Taipei Da'an District Local Gem: Sheng Yuan Loofah Soup Dumplings

Address: No. 1, Lane 25, Section 2, Hangzhou South Road, Da'an District, Taipei City, Taiwan, 106 Atmosphere/Facilities: Street-side parking spaces at the entrance Highlights: Loofah Soup Dumplings, Scallion Grilled Crucian Carp, Special Shandong Roast Chicken Average Price: 300 TWD Rating: Established in 1962, Sheng Yuan Soy Milk is a renowned breakfast spot in Taipei, originally famous for Chinese breakfast items like sesame flatbread and fried dough sticks. It later expanded to include soup dumplings. After the relocation of the Huaguang Community, the restaurant moved to Jinhua Street and was renamed Ding Yuan Soy Milk. Sheng Yuan Loofah Soup Dumplings, part of the same family business, continues to serve dishes like soup dumplings and beef rolls that were popular at the original breakfast shop. Soup dumplings are a classic Jiangsu-Zhejiang dim sum dish, often enjoyed during breakfast. They come in three styles: leavened dough, semi-leavened dough, and unleavened dough. Sheng Yuan specializes in two types of soup dumplings: fresh pork and loofah. The fresh pork dumplings are filled with juicy minced pork, rich in flavor and fat. In contrast, the loofah soup dumplings replace half of the pork filling with loofah, offering a refreshing sweetness that balances the richness of the pork. The side dishes mainly feature Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai cuisine. A personal favorite is the Scallion Grilled Crucian Carp, perfect for those who enjoy the sweet-savory flavor and the texture of roe-filled crucian carp. This dish is a must-try. Another standout is the Special Shandong Roast Chicken, a signature dish not to be missed. However, the Steamed Pork Ribs and Steamed Intestines with Sweet Potatoes are less impressive. These dishes are mostly sweet potatoes, with minimal pork ribs and intestines, making them feel more like steamed sweet potatoes. Personally, I found this dish the least satisfying. Overall, the quality of the dishes varies significantly. With prices around 300 TWD, the portions are decent, making it an affordable and worthwhile choice in Taipei. Reservations are recommended during meal times, as peak hours often require waiting.