New Afternoon Tea Option in Taoyuan: Specialty Japanese Grilled Rice Ball Shop

Text & Photos /Little Paine

This Japanese-inspired spot called "Hiyori," recommended by a friend, is a small shop specializing in Japanese rice balls. The space isn’t tiny, but the menu is simple, leaning toward a light meal concept. Served on Japanese-style trays, their hand-pressed and grilled rice balls have a uniquely Japanese-Taiwanese flair with a refined touch. Prices average around NT$150 per item, all à la carte with no combo meals. It’s a great choice for those who just want a little something to eat. Plus, it’s just a two-minute walk to Slow Kitchen (a well-known Taoyuan eatery), making for a lovely food trail — grab a bite here and then head over for dessert.

Located at No. 1, Minfu 3rd Street. If you’re on a motorcycle, you might squeeze through the small lanes from Daye Road, but if you’re driving a car, you must enter via "Fuyuan Street" to get to Minfu 3rd Street.

It seems they offer a daily limited flavor menu. Today, there's a grilled rice ball option～～

The storefront at the triangular window space is spacious with great natural lighting, making it a very comfortable place to hang out.

The tables are also spaced quite far apart, creating a dining environment that doesn’t feel cramped at all.

There’s only one set of sofa seats available.

Simple self-service water station.

The kitchen in the back looks pretty spacious too, with a large chalkboard displaying the menu by hand.

The server also brought over an order form and the menu.

The detailed Hiyori menu is shown in the photo above. These are the regular offerings, while daily specials are written on the blackboard by the entrance. The standard rice balls here are hand-pressed and not grilled. The grilled ones are part of the special menu for the day.

I went with the daily special.Miso Glazed Grilled Rice Ball, NT$150, comes with soup.

Radish Soup, simmered for a long time, but light in flavor — not overly salty.

Main course arrived — two triangular grilled rice balls served with two side dishes and a side salad.

The basic sesame sauce on the lettuce was refreshing and not too heavy.

That said, the use of bitter melon in the sides… well… I think many people aren’t fans of bitter melon. It might be better to use more widely loved ingredients. I personally couldn’t eat it at all and had to pass it to my friend. (So that side dish instantly became a no-go for me.)

The onion scrambled eggs were more like comfort food — mom’s cooking style.

But let’s talk about the star — the grilled rice ball. Please note, the regular rice balls on the menu are not grilled.

Since they’re grilled, there was a short wait, but they’re quite large — much bigger than convenience store versions.

The sauce was generously applied. With one bite, the outside had a crispy yet sticky texture, almost like crispy rice crust. Despite the thickness, the inside was piping hot. I thought it was really delicious. The rice balls were also well-seasoned with furikake. Overall, a great treat.

Bacon-Wrapped Rice Roll, NT$150

This portion is no less substantial than two triangular rice balls.

The bacon used at Hiyori is pretty good — thick cuts and not too fatty.

German Sausage Hot Sandwich, NT$150

Made with four slices of bread, shaped into two little boxes.

Packed with tons of fillings — super hearty.

Since it's grilled hot, the melted cheese and sauce become all runny—you have to eat it quickly before the crispy toast box softens. I think it’s delicious because there’s plenty of fresh ingredients.

My friend ordered Earl Grey tea; they use TWG here, and a pot costs 160.

まいにち。日和
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/mainichibiyori?fref=ts
Address: No. 1, Minfu 3rd St., Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City (motorcycles can use the small alley; cars should enter via Fuyuan 3rd St., opposite Lane 136, Fuyuan St.)
Phone: (03)335-7734
Business hours: 10:00 - 20:00. Opens earlier at 09:00 on weekends (closed on Tuesdays)
Coordinates: 25.005622, 121.318049
 

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