discovery. Whether it’s donuts, tech launches, or pop culture pop-ups, lines draw attention, and people crave attention.
Moreover, this social shift mirrors similar scenes in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. However, in Taiwan, the energy feels more playful than competitive. Taipei’s queue craze taps into a lighter, feel-good form of FOMO.
One striking example is A-Ken’s GooDonuts, just steps from Taipei Main Station. The veteran celebrity opened a minimalist shop selling gourmet donuts with rich fillings. But beyond the taste, it’s not just the flavors pulling crowds — it’s the hype.
A-Ken teases new products on Instagram, only opens in the afternoon, and keeps the staff to a bare minimum. As a result, wait times often stretch past 90 minutes. Customers know it, yet even so, they still show up in droves.
In many cases, the queue becomes the experience. Friends take selfies. Strangers bond. Influencers document their wait, knowing likes and shares will follow. And when that first bite comes, it tastes like victory.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Taipei, fans line up for Harry Potter-themed stores, night market treats, or the latest K-pop merchandise. The ritual remains the same: wait, post, enjoy, repeat.
Sometimes, people even join a line without knowing what it’s for. They trust the crowd. If there’s a line, it must be worth it. That’s the magic of Taipei’s queue craze — it feeds on itself.
By comparison, in Singapore, this behavior is called “kiasu,” the fear of losing out. People there pay others to wait in line or find ways to beat digital queues. In contrast, Taiwan’s version feels less cutthroat but just as driven by social energy.
Waiting, once dull and passive, now feels like part of a reward system. Essentially, you earn your prize by enduring the line. And when you finally get that exclusive donut or collectible, it’s proof that you were there — before it sold out, before it went viral.
Ultimately, Taipei’s queue craze is more than a trend. It’s a reflection of how urban life, social media, and consumer psychology are changing. In a city full of choices, the line has become a way to find meaning — and maybe even joy.
