Taiwanese 'Grandma Yuan Yuan' Returns to Selling Desserts, Netizens Rally to Support Her

An 86-year-old Taiwanese woman, affectionately known as "Grandma Yuan Yuan" for her popular pink pearl milk dessert, has returned to her stall after a two-month hiatus due to a stomach hemorrhage. Her story has resonated online, with netizens from across Taiwan organizing to support her business.

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Come sit," and "Thank you," she said warmly to customers.

Chen Cai-ai, who runs the "Grandma Yuan Yuan's Pink Pearl Ice" stall in Chiayi City, resumed selling her desserts after recovering from a serious illness. She previously supported her family by selling the popular treat, raising three sons and one daughter. Her husband passed away years ago, followed by the loss of her eldest son and, more recently, her second son. She currently lives with her youngest son, who is undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke, while her daughter resides in Taipei.

Netizens on platforms like Facebook and Threads have rallied to help Chen Cai-ai, with many ordering dozens of bowls of her ice dessert. Some traveled from as far as Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan specifically to patronize her stall, hoping to help her earn enough to retire early. One customer even ordered 55 bowls at once.

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I saw the news online. I retired from teaching and have grandchildren, so I can empathize. That's why my husband and I came to Chiayi to buy ice and cheer her up.

Chen Cai-ai expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that she hasn't raised her prices in eight years. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to self-sufficiency, a sentiment echoed by the local social welfare department, which has been providing assistance but respects her desire to work. Her dedication to preparing the dessert ingredients fresh each morning, a process taking about three hours, highlights her commitment to her craft and customers.

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I have the ability to earn a living, and I want to support myself.