Taiwan Burrito... or is it Lumpia... or Crepe???

...who cares... it IS Delicious!!!!

Yesterday, Saturday the 18th I was able to TASTE what I think is, something fresh and different... and combines two of Yilan's BEST offerings: Taro Ice Cream & Candied Peanut...

Not sure what the name is - as most just refer to it as, Wassen hen bing chiling (peanut and ice cream), very original.... and simple... but there is nothing simple in the making of this delicious treat.... as a matter of fact, each and everyone made took a lot of laborious preparations... even though the two main ingredients, -- taro ice cream and the candied peanut -- are already pre-made....
Shaving the candied peanut alone took so much labor, and if one has to make so many of these a day to make a living - you will have one really tired vendor at the end of the day.... an ample amount of shaved peanut are put on the lumpia wrapper, then two scoops of Taro ice cream... and add a sprinkling of cilantro for additional flavor and aroma, too... the results is one heavenly treat... total delight to the taste pallet...
Am told that this was first invented here in YILAN - a few years back... so it became one of their most famous delicacy.... and it is apparent as all the little towns surrounding Yilan that we went to had their own offerings of this refreshing treat....

Shabu Shabu : Taiwanese Style

Shabu-Shabu is a Japanese variant of hot pot and quite a RAGE in Taiwan. It seems that no matter what part of Taiwan you happen to be - there will always be a neighborhood Shabu-Shabu Restaurant. The dish is related to sukiyaki in style, where both use thinly sliced meat and vegetables, and usually served with dipping sauces. The difference is in the taste; shabu-shabu is more savory and less sweet than sukiyaki. Normally considered a winter dish, which makes sense considering it is all cooked in hot boiling broth and the Taiwanese opts to have theirs with so much HOT spices. Shabu-shabu is eaten all year-round.

In Taiwan, all you can eat Shabu-Shabu is the more popular fare for the family, company outings, and just friends getting together for a nite of food and chatting.
Choices of all sorts of thinly sliced meat (beef, pork, duck, chicken, sheep, etc are staples...as well as the seasonal vegetables. Seafood such as crap, shrimps, clams & oysters are available, too. Rich or Noodles are available for carb lovers but I guarantee you - you will not want to be filled with those when you have so many other choices...

Pls Note: there are no real "rules" for eating Shabu-Shabu. Your Choice, your way all the way. You are your own chef. Just cook what you want, when you want, and enjoy it the way you want...


Shabu-Shabu has become one of my MOST FAVE types of food to eat in Taipei... I always welcome guests for a great excuse to make a nite of it... I really love having it, not because I eat a lot, though I do -- but because of all the little choices that comes with having it.... meat... veggies... seafood.... desserts (fruits, pudding, & different flavor Ice Cream by MEIJI, Japan) ... drinks.... only $10.00US per person...and the BEST part, NO TIME LIMIT!!!!

Recently was able to enjoy a Shabu-Shabu feast dinner with Todd, his GF & David at the neighborhood Shabu Shabu place, Hen Ji Shabu Shabu.

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Shabu-shabu is sooooo POPULAR in Taiwan - there was even a POP song of the same name, that became a HIT !!!