Local’s hidden gem in Miaoli: “Yuanli Pan-Fried Dumplings” with a quirky charm

Text & photos byXiaosheng’s Wandering Journey

These unassuming pan-fried dumplings come in irregular shapes and sizes, served at a humble storefront with an easygoing owner and a hidden deliciousness,

Thanks to a friend, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Yuanli, introducing many of its local specialties along the way. Yet there was one snack my friend had known about all along but never mentioned—until one day, after trying it, they couldn’t stop raving about it. That’s when I decided to introduce this little shop—it’s called Yuanli Pan-Fried Dumplings.

This pan-fried dumpling shop in Yuanli has no flashy sign; the simple “Yuanli Pan-Fried Dumplings” sign out front says it all. But every time I visit Yuanli, there’s always a long line out front, mostly locals coming to buy these dumplings—not for anything else, just to enjoy their delicious taste. The shop is located on Xinyi Road in Yuanli Town, not far from the train station or Yuanli Market, making it very convenient to walk to.

Yuanli Pan-Fried Dumplings have a nickname. Out front, the two owners are busy wrapping dumplings. With such a long queue, they wrap at lightning speed—but the result of that speed? The dumplings are honestly pretty ugly. When I asked if they could wrap them a bit neater, the owner casually replied, “They just need to be wrapped well enough to fry.” What a funny answer, XD.

Because the owner wraps the dumplings so casually, the shop has earned a reputation for making “haphazardly wrapped dumplings.” Just Google “haphazardly wrapped dumplings,” and you’ll easily find this place.

Fresh off the pan, if you didn’t know what these were, their otherworldly, shriveled appearance would make it hard to connect them with pan-fried dumplings.

Pan-Fried Dumplings (NT$5 each). At five dollars apiece, the price is pretty standard. I usually buy ten at a time and feast on them. The hallmark of Yuanli Pan-Fried Dumplings is their flat shape. Though they may not look appealing, the flavor leaves everyone who tries them wanting more.

Though flat, these dumplings are incredibly crispy once fried—crispy like crackers—and are the crispiest pan-fried dumplings I’ve ever had. The wrappers also have a nice chew to them, offering both crunch and texture. The filling is surprisingly generous despite the dumplings’ flatness, bursting with the aroma of chives that’s both flavorful and addictive.

Also, these dumplings are best enjoyed with the shop’s chili sauce—it complements the flavor perfectly. The sauce isn’t very spicy, but it enhances the taste of the dumplings. That’s why I fell in love with these dumplings after just one bite, and now I make sure to visit every time I’m in Yuanli to satisfy my cravings. If you’re ever in Yuanli, give these uniquely haphazardly wrapped pan-fried dumplings a try.

Yuanli Pan-Fried Dumplings (Haphazardly Wrapped Dumplings)
Address: No. 2-6, Xinyi Road, Yuanli Township, Miaoli County
Phone: (037) 860-639

Xiaosheng’s Wandering Journey 
Every journey, every trip is about seeking something—even if I’m not entirely sure what. But in the end, I gain more than I ever imagined. So my wandering journey will continue endlessly.