Pineapple shrimp balls

Type	Fried food
Course	Dish
Place of origin	Taiwan
Main ingredients	shrimp, pineapple, mayonnaise
Media: Pineapple shrimp balls

Pineapple Shrimp Balls (Chinese: 鳳梨蝦球; Tongyong Pinyin: fònglí siā cióu) is a Taiwanese dish commonly found in Taiwanese restaurants, Pān-toh, beer halls, and Rechao eateries.[1] It is known for its combination of fried shrimp, sweet pineapple, and mayonnaise-based sauce, and is often regarded as a representative example of modern Taiwanese cuisine.[2]

The dish typically consists of large shrimp that are peeled, battered, and deep-fried until crisp. These are mixed with pineapple chunks, which are often from canned pineapple, and coated with mayonnaise.[3] Some versions are garnished with sweet toppings such as chocolate sprinkles. The overall flavor profile is sweet and savory, and the dish is frequently described as dessert-like in character.[4]

Pineapple shrimp balls are a relatively recent addition to Taiwanese culinary tradition. Food scholars and culinary instructors have suggested that the dish became popular in Taiwan approximately in the late 20th century, particularly from the 1980s onward. Earlier Taiwanese cookbooks and menus rarely mention the dish, indicating that it is not a long-established traditional recipe.[5]

Its emergence is often linked to broader economic and industrial developments in Taiwan. During the 20th century, Taiwan became a major producer of canned pineapple, an industry that expanded significantly during the Japanese colonial period and continued after World War II. By the late 20th century, canned pineapple was inexpensive, widely available, and easy for restaurants to store and use.[6]

At the same time, advances in shrimp aquaculture—especially the large-scale farming of tiger prawns—made shrimp more affordable and consistently available. These conditions made it practical for restaurants to develop dishes that combined shrimp with pineapple as a cost-effective and popular menu item.[7]

The use of mayonnaise in pineapple shrimp balls reflects Japanese culinary influence on Taiwanese food culture. Mayonnaise became widely used in Taiwan during the 20th century and is commonly incorporated into various local dishes.[8]

• Taiwanese cuisine
• List of shrimp dishes