Freshwater Fish Ball DIY Tour – Learn More About Taiwan’s Marine Culture Through the Activity

▲ The museum displays many important specimens of Taiwan’s fisheries.

Reported and photographed by Chen Ruizhong, reporter / New Taipei

When walking through Tamsui Old Street, besides browsing the stalls and sampling snacks, there’s also“Fuyou Temple”on Zhongzheng Road, which is worth a visit.

As the temple is dedicated to Mazu, it is also referred to by locals as Tamsui Mazu Temple. Since its completion in 1796, it has a history of over 200 years and preserves complete religious and historical artifacts. The solemn and tranquil interior offers a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of Tamsui Old Street, making it an ideal spot for tourists to find peace and reflection.

▲ Fuyou Temple on Zhongzheng Road has a history of over 200 years.

On Zhongzheng Road in front of Fuyou Temple, there are many shops selling traditional Tamsui delicacies, whether it’s iron eggs, a-gei, fish balls, grilled quail eggs, or fried shrimp rolls, all can be savored in detail.

And right across from Fuyou Temple, there’s a branch ofDengfeng Fish Ballsthat’s always bustling with visitors. This unassuming fish ball shop is not only a time-honored establishment in Tamsui but also an educational tourist factory.

▲ The founding purpose of the Dengfeng Fish Ball Museum is to help the public understand Taiwan’s fishing industry through fun and educational methods.

Lin Guofeng, the director of Dengfeng Fish Ball Museum, mentioned that the “Weixiang Fish Ball Shop,” which opened next to Fuyou Temple in the 1950s, was the predecessor of Dengfeng Fish Balls.

Lin revealed that in the past, due to the abundant catch in Tamsui, fishermen, not wanting to waste any part of their haul, developed many ways to prepare fish. Among these, “fish crackers” made from fish meat and bones gradually became a representative food of Tamsui. Early versions ofTamsui fish balls, made using shark, were also ranked alongside Kaohsiung swordfish balls, Tainan milkfish balls, and Nanfang’ao swordfish head fish balls as the “Four Great Fish Balls of Taiwan.”。

▲ The Four Great Fish Balls of Taiwan: Kaohsiung swordfish balls, Tainan milkfish balls, Nanfang’ao swordfish head fish balls, and Tamsui fish balls.

After years of operation, Lin deeply realized that although Taiwan is an island nation, the public’s understanding of marine culture remains limited. Therefore, Dengfeng Fish Balls earnestly hopes to use rich and interesting themes to help more people learn about Taiwan’s marine environment and fish species, and through the passing down of experience, encourage the next generation to take seriously the attitude of their ancestors coexisting with the sea.

▲ The fish ball DIY experience allows children to learn while they eat. (Photo / Reporter Sun Yaozhang)

Therefore, in 2005, Dengfeng Fish Balls established the “Dengfeng Fish Ball Museum,” becoming Taiwan’s first museum themed around fish balls. In addition to housing a wealth of fishing knowledge, the museum also offers DIY courses such as fish ball making and shark ball making. In 2010, the production area was transformed into the “Dengfeng Fish Ball Factory Museum,” where visitors can experience firsthand how fish balls are made, allowing them to both enjoy the activity and gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s marine culture.

▲ A better understanding of the ocean naturally leads to greater care for Taiwan’s marine environment.

Lin stated that in addition to the currently group-only DIY courses, the museum also provides plenty of marine education information and welcomes family visits, making a trip to Tamsui even more educational.

▲ The Dengfeng Fish Ball Museum – Main Branch in Tamsui Old Street.

Visiting Information:

Dengfeng Fish Ball Museum – Old Street Branch (Tamsui Old Street)
Address: No. 117, Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Tel: (02) 2629-3312

Dengfeng Fish Ball Museum – Factory Branch (Tourist Factory)
Address: 8F, No. 43, Lane 3, Section 1, Zhongzheng East Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
TEL: (02) 2625-3312