Jiufen was a Japanese mining hub during the Japanese gold rush during World War II. It has now become a tourist attraction where Taiwanese and foreigners like to visit on a day trip from Taipei.
Jiufen Old Street is the main street in Jiufen, packed with teahouses, street-food shacks and souvenir shops.
Let me introduce you to one of the must-eat shops in Jiufen Old Street – 魚丸伯仔.
鱼丸伯仔 was established in 1946 which means that this shop has more than 70 years of history.
鱼丸伯仔 specializes and only sells 3 things: 豆乾包（beancurd skin pouch）、魚丸湯（fish ball soup）and 乾冬粉（dry glass noodles）。
This is 豆干包 (beancurd skin pouch) [NTD$30], a snack which probably came from the nearby Keelun. Keelun was and still is a fishing port and 豆干包 is a speciality snack of Keelun. The beancurd pouch is stuffed with minced meat and the opening is sealed with shark meat paste. It is served with a sweet and spicy sauce and the combination works perfectly.
The fishballs in the 魚丸湯 (fish ball soup) [NTD$30] are freshly handmade every morning. The fish paste made with fresh shark meat to give it the bouncy texture that it is famous for.
The 乾冬粉 (dry glass noodles) [NTD$30] is simply seasoned with soy sauce, giving you a taste of the olden times.
You can also order various combinations: 魚丸 + 冬粉 [NTD$45], 乾冬粉 + 魚丸湯 [NTD$60], 魚丸湯 + 乾冬粉 + 豆乾包 [NTD$90].
It’s a small shop with seating capacity of 30-35 people at any one time. The shop is perpetually full, but turnover rate is prettt quick so you shouldn’t have to wait for long. You will have to share table with strangers though.
鱼丸伯仔
Address: Jiufen Old Street Shop 17, Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Telephone: +886 2-24960896
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 7pm, Saturday – Sunday 10am – 9pm”