Echoing the Taipei Universiade (World University Games)! A restaurant famous for its eight-color soup dumplings unveils “Taiwan Black Bear-Shaped Dumplings”

Reported by Hu Shaofu / Taipei

Renowned for its eight-color soup dumplings, Ruentian Imperial Court has introduced its independently developed unique flavor, the “Taiwan Black Bear-Shaped Dumplings,” this summer. With their distinctive appearance—enhanced by edible bamboo charcoal and handcrafted by skilled dim sum chefs—the dumplings pay homage to this summer’s Universiade sports event. The shop hopes to lead the way with this super kawaii “Imperial Black Bear Dumpling” and roll out a series of refreshing new summer items that match the season’s vibe.

▲One serving of the Imperial Black Bear Dumplings includes three pieces, priced at NT$118. (Photo / Provided by Ruentian Imperial Court)

Having been open in Taiwan for over a year, Ruentian Imperial Court has built its reputation on the eight-color soup dumplings. This summer, coinciding with the Universiade in Taipei, the head chef drew inspiration from the Universiade mascot, the Taiwan black bear. Using a golden ratio to craft the filling of the flowable custard dumpling and skillfully shaping it by hand into the likeness of the Universiade mascot, “Brownie the Bear,” the result is not only visually stunning but also delivers a sweet yet non-greasy taste, with a silky-smooth custard filling that bursts in your mouth—making it a seasonal must-try delicacy.

In addition to the Imperial Black Bear Dumplings, which are a major highlight—priced at NT$118 for a set of three and offering great value—there are three other summer appetizers and dim sum items designed to whet the appetite during the hot season. These include chilled bitter melon with osmanthus honey, spicy seafood cold noodles, and a refreshing pear and boat-fruited sterculia dessert that soothes the throat and cools down the heat.

▲The chilled bitter melon with osmanthus honey is made with premium locally grown bitter melon from Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by Ruentian Imperial Court)

Chilled Bitter Melon with Osmanthus Honey – NT$135
Selected from high-quality seasonal bitter melon grown by local Taiwanese farmers, the melon is shredded, soaked, and chilled to remove bitterness. Tossed with the restaurant’s specially prepared osmanthus honey, it not only eliminates the bitterness but also offers a refreshing, crisp texture—a healthy and guilt-free cold dish.

▲Spicy Seafood Cold Noodles are based on bold Sichuan flavors such as boiled fish and spicy wontons. (Photo / Provided by Ruentian Imperial Court)

Spicy Seafood Cold Noodles – NT$235
Taiwanese-style spicy cold noodles are a fiercely competitive dish, with each eatery offering its own signature flavor. Ruentian Imperial Court’s version uses a well-loved spicy base inspired by popular dishes like boiled fish and spicy wontons to craft its noodle sauce. Tossed with wood ear mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts, shrimp, and jellyfish, the seafood flavors remind diners that summer has arrived.

▲Ruentian Imperial Court puts a creative twist on the classic pear and boat-fruited sterculia drink. (Photo / Provided by Ruentian Imperial Court)

Pear and Boat-Fruited Sterculia – NT$78
Traditionally a KTV staple, boat-fruited sterculia gets a creative upgrade from the chefs at Ruentian Imperial Court with the addition of pears, water chestnuts, and rock sugar. It becomes the perfect post-meal, throat-soothing, and cooling dessert—making it the ideal finale to any meal.

Ruentian Imperial Court Taiwan
Address: Breeze XinYi Store, No. 68, Section 5, Zhongxiao East Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02 2722 6545
Business Hours: Sunday–Wednesday 11:00–21:30, Thursday–Saturday 11:00–22:00