Shuanglian Sweet Rice Ball Soup

Review

Shuanglian Sweet Rice Ball Soup started as a street stall in 1951 and has been trading for over 70 years, making it the best-known sweet-soup shop around Shuanglian MRT station. The interior has been renovated to feel bright and roomy, ground-floor seats are given to older diners first, and the walls are lined with old photos. Many Japanese tourists arrive guidebook in hand.

Its fame rests on the rice balls, especially the small ones, described as soft and melting; in winter they are most popular in red bean or peanut soup. The other signature is the fried mochi, fried in hot oil the old way rather than boiled, giving a fine, smooth texture. It comes sweet with peanut powder, or savoury with seaweed and in a spicy version. In summer there is shaved ice with generous toppings, typically taro paste, red beans, peanuts and lotus seeds.

Praise focuses on the freshly made, chewy mochi, soups that are not overly sweet, decent portions and a cup of hot tea served to cleanse the palate. Others say prices are higher than a typical ice shop, the red bean soup runs sweet, and the appeal is more nostalgia than surprise. Expect a short queue at weekend mealtimes, but tables turn over quickly; most people finish within ten minutes.

Opening hours vary between sources (both 10:30–22:00 and 10:30–21:00 appear); recent listings show 11:00–21:00 and closed on Mondays, so check before you go. A Japanese travel outlet lists the taro, peanut, red bean and lotus seed milk shaved ice at NT$120. The shop is on Minsheng West Road, a short walk from Shuanglian MRT station; parking is hard, so take the MRT. You can ask for less sugar.

It suits travellers who want Taiwanese rice balls, mochi and shaved ice in one stop, and anyone needing a break after exploring the Shuanglian and Zhongshan area. Two people can share a plate of fried mochi and each order a bowl of rice balls: red bean or peanut soup in winter, or a taro and red bean milk ice in summer.