In the past, jute plants were cultivated mainly for producing ropes and sacks. During this process, the leaves were often considered worthless and discarded. However, resourceful people of earlier times would save the tender leaves and buds for cooking. They rubbed and rinsed the leaves thoroughly to remove their bitterness. These prepared ingredients were then used to make Muâ-ínn soup, a dish renowned for its unique bittersweet flavor that has become a must-eat summer delicacy in Taichung.
The jute field in Taichung.
The summer-limited Muâ-ínn Soup
In Taichung Fifth Public Retail Market, Chuangyuan Rice Cake has been a beloved local favorite for over 40 years. One seasonal delicacy that Taichung residents eagerly anticipate is Muâ-ínn Soup, which is available only in summer. This unique soup features tender jute leaves grown, harvested, and hand-prepared by the stall owner. The leaves are meticulously rubbed and rinsed to remove mucus and bitterness before cooking. Sweet potatoes and dried fish are used to enrich the broth, enhancing its sweetness and umami. Finally, chopped okra is added to thicken the soup, creating a silky, smooth texture that offers a refreshing, satisfying fullness and a heat-relieving effect.
Chuangyuan Rice Cake
Add : No. 9-1, Zhizhi Street, West District, Taichung City
(Inside Taichung Fifth Public Retail Market)
Tel : 04-23717998
Business hours : 07:00~13:30 (closed on Tuesdays)
Muâ-ínn fresh cream Swiss roll.
Experience the Fusion of Traditional Aromas and Exotic Flavors
To continue this seasonal tradition, Aoko has introduced an innovative menu featuring Muâ-ínn in a variety of dishes and desserts. These include Muâ-ínn meat sauce pasta, Muâ-ínn fresh cream Swiss roll, and their signature Muâ-ínn pastry. The ingredient is even incorporated into beverages such as the brown sugar latte and honey sparkling drink, blending sweetness with a hint of bitterness to create a delightful experience for the taste buds.
Aoko is named after the founder,s grandmother, who always prepared Muâ-ínn soup for her children to enjoy during the summertime.
Aoko
Add : No. 83, Nanguang Road, Nantun District, Taichung City
Tel : 0970-718-150
Business hours : 12:00~20:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
Muâ-ínn champion cakes, sun cakes and pine nut cakes.
When Sweet Meets Savory: Delight Your Taste Buds with Muâ-ínn Pastries
Established in 1866, WISH LIN is a renowned pastry shop in Taichung, celebrated for its unwavering dedication to traditional pastries. In recent years, it has integrated the unique local ingredient, Muâ-ínn, to create its signature Muâ-ínn champion cakes (a traditional pastry made from sticky rice flour). Additionally, the shop incorporates Muâ-ínn powder into the oil dough to produce exclusive Muâ-ínn sun cakes and pine nut cakes. It also offers a limited edition Muâ-ínn chiffon cake, showcasing their dedication to blending tradition with modern tastes.
uâ-ínn chiffon cake.
WISH LIN Century-old Pastry Shop
Add : No. 59, Section 1, Wanhe Road, Nantun District, Taichung City
Tel : 04-23899857
Business hours : 08:30~19:00 (closed on Wednesdays)
Muâ-ínn almond tea and Muâ-ínn latte smoothies are known for theirs well-balanced aroma combining nutty and milky notes.
Beat the Heat with Taiwanese-style Matcha: Muâ-ínn Latte Smoothies
San Jiao Jie Cultural Tea House is renowned for its signature Muâ-ínn drink series, which highlights this seasonal herb in refreshingly innovative ways. The leaves are sun-dried, ground into powder, and blended into a variety of chilled tea concoctions. Muâ-ínn latte smoothies is perfect for beating the summer heat. The most recommended option is the Muâ-ínn almond tea, which creatively combines the grassy aroma of Muâ-ínn with the nutty fragrance of almonds, topped with a sprinkle of puffed rice for extra texture.
For a pure Muâ-ínn experience, don,t miss the Muâ-ínn tea. This drink offers an intense herbal bouquet followed by a lingering sweet aftertaste, reminiscent of Taiwanese matcha.
San Jiao Jie Cultural Tea House (Nantun Branch) is located in a historic building with an antique feel.
San Jiao Jie Cultural Tea House
(Nantun Branch)
Add : No. 551, Section 2, Nantun Road, Nantun District, Taichung City
Tel : 04-23891650
Business hours: 09:00~21:00
(台中市政府新聞局廣告)