[Taiwanese Food] Winter Solstice Means Tangyuan! A Complete Guide to the Charming Chewy Happiness Dessert

In Taiwan’s winter, the streets are filled with a warm, sweet aroma—and the source is none other than tangyuan (湯圓)! This traditional dessert is essential for the Winter Solstice and Lantern Festival. People believe that eating tangyuan brings family harmony and good fortune. In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of tangyuan, its types, how to enjoy it, and the best spots in Taiwan to try it.

What is Tangyuan?

Tangyuan are glutinous rice balls that symbolize “family unity, happiness, and completeness.” Most Taiwanese families eat tangyuan on the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 21–22. It’s the shortest day of the year, similar to Japan.

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Types of Tangyuan: Sweet or Savory?

Sweet Tangyuan (甜湯圓) Taiwan’s classic version is served in a sweet soup.

Popular flavors:

• Black sesame: rich and fragrant

• Peanut: nutty and sweet—very Taiwanese

• Red bean tangyuan: familiar to Japanese taste

• Rice wine tangyuan (酒釀湯圓): lightly fermented aroma, warms your body

Soup bases often include ginger syrup or brown sugar.

Savory Tangyuan (鹹湯圓) Savory tangyuan are surprisingly popular, too!

• Soup with vegetables, pork, and dried shrimp

• Large pork-filled tangyuan (鮮肉湯圓)

• Light but satisfying—perfect as a meal

Great for those who prefer something hearty rather than sweet.

How Do Taiwanese Eat Tangyuan?

Common ways to enjoy tangyuan:

• Eating with family on the Winter Solstice

• Buying from convenience stores or supermarkets to boil at home

• Eating at night markets or old traditional shops

• Surprisingly, many enjoy it even in summer!

On the Winter Solstice, supermarkets stack mountains of tangyuan at the checkout.

Famous Tangyuan Spots in Taiwan

Recommended places:

• Ningxia Night Market: ginger soup is amazing

• Nanjichang Night Market, Taipei: large pork tangyuan

• Changhua handmade shops: traditional flavors

Tangyuan as a Lucky Food

The round shape symbolizes “harmony, unity, and the return of good fortune.”Taiwanese believe that eating tangyuan adds “one more year to their age,” making it an important cultural tradition.

Tangyuan is a must-eat winter treat in Taiwan—warm, comforting, and meaningful. With both sweet and savory versions, it’s simple yet deeply satisfying. If you visit Taiwan in winter, be sure to try it! One bowl will warm both your body and your heart.

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