Tiantian Mantou

About Tiantian Mantou

Tiantian Mantou is a simple food cart near the Second Market in the Central District that draws both visitors and locals. Its signature is a small fried bun that costs just NT$6 each. The dough is made from flour, sugar, and duck eggs, wrapped around red bean paste, and fried until golden and crisp. The outside is slightly toasty, and the smooth red bean filling is not too sweet. The buns are dense but not greasy, and best eaten hot. The cart also sells three kinds of cold-brew tea to go with them.

Founded by Jian Liang-chuan in 1949, Tiantian Mantou has been running for over 70 years and is one of Taichung's long-established names. Prep starts at 6:00 every morning, and regulars and newcomers line up every day. The handmade process is fun to watch, as the team drops the little dough balls into the oil one after another on a steady production line. The staff stay friendly and smiling even when busy, and sometimes hand out small gifts.

Online reviews are very positive, and many Google Local Guides list it as a must-eat in Taichung and a taste of local memory. They praise the crisp buns, the red bean filling that is not too sweet, and the low price, and say it makes a good afternoon snack. Some describe it as an old-style Japanese snack that recalls the colonial era. Some grew up eating it and buy a bag every time they come back to Taichung. Others loved it the first time and line up on every visit.

Tiantian Mantou makes its buns from the most basic ingredients with a craft passed down for over 70 years, and it is well worth a try.

Tiantian Mantou is a one- or two-minute walk from Mr.Mantter, so it is easy to pick up a few buns in the morning for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Book a room at Mr.Mantter