You can find these types of gelatinous Taiwanese meat balls (oval shape) in a lot of places but this store has some unique ingredients you can’t find elsewhere. 紅麴 is a red yeast extract when gelatinous rice (also known as sweet rice) is fermented with jujube (a type of red dates) which they use, along with other herbs, to flavor the meat in these meatballs. Because of the fermentation, it is more nutritious than other similar kind of meatballs; and the other herbs give a slight subtle flavor.
There is a vegetarian “meatball” version in the first store closer to the entrance; the second store more into the shopping area is the original store. I like the tables and chairs of the original store which is actually made of Hinoki (檜木), a rare type of hardwood found in Taiwan which has a very nice fragrance if contacted with water.
Vegetarian culture is very sophisticated in Taiwan. A lot of the “meat” options for vegetarians are often made with soy and the textures can be unbelievably close to the actual meat version.
The round kind (vs oval) of balls are of a large variety, with squid, pork, red yeast with sea bass, bamboo charcoal with ham, are often presented in soup. You can hardly find the last 3 options, especially the red yeast sea bass which is truly unique of this store.
Our family loves this place! Hope you can come to try these yummy treats in this 30-year old restaurant which has preserved the unique taste for 30 years.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–200
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Taiwanese Meatballs
金枝紅糟素肉圓 sells vegetarian version of Taiwanese glutinous rice mock "meatballs" with red yeast and noodles fillings. We had the Assorted Balls Soup (五味綜合丸湯) which contains a mixture of tender and flavourful balls of cuttlefish, fish and other flavours, some even have minced pork meat fillings (fuzhou fishballs). The soup itself is light and refreshing, without being overly salty. Nice view if you seat near the window. Order using self service kiosk, then pass receipt to have you order prepared and self collect.
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
The food was just ok, a bit costly compare to neighbouring stalls. However, if you looking for a proper table and chair for dining after long stroll on JiuFen. Then this is a good choice and less crowded.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200–400
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
A must try when you visit Jiufen 🏮🏮🏮
📍Jin Zhi Meatball Dumpling (金枝紅槽肉圓)
Jiufen old street
A chewy gelatinous rice stuffed with tender pork meat that’s been soaked in red yeast.
We’ll surely go back to Taiwan and eat this again 🤤
Budget: 60 NTD per head 👌
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Red Vinasse Taiwanese Meatballs
Chewy mochi outside and some shredded meat inside. I didn’t find it nice. The meatballs tasted better but I’ve tasted better ones before. There are better things to eat around here.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–200
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
If you are after healthy vegan or vegetarian food (or just want a break from all the fried and oily food in the market) this is a great spot! My stomach had been feeling a little off so having a healthy bowl of simple vegetables and fresh noodles was perfect and much needed! Definitely recommend
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
An old school meat ball place.
A must go every time I’m at Jiufen.
If you are a vegetarian, please do note that there are 2 other non-vegetarians shop with the same name.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Vegetarian Red Vinasse Taiwanese Meatballs
This was a weird food. You'll see the meat version in a few locations as you walk through Jiufen and we were happy to find a vegetarian version to try.
The Meatball was good, but an interesting challenge to eat. The Texture of the 'wrapper' is very unique, as is the liquid it comes with.
Very worth trying for less than two dollars. Even if you aren't vegetarian it might be worth just grabbing one of these to compare to the meat version.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–200
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
The “Taiwanese meatball” is a lovely crystal-skin dumpling with a varied and delicious filling. That and the mung bean noodles were highlights, the (veg) seafood soups did what they said on the tin but weren’t as special.
As a signature dish, though, the Taiwanese meatballs are really excellent.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–200
Recommended dishes
Vegetarian Red Vinasse Taiwanese Meatballs
"this is better than most non-vegetarian places. I'm impressed." -- my mom who grew up in Taiwan and is not vegetarian. (This is a glowing review from her, trust me.)
