Local pocket-friendly eats in Taoyuan: rice ball dumplings and four-herb soup I’ve loved since childhood

Text & photos byviviyu

That day, after having a meal at the authentic Fatty’s Cafe, I originally planned to stop by Jiu Fu Baozi next door for more snacks. But by the time I finished, they had already closed. So I headed straight to Zhanghua’s Old-School Specialty Rice Ball Dumplings for an afternoon treat. It’s a local dish I’ve enjoyed since I was little—budget-friendly fare right behind the temple. They only serve two items: rice ball dumplings and four-herb soup. Quality over quantity. When I crave rice ball dumplings, I think of this place and Huixi Zhanghua Rice Ball Dumplings. If you want bird’s nest eggs, go to the latter. I think both are delicious.

There are several food spots nearby that I often visit, like Lao Zei Sushi and Fu Ji Roast Meat. This old-school specialty rice ball dumpling shop mostly does takeout, so I rarely get to dine in. When I finally had the chance, I quickly snapped some photos and wrote this article~ How many other regular spots have I forgotten to write about? I can’t even keep track myself, because I go so often that sometimes I just want to keep them to myself...

There’s also a photo on the wall from when Mei Feng You Yue (a TV show) interviewed them. Look how young Chen Mei Feng was back then~~ (just kidding). You can tell this place has a long history. I remember it being here since I was a kid, but apparently, it’s been around since my dad’s time. How long it’s actually been in business? You’d have to ask the owners.

The rice ball dumplings are cooked in oil, usually served in a batch. But if you’re buying a lot at once, it’s best to pre-order.

I wasn’t super hungry, just craving something. But since I had the chance to dine in, I went for the full set. The whole meal was still super affordable—both the rice ball dumplings and four-herb soup were 40 NT dollars each.

The pink sweet rice sauce paired with mashed garlic and soy paste is the perfect combo. If you like spicy food, you can add chili on the side.

When you peel open the rice ball wrapper, you’ll find juicy pork filling with a good balance of fat and lean. The meat is seasoned with spices, giving it a savory umami taste.

The wrapper has a Q (chewy) and soft texture—you get that nice “slurp” as you bite into it, super springy. Paired with the dried bamboo shoots inside, it’s exactly my kind of rice ball dumpling.

The four-herb soup here uses barley and is packed with ingredients. The pork intestines are super clean, and the broth is refreshing—simple yet full of genuine flavor. More local snacks from Taoyuan coming up~ If you know any great rice ball dumplings or local eats worth recommending, feel free to let me know. Thanks.

Taoyuan · Zhanghua Old-School Specialty Rice Ball Dumplings
Address: No. 340, Zhongzheng Rd., Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City
Phone: 03-335-8323

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