When traveling in Changhua, try the local favorite “Beimenkou” for meatballs.

▲ When in Changhua, you must try the meatballs.

Photos and text by Badouyao

Speaking of Changhua, the most famous local snacks are rice with meat sauce and meatballs. There are many stalls selling meatballs in Changhua City, and among them, Lao Dan Azhang Meatballs gained even more popularity due to the movie “You Are the Apple of My Eye.” However, this time Badouyao isn’t introducing that one, but rather Beimenkou Meatballs, the locals’ favorite. Its outer crust is crispy while the inside is soft, and the filling is generous with meat — quite different from your average meatball.

▲ The flagship Beimenkou Meatball store is located on Zhongzheng Road.

If you search for Beimenkou Meatballs on Google Maps, you’ll find there are three branches. In fact, like many old establishments, they’ve branched out over time. The one with the prominent “Beimenkou Meatballs” sign on Zhongzheng Road is the flagship store, founded by the first-generation owner Tang Zunwu and has been around for over 60 years. It’s now managed by the third generation: the elder brother runs the shop in even-numbered months, while the younger brother takes over in odd-numbered months. If you go a second time and the owner looks different, don’t worry — it’s not because they’ve been replaced.


▲ The meatballs at Beimenkou flagship store.

The second Beimenkou Meatball branch is on Minsheng Road, established by another son of Tang Zunwu (referred to as “Uncle” by the third-generation owners of the flagship store). As for the one on Sanmin Road near the train station, it was started by the current third-generation owner’s sister. Also worth mentioning is the popular Ah San Meatballs, which was founded by Tang Zunwu’s daughter.

▲ The Beimenkou Meatballs on Minsheng Road are quite popular with locals.

The three Beimenkou stores and Ah San Meatballs all come from the same family roots, so their signature feature is that the meatballs are deep-fried at high temperatures after steaming, resulting in a uniquely crispy exterior and soft interior. The filling consists of pork thigh, mushrooms, and egg. As for which one tastes better, each has its own loyal fans. If you really want to pinpoint differences, it’s mainly in how each shop seasons their sauces. For example, the Minsheng Road Beimenkou Meatballs add black sesame to their sauce. If you get the chance, why not try them all?

Beimenkou Meatballs (Zhongzheng Road Flagship Store)
Address: No. 494, Section 1, Zhongzheng Road, Changhua City, Changhua County
Phone: 04-722 9980
Business hours: 11 AM to 7:30 PM (may close earlier on holidays if sold out)
Price: Small meatball: NT$35, Large meatball: NT$70

Beimenkou Meatballs (Minsheng Road Branch)
Address: No. 315, Minsheng Road, Changhua City
Phone: 04-7227245
Business hours: 11 AM to 7 PM
Price: Small meatball: NT$35, Large meatball: NT$70

Beimenkou Meatballs (Sanmin Road Branch)
Address: No. 34, Sanmin Road, Changhua City
Phone: 0921-788-494
Business hours: 11 AM until sold out
Price: Small meatball: NT$35, Large meatball: NT$70

Ah San Meatballs
Address: No. 242, Sanmin Road, Changhua City
Phone: 04-7240095
Business hours: 11 AM to 7 PM
Price: Small meatballs: 35 RMB, Large meatballs: 70 RMB