Duhao Yaki is a local specialty you can only find in Yilan.
It has always been sold at a fixed food stall next to the 7-Eleven by Gongzheng Elementary School, and they usually close around 6 PM.
The name "Duhao Yaki" comes from the idea that it's “a little hot, but not too hot—just the right temperature to enjoy.” That’s why it tastes best when eaten fresh and warm.
I’ve seen this stall selling Duhao Yaki since I was a kid. I remember it used to be run by an elderly man, and now it has been passed down to the second generation. If I recall correctly, back then the stall even had a newspaper clipping saying that the original owner learned the recipe from a Japanese person.
So, what exactly is Duhao Yaki?
It’s actually a ball-shaped snack filled with sweet red bean paste. It tastes slightly sweet, though you might not immediately notice that it’s red bean filling.
The owner coats each ball in batter and then drops them into a hot oil pan to deep-fry, just like this.
Here’s what it looks like after being taken out of the fryer.
It has a uniquely sweet flavor that makes it really special. If you’re visiting Yilan, you definitely have to try Duhao Yaki — it’s a treat you can only find here!