Penghu cuttlefish balls are a signature street snack made from freshly ground cuttlefish paste, deep-fried or blanched, famously sold at Dahan Seafood on Zhongyang Old Street.
Cuttlefish (花枝) is abundantly harvested in Penghu waters. Dahan Seafood (惠安一路9號 in Magong), located at Zhongyang Old Street, is one of the best-known shops selling freshly made cuttlefish balls, with its signature cuttlefish balls and cuttlefish patties frequently featured in Penghu food guides and media coverage. Hongyu Food is another well-known brand that markets itself as a leading Penghu cuttlefish ball producer.
What are Penghu cuttlefish balls
Cuttlefish (also called inkfish or squid) is abundantly harvested in Penghu waters. Cuttlefish balls are made primarily from fresh cuttlefish paste with a small amount of tapioca starch added for chewiness; some vendors mix in fish paste to improve binding. The seasoning is kept simple, letting the cuttlefish's natural sweetness take center stage. They can be deep-fried (crispy outside, soft and springy inside) or blanched (a more delicate texture), and are typically cut and served with sweet chili sauce or soy paste.
Most cuttlefish ball vendors on Zhongyang Old Street are local family operations, some of which have been passed down for more than two or three decades. Dongnan Hang (Dongnan Xing) Cuttlefish Balls is one of the more highly regarded shops, consistently maintaining high scores on Google reviews. Queuing for freshly fried balls during peak season is a common sight, so visitors should come prepared to wait. The Penghu County Tourism Bureau has also long included cuttlefish balls in its featured street food introduction as a signature cooked snack of Zhongyang Street.
How to eat it the local way
Local knowledge
Verified credentials
- The Penghu County Tourism Bureau has long included Zhongyang Old Street cuttlefish balls in its featured street food section as a signature cooked snack.
- Dongnan Hang Cuttlefish Balls and similar long-established shops consistently score high on Google reviews and are among the most recommended street foods on Zhongyang Street.
- Multiple fresh-made vendors operating in the same commercial area of Magong Zhongyang Street create a built-in quality check through peer competition.
Visitor tips
- On peak-season weekends the crowds are heavy, and popular vendors' freshly fried cuttlefish balls may require a 15–30 minute wait. Going at off-peak hours is smoother.
- For frozen take-away packs, confirm the vendor provides an insulated bag or bring your own cooler; leaving them at room temperature for too long will affect quality.
- To tell "freshly ground" from "purchased fish-paste processed" versions, ask directly about the cuttlefish ratio. Pure cuttlefish paste is paler in color and smells fresher.
Sources: Penghu County Tourism Bureau featured street food introduction, on-site information from Zhongyang Street vendors, Google Maps review aggregation. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Penghu cuttlefish balls made from freshly ground cuttlefish?
Traditionally yes — vendors clean and debone fresh cuttlefish and grind it into paste on the spot; you can ask about the cuttlefish ratio, as pure paste is paler and smells fresher.
Which cuttlefish ball shop on Zhongyang Old Street is best known?
Dahan Seafood is a well-known shop making fresh cuttlefish balls on Zhongyang Old Street, frequently featured in local food guides; Hongyu Food is another notable cuttlefish ball brand.
What's the authentic way to eat cuttlefish balls?
Eat them within 5 minutes of frying for the crispiest skin, dipped in the vendor's house-made sweet chili sauce; a blanched version is also available for a more delicate texture.
Sources
- 澎湖美食｜大漢花枝丸專賣店，內行人必點花枝鑲油條 — 店家地址與招牌品項介紹
- 宏裕行-澎湖花枝丸領導品牌 — 宏裕行官網