Hidden street food gems in Fengjia Night Market: traditional Puli rice cakes

“Fengjia Puli Rice Cake” is tucked away in the alleys of Fengjia Tourist Night Market. (Photo by Lu Jinzu)

The Fengjia commercial district in Taichung has long been a hotspot for street food and international cuisines, but the “Fengjia Puli Rice Cake Snack Shop,” hidden in the lanes, is a budget-friendly favorite among local Fengjia University students and residents. Now, even tourists have caught on. The classic tube-shaped rice cakes are not steamed too soft; they have a slightly savory flavor, with glutinous rice grains remaining distinct and delightfully chewy. Many alumni, now married with kids, still bring their families back to relive the taste of these beloved rice cakes.

Opened since 1988, “Fengjia Puli Tube Rice Cake” is a 30-year-old establishment in the Fengjia commercial area. The snack shop’s sign is located in North First Alley, Yongxin Lane, Wenhua Road, Xitun District, drawing in many local foodies from “down the alleys” to enjoy this affordable treat.

The rice cakes at “Fengjia Puli Tube Rice Cake” are generously topped with marinated pork, yet they’re not greasy at all. A dash of chili sauce makes the rice cake even more flavorful. Some customers can’t resist eating two rice cakes in one go and still wish for more.

Rice cakes pair perfectly with a bowl of soup. Each serving of soup is made fresh daily with only the freshest ingredients. The signature traditional soups include pork rib soup, taro pork rib soup, bitter melon pork rib soup, and four-ingredient soup, among nearly 10 varieties. The taro and bitter melon melt in your mouth, while the pork ribs soak up the broth. Diners can’t stop praising them.

This long-standing rice cake shop in Fengjia Night Market sees many visitors who, aside from enjoying famous snacks, make sure to duck into the alleys for a rice cake to fully satisfy their cravings.

“We’re so sorry—those who didn’t get any, please come earlier tomorrow!” To avoid customers making a wasted trip, the owner of “Fengjia Puli Tube Rice Cake” thoughtfully posts updates on the shop’s stock on Facebook. Sometimes, by 9 p.m., the soups are all sold out. Especially during these recent cold fronts, a warm bowl of soup not only warms the stomach but also the whole body.