Taichung Bawan

Taichung Railway Station has two famous restaurants selling traditional cuisine. One is the more than thirty years’ old Dasanyuan Restaurant (大三元飯店), and the other is the even more popular Taichung Bawan, which has more than eight decades of history.

At the entrance to Taichung Bawan, you can see the distinguished chef deep-frying the famous meat-balls one by one. To be later topped with a special sauce and a few sprigs of coriander, these are known simply as Taichung Bawan (台中肉圓). These meatballs might surprise you a little. Basically they are a glutinous rice type wrapping with meat inside. Served in a bowl with a spoon, these may take a little getting used to. Still, given they are a speciality food in Taichung, they are definitely worth a taste. Nevertheless, if you prefer, you can also order the other two items on the menu: fish ball soup (魚丸湯) or vermicelli noodle soup (冬粉湯). Remember that take-away is also available if you prefer.

Although Taichung Bawan has a great reputation and is always filled with customers, we think the food in Changhua and Chiayi is even tastier. Yet, the memories associated with this old restaurant keep locals coming back again and again, giving it its own special charm.