2. Sanliu Yuanzi Shop
Recommended: Red Bean Mixed Balls, Roasted Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls
Located next to Longshan Temple MRT Station, "Sanliu Yuanzi Shop" is a local seventy-year-old establishment now managed by the third generation. Their popular menu item is the traditional mixed sweet soup filled with generous portions of taro, lotus seeds, yuanxiao, mochi balls, red beans, and peanuts — hearty and sweet without being cloying. Additionally, the classic red and white small yuanxiao, served with the shop’s homemade red bean soup and peanut soup, offer a chewy and satisfying texture, making them a best-seller. While some shops only serve red bean and peanut soups in winter, Sanliu Yuanzi Shop offers them all year round.
■ Business Hours: Daily 8:30 AM–9:30 PM
■ Phone: 02-2306-3765
■ Address: No. 92, Sanshui St., Wanhua District, Taipei City
■ Website: Sanliu Yuanzi Shop Facebook
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3. Tsai Wanxing Old Shop
Recommended: Osmanthus Fermented Glutinous Rice Balls, Sesame Balls
Tsai Wanxing Old Shop is a renowned sweet taro ball spot located near Taipei’s Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an area with a strong presence of mainland Chinese immigrants. This shop, specializing in Jiangsu-Zhejiang dim sum and Shanghai cuisine, has become a popular destination thanks to its Huzhou zongzi, vegetable and meat wontons, osmanthus glutinous rice balls, and Shanghai-style rice. Operating for over 60 years in Taiwan, it
■ Business hours: 11:30–14:00, 17:00–21:00 (closed on Mondays)
■ Phone: 02-2351-0848
■ Address: No. 118, Section 1, Heping West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
■ Official website: Cai Wanxing Old Shop Facebook
4. Shuanglian Yuanzi Soup
Recommended: Grilled Sesame Balls, Red Bean Glutinous Rice Balls
Taipei’s Shuanglian Yuanzi Soup has a history of over sixty years as a local institution. Loved not only by locals but also sought after by tourists, this long-standing shop emphasizes natural, health-conscious, and body-friendly eating. It continuously strives to develop products that cater to modern tastes. With one bite into their glutinous rice balls, the rich and moist filling bursts out, while the chewy yet tender skin delivers a heartwarming flavor that’s truly unforgettable. The shop also serves grilled sesame balls—chewy without being sticky, making them especially satisfying in winter. Shuanglian Yuanzi Soup also offers online shopping and delivery services, with frozen options available for home delivery, so you can enjoy them even when it’s too cold to go out.
■ Business hours: Daily 10:30–22:00
■ Phone: 02-2559-7595
■ Address: No. 136, Minsheng West Road, Datong District, Taipei City
■ Official website: Shuanglian Yuanzi Soup
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5. Zhengjiang Hao
Recommended: Red Bean & Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls, Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls, Peanut Glutinous Rice Balls
Zhengjiang Hao is a Taipei snack spot with over thirty years of history, located near the National Chengchi University Public Enterprise Center and Tamkang University’s urban campus. Originally starting as an ice cream and fruit specialty store, it gradually expanded its menu to include chicken noodle soup, fish cakes, and glutinous rice balls. For over three decades, it has delighted customers with its nostalgic flavors. The handmade glutinous rice balls are filled with savory, aromatic mixtures, using round glutinous rice made in traditional ways—resulting in a tender yet bouncy skin. In addition to enjoying warm, comforting glutinous rice balls during the Lantern Festival, you can also savor their affordable and generous icy treats in summer. No wonder it enjoys such widespread fame.
■ Business hours: 11:00–20:00 (Closed on Sundays)
■ Phone: 02-2395-2109
■ Address: No. 109, Section 2, Jinshan South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
■ Official website: Zhengjiang Hao Facebook
6. Bayong Yuanzi Tang (Eight Houses Glutinous Ball Soup)
Recommended: Wine Lees Egg Sesame Balls, Wine Lees Egg Peanut Balls
Taipei’s Bayong Yuanzi Tang is a time-honored eatery with over 30 years of history. Its signature Wine Lees Egg Sesame Balls are an absolute crowd-pleaser. The glutinous balls have a soft yet chewy exterior, paired with a sweet and tangy broth. The sesame filling is rich and aromatic, and each bowl typically comes with four sesame balls—very satisfying. It's a must-visit spot for glutinous balls during the Lantern Festival. Over 90% of customers come specifically for the Wine Lees Egg Sesame Balls, which speaks volumes about its charm.
■ Business hours: 15:00–00:00
■ Phone: 02-2332-9617
■ Address: No. 20, Lane 309, Section 2, Zhonghua Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
■ Official website: Bayong Yuanzi Tang
We’ve introduced so many great glutinous ball shops—do you have a favorite? Grab your family and friends and go enjoy some glutinous balls together. But even though they’re delicious, be careful not to choke, and try not to eat while watching TV or doing other things. Elderly people and children should eat them with someone nearby to avoid accidents. When the weather gets cold and you’re craving something sweet, head out for some glutinous balls right away.
[Authorized reprint from FunTime Travel Recommendations | Original article: “Taipei Glutinous Ball Recommendations – A Special Hunt for Taipei’s Super-Delicious Glutinous Ball Shops!”]
Executive Editor: Hovis
Proofreading Editor: Reese