Ye's Large Tapioca Pearls Introduction
Ye's House has been passed down to the fourth generation. The current owner, who has been in charge for fifteen years, is a native of Hsinchu. The restaurant is famous for its taro paste and tapioca balls. In traditional cuisine, Fujian-style taro paste includes sesame or peanuts, while Minnan-style adds fried scallions. The owner mentions that since taro paste is a sweet dish, adding scallions helps to balance the flavors and prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. The taro paste is only sold hot and is available from Mid-Autumn Festival to the Dragon Boat Festival of the following year because it is best enjoyed warm to truly showcase its flavor; the taro used for this dish grows well during these nine months. Another characteristic of the restaurant is its handmade, large, and chewy tapioca balls. The owner insists on not adding any coloring or gelatin, adhering to principles of health and natural ingredients. The tapioca balls made from sweet potato starch are not rolled by hand like glutinous rice balls; they must be soaked in syrup before cooking to prevent them from falling apart, which enhances their aromatic sweetness. Due to its location on Zhongshan Road near the Chenghuang Temple, parking can be challenging. It is recommended to walk a bit further, where there are several alleys or parking options on Ximen Street for convenience. Moreover, the taro paste tastes best when served hot; if it cools down, the flavor significantly diminishes, so takeout is not recommended as it may not be enjoyable when it gets cold!
