Taichung Retro Robot Lunchbox Bento with Handmade Tofu Pudding—Adorably Delicious!

Text and photos by /Feitian Xuan

This "Da Tie Dou Hua" is quite well-known in Taichung, and its specialty is serving tofu pudding in cute lunchboxes shaped like smiling faces—just looking at them can bring a smile to your face. According to the official website, Da Tie Dou Hua originated on Yongxing Street in Taichung and now has five branches in the city, with the newest "Zhongyou Branch" opening as recently as October 2016.

Da Tie Dou Hua is located at B3 of Block C in Zhongyou Department Store. Only after checking the official website did I learn that the reason it's called "Iron-Forged" Tofu Pudding is that the owner comes from a blacksmithing background... (pretty unique, right? XD) Anyway—Da Tie Dou Hua has consistently received great reviews online, which is why it has expanded and expanded and expanded... all the way to its fifth branch!

The sign at the entrance introduces the story of the shop, and one thing to note... the containers used for dine-in and takeout are different!

There are very few seats inside, and the tables are quite close together, but for those adorable lunchboxes, I can deal with it.

The menu isn’t very clear—it offers both hot and cold options. In addition to tofu pudding, they also serve grass jelly, purple rice desserts, sesame paste, and grilled toast, with prices ranging from NT$35 to NT$70.

Handmade Tofu Pudding (with red beans, taro paste, tangyuan, taro balls) + fine crushed ice – NT$50. I only ordered my favorite tangyuan (dumplings), and I told the staff I wanted something photogenic, so they handled the rest of the combination for me. This robot-shaped lunchbox is seriously eye-catching. Aside from the cute smiling face, it even has little arms—how adorable is that!

These tangyuan are huge and super dense and chewy—I love them... (I should’ve just come here for tangyuan during the Winter Solstice. I was so upset I didn’t get to eat any that day...)

The red beans are cooked until soft and tender but not mushy, and each bean retains its shape. They’re sweet without being cloying.

The taro balls... these are also chewy, but the taro aroma isn’t very strong.

The taro paste... it’s a big scoop, super smooth and creamy, with a rich taro flavor. Taro lovers will definitely adore this!

The tofu pudding has a soft, delicate texture. It’s not mind-blowingly amazing, but I think it’s pretty tasty, and you can definitely taste the soybean flavor. At least the ingredients are sincere—it’s not just about looks!

If you’re shopping at Zhongyou, stop by Da Tie Dou Hua for a dessert. They have cold options in summer and hot ones in winter. Tofu pudding is truly a year-round treat!
 

Da Tie Dou Hua
Official Website:http://www.datie-tw.com/
FB:https://www.facebook.com/datie.tw/
Address: B3, Block C, No. 161, Section 3, Sanmin Road, North District, Taichung City (Zhongyou Department Store)
Business Hours: 11:00–22:00

Feitian Xuan
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