This guide covers the best restaurants, street food, and dining experiences in Taiwan.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
Hualien, the beautiful city on Taiwan's eastern coast, not only boasts stunning mountain and ocean scenery but is also a significant stronghold of Taiwan's indigenous culture. Here, the Amis, Bunun, and Truku peoples have lived for generations, nurturing a unique indigenous culinary culture. Visiting Hualien without tasting an authentic indigenous meal would truly be the greatest regret.
The soul of Hualien indigenous cuisine lies in the wisdom of "eating with nature." The Amis excel at utilizing coastal resources such as flying fish and shellfish; while the Bunun and Truku are skilled at harvesting wild vegetables and game from the mountains. These dishes don't rely on complex seasonings yet showcase the most pristine sweetness of ingredients, filling every bite with the breath of nature.
When visiting Hualien, there are several classic dishes that are must-tries. First is stone slab BBQ, where pork, beef, or wild boar is grilled on a heated stone slab until charred and fragrant. The far-infrared rays from the stone keep the meat juicy while adding a unique mineral flavor—this represents the highest respect when indigenous people host guests. Bamboo tube rice involves steaming glutinous rice with various ingredients inside a bamboo tube; the moment it's opened, the bamboo fragrance fills the air. Originally a portable dry ration for mountain hunting expeditions, it has become a favorite specialty among tourists. The use of 馬告 (mountain pepper) is the essence of Hualien indigenous cooking. This spice with its blended lemon and ginger aroma adds layers to dishes and is stunning whether used in soups or seasoning. Additionally, various mountain vegetables and wild herbs such as fiddlehead ferns, water spinach, and bird's nest fern are delicacies rarely found in the city.
When it comes to recommended spots for Hualien indigenous cuisine, these five restaurants are the local favorites that residents most frequently take friends to:
"Dajili Tribal House" is located in Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, and is a renowned restaurant specializing in traditional Amis cuisine. The owner is a native Amis who insists on using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their signature "Warrior Set Meal" includes stone slab BBQ, salted pork, grilled fish, and bamboo tube rice—generous portions perfect for sharing among groups. The restaurant's environment is filled with indigenous-themed decorations, with traditional crafts from various ethnic groups displayed on the walls. Guests can learn about indigenous culture while dining.
"Red Tile House Old Place" is located in downtown Hualien and is a beloved old restaurant that many locals have eaten at since childhood. Though the exterior is unassuming, it's always packed during meal times. The specialty here is "creative indigenous cuisine," presenting traditional ingredients in modern ways. The recommended must-order "Makau (Mountain Pepper) Chicken Soup" uses free-range chicken and wild makau simmered for several hours—the broth is clear and sweet with a unique aroma; additionally, "Charcoal-grilled Wild Boar" is exceptional, with crispy exterior and tender interior, paired with special prickly ash sauce for absolutely wonderful flavor.
"Pot Lily Spring" is located in Ji'an Township, Hualien County, and is a restaurant specializing in Bunun cuisine. The restaurant's name comes from a Bunun legend, and the environment design is full of primitive tribal atmosphere. Their "Eight Dishes One Soup" set meal is the signature, allowing diners to taste eight different indigenous classic dishes in one seating, including roasted meat, grilled fish, bird's nest fern, and fiddlehead fern. The "Millets Wine Braised Pork Knuckle" is a unique exclusive dish you won't find elsewhere—the pork knuckle is braised until tender and soft, with a subtle millet wine aroma and rich collagen.
"Mibanai Mountain Food" is located in downtown Hualien and is a rare restaurant specializing in Atayal and Truku cuisine. The interior uses large amounts of wooden elements and indigenous woven fabrics, creating a warm atmosphere. Their "Warrior Hot Pot" uses a variety of wild vegetables and mountain chicken as the base—the broth is clear and healthy, very popular among health-conscious guests. Additionally, "Lover's Tears" (cymbidium moss) is a must-order dish—this algae that grows in mountainous areas has a crisp texture and is delicious when simply stir-fried.
"Dagefali Cafe" is located in Ruisui Township, Hualien County, and is a hybrid restaurant combining indigenous cuisine with coffee. The restaurant owner is a young Truku person dedicated to promoting tribal industry. Their "Tribal Set Meal" includes bamboo tube rice, roasted chicken wings, and seasonal wild vegetables, portions suitable for one person. The highlight is the accompanying "Hand-drip Tribal Coffee" using locally grown coffee beans from Ruisui—the aroma is rich and forms a perfect pairing with indigenous cuisine.
Traveling to Hualien for indigenous cuisine is quite convenient. If arriving from other counties, you can take the Taiwan Railway to Hualien Station, then transfer by taxi or rent a scooter to reach various restaurants. The Tzu-li Express from Taipei takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. For those driving, most restaurants have parking available, so transportation is not an issue. Average spending at these restaurants ranges from NT$300 to NT$600 per person. It's recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially during holiday meal times when crowds are heavier. Most restaurants are open from 11 AM to 9 PM, with some closed on Wednesdays.
Finally, a few tips: Indigenous cuisine generally tends toward saltier flavors, so you can ask the restaurant to reduce sodium when ordering; many restaurants offer family-style dishes or set meals, so solo diners don't need to worry about portions being too large; be sure to inform staff in advance if you have allergies to specific ingredients; mosquitoes are more prevalent in Hualien's mountainous areas, so remember to bring mosquito repellent when visiting in summer; some restaurants are located in remote mountain areas where cell phone signal may be poor, so it's recommended to confirm your route before heading out.
Hualien's indigenous cuisine is more than just filling your appetite—it's a deep cultural experience. While savoring these dishes, you can almost feel the wisdom of ancestors in dialogue with the mountains and sea. Next time you visit Hualien, slow down and用心感受這片土地的味道用心感受這片土地的溫度與味道—take the time to feel the warmth and flavors of this land.
