After arriving in Hualien and feeling a little hungry, I decided to visit Dai Ji Bian Shi (戴記扁食) , a long-established wonton soup shop. Wonton soup is a local specialty in Hualien. Interestingly, while wonton is generally called “餛飩” in most parts of Taiwan, in Hualien, it’s known as “扁食”. This shop has been serving customers for over 70 years.
There’s a kitchen right at the entrance, so you can watch the food being prepared from outside. Tai Kee Wonton only serves one item: wonton soup (70 TWD), available for dine-in or to-go. The restaurant has two floors, and I was directed to the second floor. They didn’t ask for my order at the time, just whether I was dining in or taking away.
After waiting for a while, I noticed my wonton soup hadn’t arrived, so I asked a staff member nearby. They quickly brought it over with a smile. This is a bowl of wonton soup with a long history, featuring six or seven pieces of wonton in a light, flavorful broth.
The thin wonton skin was as smooth as silk, and the soup was seasoned with salt and soy sauce, giving it a refreshing flavor. It was complemented by celery, fried green onions, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. Absolutely delicious!
I noticed a chili bean sauce on the table and decided to give it a try. While some might worry it would overpower the soup’s delicate flavors, I found it added just the right amount of spice while still letting the soup’s essence shine. The portion wasn’t too large, leaving room to explore other eateries in Hualien, which is known for its many highly-rated wonton soup shops.
As for payment, I wasn’t sure of the process at first. I left 100 TWD on the table while eating, but later realized payment is made at the cashier near the door on the first floor before leaving.
About
Name Tai Kee Wonton / Dai ji Bian shi (戴記扁食)
Open Day through night
Reservation Unavailable
Credit card Unavailable
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