A-E Soy Milk Douhua

Review

A-E Soy Milk Douhua has been serving the Wenhua Road Night Market area for over sixty years, and many reports call it a classic Chiayi tofu pudding shop. It recently moved to its current spot on Yanping Street, still near the night market. Netflix's Street Food filmed it in the Chiayi episode, so overseas visitors come specially as well as locals.

Its defining feature is soy milk in place of the usual syrup. The douhua is soft and delicate with a clear bean aroma, and the soy milk's mild sweetness never overwhelms the toppings. Supertaste lists peanut douhua at NT$40, peanut douhua in soy milk at NT$40 and a fried dough stick at NT$15, and the menu also has soy milk and peanut soup. Regulars most often recommend soy milk douhua with peanuts, plus a dough stick torn into pieces and soaked in the bowl.

Fans praise the rich soy aroma and smooth texture, some say it tastes handmade and old-fashioned, and overseas visitors call it one of the best douhua they have had. Critics find the soy milk a bit sweet towards the end and toppings such as tapioca pearls or mung beans only average. Seats are limited at peak times and there is no parking at the door.

It opens from about 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., closed Tuesdays. The rush runs from after dinner until the night market winds down, so come early in the afternoon for a calmer visit. With no dedicated parking, leave your car at a paid lot nearby and walk, or drop in while exploring the Wenhua Road Night Market. You can order it hot or cold, and hot soy milk douhua is especially popular in winter.

Good for anyone wanting a light dessert after the night market, and for lovers of traditional soy treats who dislike things too sweet. First-timers should get the classic peanut soy milk douhua with a dough stick, and two people can order one hot and one cold to compare. If you are sensitive to sweetness, try a small amount before adding toppings.