Named after Dajia District in Taichung, the Taiwanese city famous for producing high-quality taros, Da Jia Taro Ball, which features Taiwanese-style desserts made from taro, has become a hotspot for sweet tooths since opening in 2019 at Tin Shui Shopping Centre.
“The taro balls we serve contain about 50% fresh taro, a ratio a lot higher than our competitors,” Lee Hiu-lam, the dessert shop’s owner and mastermind, revealed proudly his secret recipe.
Lee started running a Taiwanese dessert manufacturing and wholesale business in 1997 as inspired by his wife, who is obsessed with Taiwanese bubble tea. After some years, impressed by the taste of taro balls during a trip to Taiwan, Lee then decided to introduce the delicious Taiwan desserts to Hong Kong diners by starting a shop. Lee and his Taiwanese partner aim to offer an authentic taste of Taiwan dessert with traditional and unique recipes to local sweet tooths.
The store’s signature dish Dajia taro balls are served with grass jelly, taro puree, sweet potato balls and taro ice cream. Various flavours of ice cream such as green tea and coconut are also available. Other dessert choices include chewy warabimochi and creamy pudding.
High quality does not necessarily mean high prices. The desserts at Da Jia Taro Ball are indeed very affordable. Unveiling the secret behind, Lee said, “We can ensure high quality and low prices only because we have control over both our food production and shop operations. We make the ingredients on our own in our food factory in Kwai Chung and never get supplies from other manufacturers.”
“Tin Shui Shopping Centre is a suitable place for my venture, as it is a social hub where I can easily build relationships with the people in the community and listen to their feedback on food.” The shop is now being managed by Lee’s son most of the time. Looking forwards, Lee plans to bring the authentic taste of Da Jia Taro Ball to more districts by opening more shops.