Han Bin Crystal Dumplings

Review

Han Bin Crystal Dumplings sits at No. 189 Minzu Road inside the First Market. Founded in 1884 during the Qing dynasty and now in its third generation, it is one of the few Lukang stalls more than a century old and a top breakfast choice for many locals. A 2026 TV segment still introduced it as old-time flavor worth queuing for, so its popularity has not faded.

The only thing sold is a mixed soup, with no ordering items separately. Each bowl has about eight pieces: crystal dumplings, steamed meatballs, boiled meatballs and wonton-style dumplings. The crystal dumplings have a skin made purely from sweet potato starch, long, oval and translucent, with a chewy bite and a filling of pork leg and tenderloin that is savory with a peppery note. The boiled meatballs contain water chestnut for crunch, and the steamed meatballs have the richest pork flavor. The broth is a bone stock in which the balls are cooked all day, light and slightly sweet, lifted with a little celery, and you can add pepper yourself.

Diners generally find the bowl bigger than expected and filling on its own, and like that the freshly wrapped dumplings are springier than frozen ones; one article mentions free broth refills for dine-in. However, the wonton-style dumplings are limited each day and often sell out or are paused, so arrive early to get all four kinds; some also find the broth plain and mild. The price has gone from NT$40 to NT$45; check on site.

It opens around 7 a.m. and closes somewhere between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m., and it is closed on Wednesdays (one source says every other Wednesday), so confirm before going. There are two lines: the left for dine-in and the right for takeaway. Seats are few and you may wait at peak times, so many customers take food away. Uncooked dumplings and meatballs are also sold to cook at home.

It suits early risers exploring the market who want a light, old-fashioned breakfast. Just order the mixed soup, sip the broth plain before adding pepper, and ask about a refill when you finish. Misua paste and ba-wan stalls are nearby if you are still hungry.