Round pancake balls burst with flavor upon arrival — and the bamboo skewers are even edible?

▲ Taichung debuts round “pancake balls” that are truly impressive.

Reported by Huang Sheng-min

If there’s one sweet treat that girls love and guys can get on board with, it’s got to be pancakes. Their fluffy texture and satisfying fullness win over everyone. But while regular pancakes usually come in square shapes, have you ever tried a round one? Recently, a shop in Taichung has made a name for itself with its three-dimensional round pancakes, and get this — their bamboo skewers are actually edible. Shocking, right?

▲ Pancake balls are packed with generous fillings that burst in your mouth, bringing pure joy.

With a smooth exterior but a thick, fluffy pancake bite inside, followed by an explosion of filling — the “Pancake Balls” from “Zhuang Zhuang Hand-Grown” are full of surprises. The shop owners said the idea for “Pancake Balls” came during a trip to Australia, where they tasted this Nordic Danish-style pancake and were deeply impressed. Back in Taiwan, they used it as inspiration and improved upon the concept, giving birth to the “Pancake Ball.” It’s a rather unique origin story, offering people a new way to enjoy the deliciousness of pancakes.The shop currently offers four flavors: sweet ones like Berry Heart Gan (raspberry chocolate) and White Love (pineapple lemon); savory ones like Born To Be Together (bacon cheese) and Thai Fire Hot (Thai-spiced pork). These sweet and savory options break the mold of traditional pancake expectations.

▲ The round pancakes look a bit like fish balls — so similar you might confuse them at first glance.

Additionally, the shop uses stick-shaped cookies instead of bamboo skewers. The pancake balls are skewered with these cookies, and when you take a bite, it feels like you’re eating the skewer. This approach was adopted because……the shop wanted to promote eco-friendly practices by replacing single-use “bamboo skewers” with “cookies,” achieving the same function while reducing waste. While enjoying delicious food, you’re also contributing to the environment and lightening the load on the planet.

▲ The shop hopes to spread innovative flavors and environmental awareness through its “Pancake Balls.”

“Zhuang Zhuang Hand-Grown” explained that the name “Zhuang Zhuang” comes from the ‘Book of Rites: At thirty, one is called strong,’ and the founders — two women nearing thirty — started the business together. “Hand-Grown” comes from the Taiwanese phrase meaning “place” or “location.” They hope to give visitors strength to grow and make the world a better place through this shop. The “Pancake Balls” bring not only innovation but also aim to spark broader interest in the environmental consciousness hidden within food. Within the happiness of a “Pancake Ball,” you can find the energy to love the world.

Zhuang Zhuang Hand-Grown
Address: No. 75, Qinghe Street, Xitun District, Taichung City — Zhuang Zhuang Hand-Grown
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 18:00–23:30 (open for sales at 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays)
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Note: The shop is currently planned to operate for 3 months, with adjustments to be made based on future circumstances