Autumn has arrived — come to the Luodong Night Market and order a warm bowl of red bean soup with glutinous rice balls, packed with generous toppings!

Text and photos byOrange Dog Loves Candy

‘Take it as it comes and go with the flow’ — I don’t think this is a travel style many would enjoy, but often such spontaneity leads to unexpected surprises. Would you call this way of traveling fulfilling? I quite enjoy this impromptu style of trip planning — at least it keeps things relaxed. This short trip to Yilan continued in the same vein, and one day I suddenly decided to visit the Luodong Night Market, a must-go spot every time I’m in Yilan.

It was already past nine in the evening, and I was still worrying about where to park when I happened to catch sight of steaming hot red bean soup through the car window. Most shops on Zhongzheng Street had already closed their metal shutters, except for this one — 【Luodong Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls】 — which still had its little lights on. Five or six foreigners gathered around the stall, sipping red bean soup and taking photos, catching my attention, and I couldn’t help but go over and order a bowl myself.

【Luodong Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls】 isn’t exactly an eye-catching name, but the steam and aroma rising from the bubbling pot of red beans were enticing. Apparently, they’ve been selling this for over forty years — quite a long time for a family-run shop.

But twenty years of simmering this single bowl of red bean soup have also meant twenty years of youth slipping away. No matter how many years pass, it’s still a kind of dedication. Originally, there was no shop name, but customers asked for one, so they put up a sign. Still, it’s hidden under the sunshade and hard to see.

You could say the boss really tries to keep a low profile, but once you taste the deliciousness, I doubt they can stay low-key for long XDD  A notice commonly seen these days is stuck on the wall: ‘Due to rising prices, prices will be adjusted to NT$35 starting [Month] [Day].’

Price hikes have almost become so common that they’re hardly noticeable, but this price still feels quite reasonable. However, in recent years, the rising housing and commodity prices in Yilan driven by tourism haven’t been too welcome among locals.

The shop only sells three items: 【Red Bean Soup, Glutinous Rice Ball Soup, and Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls】. In addition to hot options, you can also get them served as shaved ice.

There are just two big pots on the cart, constantly steaming away — one with red bean soup and the other with hot glutinous rice balls. Though it’s autumn, the weather wasn’t particularly cool that day. Plus, I had originally come to the Luodong Night Market planning to have something cold, but somehow I got drawn to this stall. Even in the heat, I found myself craving a comforting bowl of warm red bean soup.

【Signature Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls / Hot / NT$35】
An old porcelain bowl is filled to the brim as the boss scoops out generously with a large ladle — a hearty portion of both red beans and glutinous rice balls on each side.

The whole bowl presents an inviting mix of red and white, with a pile of pearly white glutinous rice balls floating in the steam. Each scoop is generously filled. The red beans have a soft, slightly grainy texture like red bean paste, while the glutinous rice balls are soft and chewy with a nice bounce and stickiness.

They actually gave me over twenty glutinous rice balls — I’m not really sure if the boss counted them carefully XD  But the portion is definitely very generous, or maybe they were in a rush and just gave them out freely XDDD  (But I later checked other food blogs, and they’re all this generous!!!)

The broth is a bit sweet, but shouldn’t hot red bean soup be sweet? Everything tastes so simple, genuine, and just right. With this price and portion size, it’s truly a pity if you visit the Luodong Night Market and skip this bowl. It warms both the heart and the stomach.

I didn’t do any research before this trip to Yilan, so I had no idea this place even existed, though some people had shared it before. This red bean soup with glutinous rice balls only increased in price by NT$5 in September, but I think this price is quite reasonable for visitors. I won’t say it’s mind-blowingly amazing, but it’s definitely made with quality ingredients, honest and satisfying. After finishing a bowl, your heart and stomach are both warmed. With autumn and winter approaching, sitting on the little stool in front of the stall makes it feel especially cozy. If you’re heading to the Luodong Night Market, start your food adventure with a bowl of red bean soup before diving into your street food feast. Sharing my simple thoughts with everyone.

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◎ Shop info: [Luodong Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls, Luodong Night Market, Section 3, Zhongshan Road]
◎ Address: No. 180, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Luodong Township, Yilan County
◎ Phone: 03-954-8328
◎ Business hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
◎ Tip: Only scooters can park easily nearby; no parking available for cars
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