Boss, bring me a plate of Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings and Time Soup — an industrial-chic pan-fried dumpling shop in Taichung

▲Originating from Changhua, One Nine Eight Eight Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings opened a shop in Taichung at the end of 2015. With its creative dish names and delicious meals, it has become a popular IG-worthy local eatery, attracting many visitors for a pilgrimage. (Photo / courtesy of netizen IG jia.gourmet.adventure Provided, no arbitrary reproduction, to avoid copyright infringement)

Reported by Wei Jinyun / Compiled by HowToTrip

It’s not strange to hear of cabbage pan-fried dumplings, kimchi pan-fried dumplings, or chive pan-fried dumplings, but what about “Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings”? Located in Taichung, One Nine Eight Eight Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings may serve common pan-fried dumplings and fried dumplings, but its incredibly creative dish names — whether it’s the featured pan-fried dumplings, fried dumplings, side dishes, or soups — each comes with an ultra-inventive name that will definitely leave you guessing what’s actually in your bite before you take it.

One Nine Eight Eight, which opened in Taichung at the end of 2015, originated from an inconspicuous food stall on Zhonghua Road, Beidou, Changhua. It is now the popular Zhonghua Pan-Fried Dumplings in Changhua. Established in 1988, the owner's child opened a branch on Zhongmei Street near Qimei Green Park in Taichung at the end of 2015, hoping to share this nostalgic taste that accompanied their growth with more people.

▲Unlike the simple decor of regular pan-fried dumpling shops, One Nine Eight Eight features an industrial-style design with a trendy vibe, making eating pan-fried dumplings feel like enjoying a refined meal. (Photo / courtesy of netizen IG jing0627 Provided, no arbitrary reproduction, to avoid copyright infringement, the same applies below)

The interior of One Nine Eight Eight near the seating area uses wooden panels to create a wall surface, and the dining tables even have table numbers printed directly on them, making them very eye-catching; the other side, the work area wall, uses exposed concrete techniques, giving the overall space a light industrial style. The décor is simple, bright, and modern, allowing diners to enjoy traditional Chinese noodles and pan-fried dumplings with a cool, trendy twist.

A must-order, the Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings, are actually your typical pork-flavored ones — a serving of seven pieces. The freshly pan-fried dumplings have a golden crust that tempts you to take a big bite. The hearty filling lets you taste the tenderness of the pork and the sweet juiciness of the broth. The unique Lovers Fried Dumplings offer a rare Japanese-style takoyaki flavor, with a specially made mayonnaise paired with Japanese bonito flakes and a sprinkle of seaweed — a super novel way to challenge your taste buds.

▲Imperial Fried Dumplings, 80 TWD, are kimchi-flavored, with eight pieces per serving, offering a tangy and spicy kick. Each dish not only has a great name, but the flavors are also extraordinary.

The essential sour and spicy soup and corn chowder for pan-fried dumplings transform into Time Soup and Longing Soup at One Nine Eight Eight, loaded with ingredients, and a huge bowl is just 38 TWD. Emerald Chicken, As-Is Pickles (Taiwanese-style pickles), and Until-the-End-of-Time Seaweed Roots (cold mixed kelp roots) are also must-order side dishes, with Emerald Chicken being almost a staple at every table — practically the shop’s signature dish.

▲Emerald Chicken 〈top right〉, 158 TWD, unlike common bone-in chicken, One Nine Eight Eight uses boneless chicken,while also adding scallion oil and white pepper for flavor,resulting in a sweet, cool taste with crispy skin and tender meat.

▲Time (Sour and Spicy) Soup 〈middle〉 contains tofu, egg drop, shredded carrots, shredded bamboo shoots, and chopped scallions, with a sweet and smooth broth; Longing (Corn Chowder) Soup 〈bottom〉 includes egg drop, ham, and corn kernels, with a thick, rich-tasting soup. Both are 38 TWD. (Photo / courtesy of netizen IG saaaa_sa_h Provided, no arbitrary reproduction, to avoid copyright infringement)

In food-filled Taichung, the struggle isn’t about having no good food, but rather having too much to choose from. The next time you’re in doubt, why not head to One Nine Eight Eight, order a plate of Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings, and pair it with a bowl of Time Soup?

▲Besides the Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings, the noodle dishes are also quite popular, including Dashing Beef Noodles 〈left〉,158 TWD, with options of Chinese noodles or udon;Sea of Dumplings (Wonton) Noodles〈right〉, _eating_girl 98 TWD. (Photo / courtesy of netizen IG

One Nine Eight Eight Soulful Pan-Fried Dumplings
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Address: No. 402, Zhongmei Street, West District, Taichung City
Phone: 0906-541-988
Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:30