While doing some morning exploration of Taichung recently, I stumbled upon a street vendor with an impressive line. He was serving up big balls of sticky rice filled with all kinds of stuff.
I like sticky rice. I like stuff. I like eating foods that the locals like. Sold!
I had no idea what it was at the time, but I’ve since learned that it’s a dish called fan tuan, which is sticky rice stuffed with pickled radish, pickled mustard greens, eggs, pork floss, and a crunchy tube of fried dough.
Since this particular stall only serves one thing, it was exceptionally easy to order; I let them know that I wanted one, and that was that.
It’s a piping hot, softball-sized ball of rice, and it’s got heft. If you want a breakfast that’ll fill you up and keep you full for a while, look no further.
And while nothing about it particularly blew me away, it was quite tasty — it’s got a nice balance of flavours and textures (it’s soft, it’s crunchy, it’s sweet, it’s sour… it’s everything).
Plus, it’s only 30 NT$ (about $1.30 Canadian); it’s a really satisfying breakfast for not a lot of money.
Location: No. 31, Zizhi Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
How to find it: The only English on their sign is “since 1979.” It’s right across from a Family Mart, and around the corner from the Fifth Market.