Ye's Big Tapioca Pearls Introduction
Ye Family Old Shop has been passed down to the fourth generation. The current owner, who has been running the shop for fifteen years, is a local from Hsinchu. The shop is famous for its taro paste and tapioca balls. In traditional cuisine, the Minbei style taro paste is made with sesame or peanuts, while the Minnan style adds scallions. The owner states that since taro paste is a sweet dish, adding scallions helps to balance the flavors and prevent any discomfort to the stomach. The taro paste in this shop is only sold hot, and is available from the Mid-Autumn Festival each year until the Dragon Boat Festival of the following year, as it truly brings out the flavors when served hot, and the taros used are at their best within those nine months of growth. Another characteristic of this shop is the pure handmade tapioca balls, which are large, chewy, and satisfyingly textured. The owner insists on not adding any artificial coloring or gelatin, adhering to the principles of health and natural ingredients. The tapioca balls made from sweet potato flour are not hand-rolled like glutinous rice balls; they need to be soaked in syrup before boiling to prevent them from falling apart, which gives them a sweet aroma. Since the shop is located on Zhongshan Road near the Chenghuang Temple, parking can be a bit difficult, so it is recommended to walk a little further down to find several small alleys or park on Ximen Street for convenience. Additionally, taro paste should be enjoyed hot; its flavor diminishes when it cools, so takeout is not recommended to avoid losing its delightful taste!
