Len Jen Bakery

Review

Len Jen Bakery is on Ai 2nd Road beside Ren'ai Market, a pastry house with more than a century of history in Keelung. It started with traditional Chinese pastries and cakes, and the second generation has since introduced new products; there is only one shop in all of Taiwan. Mirror Media notes that the signature taro paste ball began as a birthday cake filling before becoming a product of its own, and it took off after a celebrity praised it on TV. Today it is one of Keelung's hottest souvenirs.

The taro balls are made with taro delivered daily from Dajia, smooth and creamy, sweet without being cloying, with small chunks of taro, and even better chilled. Besides the taro balls, the taro snow cake, cheese balls, curry pastries and assorted rice cakes are often recommended; the assorted cakes are a traditional item Keelung families buy for temple offerings. A 2025 Mirror Media report lists taro balls at NT$65 for four, curry pastries at NT$140 for four and assorted cakes at NT$300 for ten; one blogger recorded the taro balls at NT$60 a box, so check on site.

Praise focuses on the rich taro flavour, creamy texture and friendly prices, and many buy several boxes at once as gifts; some items are also suitable for vegetarians. Criticisms include taro balls that are on the small side and a little sweet, a cramped shop with queues before holidays, and few parking spaces out front, so finding one is down to luck.

Hours are roughly 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and a blogger says it opens year-round, though one source lists shorter hours, so check before you go. The taro balls are refrigerated behind the counter rather than on the shelves, so tell the staff how many boxes you want. Payment options include cash, JKOPAY, Taiwan Pay, LINE Pay and Apple Pay, and receipts are issued. When the spaces are full, use the underground car park at Ren'ai Market.

It suits visitors wanting affordable, distinctive souvenirs and anyone who loves taro desserts. Buy a few boxes of taro balls to eat the same or next day, plus a box of curry pastries or assorted cakes for older relatives; if you have a long journey ahead, bring a cooler bag.