My initial plan was to visit this place, which I found on Google Maps:
Da Li Red Bean Wheel Cake 大力紅豆餅(重慶國中巷內)
That day, I was on a hunt for Banqiao some wheel pancake as a cheap, simple dessert. And can I just say how fantastic the Taiwanese does their wheel pancake? SO MUCH MORE impressive than Mr Bean or Jolliebean. This place was a 20 minutes urban hike from Banqiao station to this place. Sadly, I went during Dragon Boat Festival Eve so they were closed for break. But I highly, HIGHLY recommend you go there! Granted, I didn't try it for myself, but I know for a fact that it is highly raved by the locals. See reviews here or here (in Trad. Chinese).
Prices range from 18 - 20 NTD - more expensive than the 10 NTD red bean pancake I got at Tamsui Old Street, but they offer more variety.
Address: No. 8, Alley 4, Lane 149, Guoqing Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220
8號 國慶路149巷4弄板橋區新北市220
Opening hours: 2.30pm - 7pm daily
Google Maps
Since I wasn't able to satisfy my pancake cravings, I made do with buying one from a stall nearby.
7 NTD or 10 NTD, depending on your chosen filling |
Perfection on the outside |
Is this a pancake excavation site or- |
Pancake with a big empty hole.. yup, you get what you pay for. The filling is not the creamy peanut paste, but something akin to the store-bought chopped peanut and sugar mix. On the whole, this is not bad.. the crust is crispy and there's a nice balance of sweet and savoury. It's just not what I'd expect from a wheel pancake.
So what's next?
Having walked to the closed Da Li wheel cake, I then saw this street of food vendors!
Welcome to Banqiao Produce Market, 友善農產 板橋國慶展銷點! (Not the actual English name, but I can't give you one when it's an unlisted place on Google Maps.)
1. Rice Dumplings (粽子)
Because I came on the eve of Dragon Boat Festival, there were dumplings at every turn of the road, including vegetarian dumplings!
dumplings everywhere. |
Store selling fried wanton and ngoh hiang |
4. Popiah (阿霞潤餅)
Vegetarian option available! Just ask to exclude meat.
Address: No. 24, Lane 86, Ren'ai Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220
220新北市板橋區仁愛路86巷24號
Opening hours: (not found)
Google Maps
5. Shaved ice
Shaved ice is everywhere in Taiwan, but ever tried it in a cup? Sharing is not recommended for this thirst-quencher-dessert treat.
1 for 30 NTD, 2 for 50 NTD Flavours include: sour plum, yam, pineapple, passionfruit, mango, banana, green bean, red bean + peanut combi, red bean, peanut |
1 for 120 NTD |
7. Egg Crepe
Egg crepe @ 40 NTD |
Enormous spread of side dishes to go with your rice. |
Steamed Chinese buns (aka Mantou 馒头 - no fillings) for sale. This is a typical Chinese breakfast item. |
10. Vegetarian grocery store
In case you wanna do some grocery shopping overseas. |
11. Vegetarian Restaurant
Vegetarian restaurant |
And that's it! Banqiao local produce market might just be Banqiao's best kept secret. As mentioned, I don't have the exact location to this produce market, but google map your way to any of the locations listed above and you'd find yourself surrounded by food vendors in no time.
How to get to Banqiao from Taipei?
- HSR - One station away. The most expensive option, recommended only if you have unlimited HSR ride. Tickets can be purchased on KKday or Klook.
- MRT - Take blue Bannan Line from Taipei Main station to Banqiao station (12 mins - 5 stops).
- TRA - Take train from Taipei station to Banqiao station (8 mins non-stop journey).
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