Dajia, Taiwan’s Taro Capital

08 January 2025

A southern-style temple with intricate carvings across its roof. Above its main door are the words 鎮瀾宮 written right-to-left. — Jenn Lann Temple during renovations

Dajia, a historic town at the north edge of Taichung, was once known for making tatami and straw hats. Nowadays it’s famous for aromatic taro and fresh oysters, two highlights of its tiny but packed street market.

For people who like storied architecture, there are many Qing- and Japanese-era buildings within walkable distance. Visit Jenn Lann Temple, one of Taiwan’s most famous Mazu temples, or take a peek into Dajia history at Wenchang Temple, once the Dajia Public School.

You can get to Dajia from Taichung by local rail.

Shops

A cat eating out of a cat bowl in front of a window display of colourful canvas wallets — Store manager outside Yifan Canvas Bags

Yifan Canvas Bags • 一帆布包

31, Yude Rd • 台中市大甲區育德路41號

There’s been a recent revival in locally made canvas goods, and Yifan’s creations can now be found in maker shops across Taiching. Yifan have a variety of styles from simple tote bags to pocketful messenger bags.

You can find their bags at various hipper stores in Taichung, but Yifan’s own store has the best selection.

Website

O-Nong • 阿聰師

38, Wenwu Rd • 台中市大甲區文武路38號

O-Nong’s taro ball pastries is just the right amount of sweet and lardy; their spicy fried taro sticks are addictive. Visit if you love taro as much as I do.

Website

Snacks

Two large chunk of taros, with pearls, red bean, taro dumplings, and sweet potato dumplings in a bowl of red bean soup. — Everything soup with taro chunks at Dajia Taro Castle

Dajia Taro Castle • 大甲芋頭城

68, Yude Rd • 台中市大甲區育德路68號

Taro milk, shaved ice with taro, and other desserts, all made with taro from Dajia. I highly recommend their everything soup with taro chunks. You can sit down here.

They also have a stall in Feng Chia Night Market closer to Taichung’s city centre.

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