5Miyahara
Central Dist. · Desserts & shaved ice
Dong Dong Taro Balls (Main Shop)
Local favoriteBudgetWorth the queue
VerdictSpringy taro ball ice, a must-stop in Dakeng
A taro-ball dessert shop that opened in 1995 on the road from Dakeng toward Xinshe. Taro and sweet potato balls are chewy, the taro chunks creamy, every iced or hot bowl includes the balls, and it's a landmark stop in Dakeng that gets busy on weekends.
Photos on Instagram
Review
Dong Dong Taro Balls opened its original shop in 1995 on Section 2 of Dongshan Road in Beitun District, the road from Dakeng up to Xinshe. Reports call it a popular long-running dessert shop and a landmark of the Dakeng area, and a 2026 roundup names it one of Dakeng's most classic places to queue. Visitors heading to Xinshe often stop on the way, and the brand later opened branches in the city, such as the Shifu Road shop beside the Taichung Prefectural Hall.
The stars are taro ball shaved ice and hot grass jelly, and both hot and cold bowls come with taro balls and sweet potato balls. Several articles describe the balls as springy and chewy and the taro chunks as creamy with the natural sweetness of in-season taro. Other toppings include tapioca pearls, small pearls, soybeans, mung beans, pearl barley and grass jelly; tapioca pearls, soybeans and taro make a common combination. The shaved ice is topped with plain sugar syrup.
Most people praise the fair prices, the chewy balls and the fragrant taro. There are other views too: one blogger found the syrup-topped shaved ice itself rather ordinary and thought brown sugar would add depth, and another felt the mung beans were on the sweet side and went down better with crushed ice. Dakeng has another popular taro ball shop nearby, and one blogger who had eaten at both chose the other one on a recent visit, so each has its fans.
A report on a branch gave a flat price of NT$50 for hot and cold bowls; prices at the original shop are as posted and may have changed. The ordering process described is to order at the counter, find a seat and wait for your number, then return your own tableware. Listed hours for the original shop are 9:00 to 22:00, and the 2026 article notes it opens early in the morning. On holidays the crowd spills out of the shop, so choose a weekday for a shorter wait. No source mentions parking or payment methods at the original shop, so check before you go.
It suits anyone on the way to Xinshe or wandering around Dakeng who fancies a bowl of taro balls. Go for taro ball ice in summer and hot grass jelly in winter; if you like a chewy bite, pick taro and sweet potato balls and add some creamy taro for the best balance.
Why go
- The 1995 original shop sits on the road from Dakeng to Xinshe
- Springy taro and sweet potato balls come in hot and cold bowls
- Creamy, naturally sweet taro chunks are worth adding
- Branches charge a flat NT$50; check prices at the original
- Order at the counter, wait for your number, return your tray
- Holiday crowds spill outside; weekdays are easier
What people say
Liked
- Taro and sweet potato balls are springy and chewy
- Creamy, fragrant taro and generous toppings
- Friendly prices from a Dakeng institution
Complaints
- The syrup-topped shaved ice itself is fairly ordinary
- Mung beans are on the sweet side
- Busy on holidays, expect a wait
Summarized from the common views of bloggers, media and diners; not direct quotes.
Must-try
Location
台中市北屯區東山路二段48-3號Directions ↗
Sources
This page is compiled from the articles below and rewritten in our own words. Hours and prices change, so check before you go.
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