The tender and smooth texture of the authentic Fenyuan Traditional Meatballs is complemented by a savory and rich sauce that highlights the delicious filling.

Text & Photos /Nata

It’s rare to find someone visiting Fenyuan who hasn’t stepped into Miaodong Night Market (which actually opens during the day too). In fact, some tourists come here just for it. I’ve been in Fenyuan for about five years now, and I’ve pretty much tried all the well-known old shops and snacks here. Sometimes when Wei De and I can’t decide what to eat, we’ll still drop by. But I rarely venture in on weekends—the crowds are absolutely crazy.

There’s one place almost everyone eats at every visit—want to know which one?

Spot the retro tin teapot? Sharp-eyed visitors might have already guessed.

The answer is: the Authentic Old-Style Meatballs.

There are many places in Fenyuan that sell rice meatballs—like Xinjingshu, which I’ve introduced before, as well as Fengrong, Yoshimoto, and some lesser-known street vendors. After trying them all, I still have a soft spot for the Authentic Old-Style. I think it comes down to taste. While there are many delicious options, the Authentic Old-Style is arguably my favorite in Miaodong, rivaling even Yongfangting.

The shop isn’t big, and its appearance is said to have remained unchanged for decades.

There’s always a steady stream of both takeout and dine-in customers. This photo was taken just after the previous group of customers had finished paying and left.

They only serve two things: meatballs and pork ball soup.

Spicy meatballs
Their meatballs are deep-fried, but the outer skin isn’t crispy. It’s a bit oily and has a softer, smoother texture.

The filling consists of firm chunks of pork and crisp bamboo shoots, seasoned simply—it seems like they’re lightly marinated before being coated in batter. Overall, the sauce is the highlight. The rice-based sauce, spicy paste, and soy sauce are all richly savory, enhancing the tender meatball skin and fragrant filling.

Don’t rush to let the staff clean up the leftover sauce and oil at the bottom of the bowl—it’s a secret tip for insiders.

The iron kettle on the table holds a clear broth—I think it’s pork bone broth. The soup is light with delicate oil, and when you pour it into your leftover meatball bowl and mix it slightly, it transforms into a deliciously savory and silky meatball soup. A bowl of meatballs comes with soup, and this “two-in-one meatball experience” is loved not only by tourists but also often ordered by locals.

If you’re not used to the unique way of eating at the Authentic Old-Style, you might want to try their other signature dish—pork ball soup. The broth is infused with plenty of pepper for a strong kick and a faint hint of traditional Chinese herbs. The pork balls are unfilled, with some diced white radish added, but overall, I don’t find the soup particularly memorable. Whether you order it or not is really up to you.

In conclusion, the Authentic Old-Style may not be the absolute best rice meatball in the Fenyuan area, but its seasoning is quite impressive, hitting the flavor preferences of many. What’s your favorite snack from Miaodong? Share it with me!

Authentic Old-Style Meatballs
Phone: 04-2523-4833
Address: No. 2-6, Lane 167, Zhongzheng Road, Fenyuan District, Taichung City

Nata Not Messy
Enjoys being a stylish lifestyle enthusiast and cooking researcher