④ Red Bean Pancake: The Hybrid Theory of Red Bean Pancake and Hong Kong-style Afternoon Tea
Auto-TranslationPouring the batter, greasing the pan, spinning the wheel, and sealing the pancake, the owner of "Xu's Red Bean Pancake" executes a seamless routine to create fragrant red bean pancakes that have been cherished for nearly 50 years. Originating from the Japanese imagawayaki, the red bean pancake is a hybrid delicacy transformed alongside Hong Kong-style milk tea and sandwiches from foreign cuisines. Discussing its evolution and fusion is just perfect—it’s simply delightful.
Knowing Xu's Red Bean Pancake comes with both fortune and misfortune. Years ago, a friend's knee had issues, and they had surgery next to the Beishi Hospital on Wuxing Street. Having health problems is certainly seen as a misfortune.
The fortunate part, however, is that this Hongkonger encountered Xu's Red Bean Pancake next to Beishi, indulging in it for 20 years. Initially, it was the husband and wife team running the stall, but eventually, it was just the husband, and now his daughter-in-law has joined to help and is designated as the successor. Although I don’t visit often, every time I’m in the area, I make a point to stop by and buy some, so I consider myself a regular.
What makes Xu's Red Bean Pancake special is that it's not overly sweet. The broad beans, butter, and sweet potatoes strike a perfect balance, sweet but not cloying, making them acceptable to a Hongkonger’s palate. If I had to choose a favorite, I would recommend the shredded radish; its salty and crunchy flavor is very Taiwanese, perfectly localizing the imagawayaki from Japan's colonial period. Paired with a thin, crispy pancake, it's irresistibly delicious when freshly baked.
I particularly enjoy watching the pancake-making process up close while waiting for my order, and I’m always impressed by the large, manually operated spinning mold. It starts with greasing the pan, then pouring the batter and coating the pancake cup. The owner spins the large disk, allowing his daughter-in-law to add the filling; then, it spins back for the owner to place the half-cooked pancake on the top for sealing. The whole process is a delightful rotation that completes the creation.
The fortunate part, however, is that this Hongkonger encountered Xu's Red Bean Pancake next to Beishi, indulging in it for 20 years. Initially, it was the husband and wife team running the stall, but eventually, it was just the husband, and now his daughter-in-law has joined to help and is designated as the successor. Although I don’t visit often, every time I’m in the area, I make a point to stop by and buy some, so I consider myself a regular.
What makes Xu's Red Bean Pancake special is that it's not overly sweet. The broad beans, butter, and sweet potatoes strike a perfect balance, sweet but not cloying, making them acceptable to a Hongkonger’s palate. If I had to choose a favorite, I would recommend the shredded radish; its salty and crunchy flavor is very Taiwanese, perfectly localizing the imagawayaki from Japan's colonial period. Paired with a thin, crispy pancake, it's irresistibly delicious when freshly baked.
I particularly enjoy watching the pancake-making process up close while waiting for my order, and I’m always impressed by the large, manually operated spinning mold. It starts with greasing the pan, then pouring the batter and coating the pancake cup. The owner spins the large disk, allowing his daughter-in-law to add the filling; then, it spins back for the owner to place the half-cooked pancake on the top for sealing. The whole process is a delightful rotation that completes the creation.
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.
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Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
