Ye's Large Tapioca Pearls Introduction
Ye Family Old Shop has been passed down to the fourth generation. The owner, who has been in charge for fifteen years, is a native of Hsinchu. The shop is famous for its taro puree and tapioca balls. In traditional cuisine, the taro puree from the Northern Fujian region is made with sesame or peanuts, while the Southern Fujian version adds scallions. The owner says that taro puree is a sweet dish, so adding scallions slightly balances the taste to avoid any discomfort to the digestive system. The taro puree in the shop is only sold hot and is available from the Mid-Autumn Festival each year until the following Dragon Boat Festival, as the flavors of taro can only be truly expressed when served hot. The taro used during this nine-month growing period is the best tasting. Another characteristic of the shop is the handmade tapioca balls, which are large, chewy, and firm. The owner insists on not adding any coloring or gelling agents, adhering to the principle of health and naturalness. The tapioca balls made from sweet potato starch are not hand-rolled like tangyuan, and they need to be soaked in sugar water before cooking to prevent falling apart, giving them a fragrant sweetness when eaten. Since the shop is located on Zhongshan Road near the Cheng Huang Temple, parking can be challenging. It is recommended to walk further down where there are several alleys or park on Ximen Street for convenience. Moreover, the taro puree tastes best when hot; if it cools down, the flavor diminishes, so takeout is not recommended to avoid disappointment!
