St. Gongzheng Baozi

Soup dumplings are usually bite-sized, while those served at St. Gongzheng Baozi in Hualien are almost as big as the typical baozi (buns). Each soup dumpling costs merely TWD5, and such a low price makes it a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

There is always a long queue even before the door is open. The skin of the soup dumplings are quite thick, like those of steamed buns. With seasoned pork filling and rivers of hot, flavorful soup encased in the steamed dough, these delicious soup dumplings might squirt you in the nose, so be careful when giving it a bite. Don’t forget to try out their homemade garlic condiment — it is a perfect match.

Besides of the signature dish, the steamed dumplings are not to be missed, either. A bamboo basket of succulent steamed dumplings will only cost you TWD30. Chewy and hearty, these dumplings are stuffed with a generous serving of ingredients. However, as the owner doesn’t pay the sales tax regularly, the eatery is sometimes forced to close the business without further notice. And to be very frank with you, despite the fact that it is something on many travelers’ bucket lists, this eatery doesn’t really live up to its reputation.