The key to making glutinous rice balls even more enticing lies in the caramel — an exclusive recipe not for sale.

Text & photos byXiao Sheng

　The caramel in these authentic glutinous rice balls from Hualien is undeniably sweet, yet that captivating aroma is simply irresistible. I had thought the "Five Tyrants" caramel glutinous rice balls were already delicious enough, but the authentic version offers a taste that’s truly astonishing. It’s the only ice dessert that left me wanting to order another bowl.

This authentic glutinous rice ball specialty shop on Hualien’s Bo’ai Street is actually located right next to the famous "Five Tyrants" caramel glutinous rice ball store. At first, I thought this purple-signboard shop was related to the one in Luodong, but a friend clarified that Hualien’s shop is completely different. Why do so many glutinous rice ball shops use purple signs and cause confusion?

I visited the authentic glutinous rice ball shop twice. The first time, in the evening, the place was packed beyond belief, though still nowhere near as crowded as "Five Tyrants." Even with a long line, the turnover was quite fast, so I didn’t have to wait too long before getting a seat.

　This shop serves one of the earliest versions of glutinous rice balls, even predating the "Five Tyrants." The walls covered in customer graffiti and traces of media coverage show just how popular this authentic spot is. However, its crowd has now been completely overshadowed by the neighboring "Caramel Five Tyrants" glutinous rice balls XD.

The glutinous rice balls are served with ice separated to preserve texture, then drizzled with generous amounts of condensed milk and caramel — an incredibly tempting sight. Dine-in customers can enjoy free refills of both caramel and condensed milk, which led me to develop my own way of eating them. The first bite of the authentic caramel blew me away; although the condensed milk was a bit too sweet, the deep, slightly bitter richness of the caramel aroma was what captivated me most. So, unlike typical shaved ice, I eat the authentic glutinous rice balls by starting with the top layer. Once I finish the caramel ice on top, I add more caramel and condensed milk to the clear ice underneath. That caramel-condensed milk combo is just too irresistible.

In addition to glutinous rice balls, the dish also includes taro balls. On my first visit, I tried the taro balls, and on the second, I opted for just the glutinous rice balls. The taro and sweet potato balls had a firm, springy texture — decent quality overall. As for the glutinous rice balls, this shop doesn’t offer multiple fillings like "Five Tyrants" does; they serve only the classic version. The balls are smooth and tender, and when paired with the ice, they offer a delightful contrast of chewy outside and soft inside, perfectly complementing the rich caramel flavor — this is the soul of the glutinous rice balls.

The authentic caramel glutinous rice balls remain one of those unforgettable flavors I still crave to this day — even more than those from "Five Tyrants." While the high sweetness might not appeal to everyone, the caramel itself is unbeatable. Surprisingly, after finishing, I actually felt tempted to go for a second bowl XD. But after considering my weight, I decided to come back the next day. A friend, after finishing theirs, even wanted to buy some caramel from the owner — but was turned down because the owner said it was painstakingly made and not for sale. So, if you want to taste this amazing caramel, you’ll have to visit the authentic caramel glutinous rice ball shop in Hualien. Between the two shops, I think each has its unique strengths, both excellent in their own right. But while "Five Tyrants" wins in creativity, this place’s caramel-making skill is truly the result of authentic, hard-earned craftsmanship.
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Authentic Caramel Glutinous Rice Ball Specialty Shop
Address: No. 163, Bo’ai Street, Hualien City
Phone: (03) 833 3238
Business Hours: 11:00–23:30

Xiao Sheng’s Wandering Journey

Every journey, every trip is a pursuit — though I’m not always sure what I’m seeking, what I ultimately gain often exceeds my expectations. And so, my wandering journey will continue onward, without end.