It only goes on sale in the evening!* Try this unnamed “Rice Ball Soup” in Taichung for an authentic old-school taste

Text and photos byFeitian Xuan

When my friends found out I was going to Qingshui, they recommended this “Rice Ball Soup.” After asking my mom Xuanma’s opinion, she immediately said, “Yes!” You’d understand if you knew our whole three-generation family is obsessed with rice balls!*

It’s said that there are many shops selling rice ball soup in Qingshui, but they operate at different hours—so you can enjoy it both in the morning and evening!* This one on Guangfu Street doesn’t open until the evening. It was pouring rain in Qingshui that day, which was a bit inconvenient for us parents bringing kids along. But after trying several local snacks in Qingshui, we found the people here really genuine and warm-hearted, which eased my frustration!*

We arrived just as they started serving. There was one table of customers outside, and we were the only guests inside.*

I originally thought it only sold savory rice balls, but we were so happy to find sweet ones too!*

Rice Ball Soup – $??, I forgot how much one bowl costs!* XD*

Each bowl comes with six rice balls—they’re perfectly round and plump, looking snow-white and super tempting!*

The wrapper isn’t too thick, and the filling is made of pork and crispy fried shallots. The rice balls are soft, bouncy, and chewy, while the broth isn’t overly heavy and has a lovely aroma of fried shallots and celery. The overall combination is simple yet delicious—it’s truly traditional old-school flavor!*

Sweet Rice Balls – $??. Again, I forgot the price of this bowl!* XD*

The owner said we could choose three toppings, but I think I picked four—I just wanted a little bit of everything, though I was worried it might turn into a mishmash!*

Did you notice the different toppings in the three bowls? Here’s the funny thing: I originally just ordered one bowl of sweet rice balls for Xuanma, me, and Little Cherry to share. But once Little Cherry saw the rice balls, she completely hogged the bowl, refusing to let it out of her sight—even clutching it with both hands. Xuanma took one look and said, “Let’s just order two more bowls then—everyone gets their own and enjoys it!”*

And so, the three of us ended up eating four bowls of rice balls (including the savory ones). I really love these cylindrical white rice balls—they’ve got that classic old-school vibe, and the toppings (peanuts, red beans, green beans, taro, and sticky rice | also very generous!*

This “Qingshui Rice Ball Soup” on Guangfu Street—whether savory or sweet—we loved it all!* Plus, they sell uncooked rice balls you can boil at home!* Who knew Qingshui had such a delicious traditional snack as rice ball soup, aside from its famous rice cakes!*

Qingshui Rice Ball Soup
Address: No. 22, Guangfu Street, Qingshui District, Taichung City
Phone: (04)2662-3067; (04)2623-6446
Business Hours: 17:00–23:00

Feitian Xuan
I record the joys and sorrows of my life—food, fun, and everything in between—with a lighthearted touch"?
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