Chewy, meaty, and uniquely sauced — Taiwan’s 6 most popular rice ball snacks

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Rice balls are one of Taiwan’s most iconic rice-based foods, and their flavors actually vary by region. Broadly, they can be divided into central and southern styles, differing greatly in both preparation and appearance. Central-style rice balls often take the shape of ingots or circles, with fillings typically made of pork and diced bamboo shoots; southern-style ones are mostly steamed, usually featuring simple pork fillings.

1. New Taipei — Lin Yuan Large Rice Balls
Located in Banqiao, Lin Yuan Large Rice Balls is a renowned eatery recommended by local foodies. To ensure each rice ball is filling enough on its own, they are made extra large, with fillings of tender pork thigh meat marinated and mixed with quail eggs, mushrooms, and shredded bamboo shoots. Even Japanese celebrity Naomi Watanabe has visited.
 
Address: No. 104, Fuzhong Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City

2. Taoyuan — Hui Xi Rice Balls
Hui Xi Rice Balls is widely regarded as serving the most delicious rice balls in Taoyuan. With over 50 years of history, the shop is run by Mr. Lin from Changhua, who inherited his family’s secret recipe. Their signature dish is the rice ball with a quail egg inside, becoming a beloved local favorite passed down by word of mouth.
 
Address: No. 21, Zhenfu Street, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City

3. Taichung — Qi Zhen Rice Balls
Located near the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, Qi Zhen Rice Balls is a shop specializing in Taiwanese street food. It focuses on handmade, freshly steamed rice balls, as well as offerings like four-ingredient soup, gua bao, zongzi, and pork blood soup. Even the former mayor of Taichung was a regular here.
 
Address: No. 325, Section 1, Xitun Road, North District, Taichung City

4. Changhua — Ah San Rice Balls
Hailing from the famous Beimenkou area in Changhua, Ah San Rice Balls features wrappers that are steamed and coated with sweet potato starch, then deep-fried to achieve a crispy and chewy texture. The filling includes mushrooms, deep-fried duck eggs, meat chunks with a texture similar to meatball noodles, and flavorful dried shrimp. The larger versions also include scallops, creating a rich and crunchy flavor that stands out. It has repeatedly won the popularity crown at rice ball festivals.
 
Address: No. 242, Sanmin Road, Changhua City, Changhua County