Ye's Big 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 local from Hsinchu. The specialty of the shop is taro pudding and boba. In traditional cuisine, the Minbei style of taro pudding includes sesame or peanuts, while the Minnan style has scallions. The owner mentions that since taro pudding is considered a dessert, adding scallions helps to balance the flavors and prevent gastrointestinal issues. The shop sells taro pudding only as a hot dish, available from the Mid-Autumn Festival until the Dragon Boat Festival of the following year, because it truly brings out the flavor only when served hot. The taro used is best during this nine-month growing period. Another feature of the shop is the handmade boba, which is large, chewy, and firm. The owner insists on not adding artificial colors or gelling agents, adhering to principles of health and naturalness. The boba made from sweet potato starch is not hand-rolled like glutinous rice balls; it must be soaked in sugar water before cooking to prevent it from breaking apart, giving it a fragrant sweetness. Since the shop is located on Zhongshan Road near the Chenghuang Temple, parking can be difficult. It is recommended to walk a bit further where there are several alleys or to park on Ximen Street for convenience. Moreover, taro pudding tastes best when served hot; it loses flavor when it cools down, so it is not recommended to take it away to avoid disappointment!
