八寶彬圓仔惠

Guohua Street is essentially a culinary armory in Tainan, with famous eateries lined up every few steps. "Babao Bin Yuanzi Hui" is the kind of place you might pass by several times, thinking it's just sweet soup; is it really worth the long lines every time? But after actually stepping inside and trying it, there is indeed something special.

Let's start with the grass jelly. The texture is that of old-fashioned hand-made style: warm, smooth, and dense. It tastes quite similar to regular grass jelly—it's good, no doubt, but I personally don't find it earth-shattering. After all, this place has been recommended by the Michelin Bib Gourmand for several years in a row, leading me to briefly wonder: does Michelin just go down Guohua Street and hand out awards to every shop?

However, their rice balls are truly impressive. Not only are they chewy, but they also have a rare flavor that penetrates the whole ball, with the skin absorbing the aroma of the soup, which is definitely a plus. Moreover, the staff are incredibly friendly, greeting you with a smile regardless of whether you order a lot or a little; this level of service in a tourist hotspot is actually quite commendable.

The wall is filled with celebrity signatures, and even Jay Chou has signed here, so it feels like a pilgrimage of sorts. Overall, I wouldn't say this is the best grass jelly I've ever had, but if you're looking for a sweet soup to finish off your time on Guohua Street, this place is a pretty good option.