Chen Shixiong Vegetarian Ba-wan

Review

Chen Shixiong Vegetarian Ba-wan is at No. 24-1 Cihu Road in Daxi, a few minutes' walk from the old street and Zhongzheng Park, and is one of the few vegetarian snack shops in Daxi that the media regularly mention. Supertaste says the owner began selling vegetarian ba-wan because of religious faith, and after many years it has become a local institution. Handmade ba-wan gift boxes are available daily, and non-vegetarians often make the trip too.

The filling of the signature ba-wan uses Daxi's famous wheat gluten rings with diced bamboo shoots and fried shiitake. The skin is soft yet chewy, and the sauce, made from natural soy sauce, sugar and a little brown sugar, is gentle and smooth. The vegetarian wonton soup has thin, silky wrappers, the fo-ti herbal soup is another speciality, and several noodle dishes round out the menu. Portions are snack-sized; one ba-wan and a bowl of soup is just right.

Fans say it is filling even without meat, the sauce balances sweet and savoury, and the owner is warm, greets customers and serves quickly. Critics find the skin a little thick and starchy, and those used to pork ba-wan miss the meaty flavour; some think the sauce is sweet, or mention weekend waits of over ten minutes and limited seating.

Hours are roughly 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Tuesdays; sources differ slightly on opening time, so check before you go. Supertaste lists ba-wan at NT$40 and wonton soup at NT$40, so most people spend under NT$100. Weekend lunchtimes are the busiest; weekdays or afternoons are calmer. Park around the old street and walk over. Payment is mainly cash.

Ideal for vegetarian travellers, anyone wanting a change of pace, and a light lunch when exploring Daxi with older relatives. First-timers should order one ba-wan with vegetarian wonton soup; bigger appetites can add noodles. Handmade ba-wan gift boxes make a good take-home, and add chili sauce to taste.