Liu Yu Zai: The Taro Legend of Ningxia Night Market | Michelin Bib Gourmand Recommended
A must-queue copper-coin delicacy at Ningxia Night Market, Liu Yu Zai sells only two items: crispy taro balls and egg yolk taro cakes. Its rich, dense taro mash and salted egg yolk combination has won Bib Gourmand honors for several years.
TL;DR / Quick Summary
A must-queue copper-coin delicacy at Ningxia Night Market, Liu Yu Zai sells only two items: crispy taro balls and egg yolk taro cakes. Its rich, dense taro mash and salted egg yolk combination has won Bib Gourmand honors for several years.
Liu Yu Zai: The Taro Legend of Ningxia Night Market
In the sea of gourmet stalls at Ningxia Night Market, one stall stands out specifically because it is always surrounded by a long human dragon. Liu Yu Zai (劉芋仔) has spent over 40 years doing just one thing: frying taro. With this dedication and simple deliciousness, it has successfully captured the attention of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, proving that "copper-coin" (affordable) snacks can possess world-class charm.
The Space: An Artisan's Performance on a Cart
Liu Yu Zai is just a tiny street cart, but here you can witness a performance as precise as an assembly line. Several masters work in perfect coordination: one scoops up taro mash with an ice cream scoop, another quickly stuffs in salted egg yolk and pork floss, and another handles the coating and frying.
Watching the round taro balls roll in the golden oil, and seeing the mountains of egg yolks and pork floss piled high, provides a visual satisfaction that makes the queue feel therapeutic.
Culinary Philosophy: Deliciousness through Subtraction
The menu at Liu Yu Zai is so simple it's hard to even call it a choice. There are only two items: Crispy Taro Balls and Egg Yolk Taro Cakes.
The shop is extremely picky about taro quality, selecting only premium "Betel Nut Heart" taro from Jiaxian, Kaohsiung. After steaming and mashing, they add minimal seasoning, preserving the taro's most original aroma and dense texture. This is why, despite being deep-fried, it feels surprisingly light and not greasy.
Insider Insights: The Perfect Salty-Sweet Balance
Based on real feedback from Google Maps and major food review sites, the absolute king here is:
1. The Must-Eat Egg Yolk Taro Cake
- Must Eat: The Egg Yolk Taro Cake (Deep-fried Taro Ball with Salted Egg Yolk and Pork Floss) is a tiny universe of layers. The outer skin is crispy, leading into hot, dense, and sweet taro mash, followed by the savory richness of half a salted egg yolk, and finally the umami from Black Bridge Brand pork floss. This salty-sweet contrast and perfect texture are why people keep coming back.
2. The Purist's Choice
- Alternative: If you are a 100% taro enthusiast and don't want other flavors interfering, the Crispy Taro Ball (Deep-fried Taro Ball) is your top pick. It is a pure fried taro mash ball, offering the most concentrated taro fragrance. However, to be honest, after queuing for so long, we strongly recommend getting the one with the egg yolk; that savory kick is the soul of the dish.
Practical Information
- Address: Ningxia Road, Datong District, Taipei City (Stall No. 91 in the middle of Ningxia Night Market)
- Opening Hours: 05:30 PM - 12:00 AM (Sunday hours may vary slightly)
- Pro Tips:
- Minimum Order: There is usually a minimum purchase requirement (e.g., at least two balls). Since they are so delicious, you'll regret only buying one anyway.
- The Queue: The line is long but moves fast. Stay patient—it's worth it!
Explore More Night Market Delights: Finished your dessert and looking for something savory? Right in Ningxia Night Market, Fang Chia Shredded Chicken Rice is the top dinner choice for many locals.