When it comes to Yilan seafood, many people first think of Wushi Port or Nanfang'ao, which are always crowded with tourists. However, those who truly know their seafood understand that the real Yilan seafood eateries are hidden in more discreet locations.
Yilan is a special place - Toucheng, Jiaoxi, and Su'ao are all coastal areas with well-developed nearshore fishing. The distance from the port to the market is much shorter than in western cities. This has created two distinctive characteristics of Yilan seafood: superior freshness and relatively affordable prices. As global food prices continue to rise in 2026, according to USDA predictions, seafood price increases will outpace general food ingredients. However, in Yilan, you can still enjoy seasonal seafood at reasonable prices in some traditional eateries - an advantage that is hard to find elsewhere.
Local Seafood Eateries
When it comes to eating seafood, Yilan locals don't typically go to tourist fishing ports. Instead, they prefer to head directly to eateries around the ports or the on-site cooking areas in markets. These places share common characteristics: no fancy decor, menus written on blackboards, and the owner greeting guests in Taiwanese - but the seafood is always freshly caught that day.
The port eateries in the Toucheng area are favorites among long-time Yilan residents. These small shops often have no names, mostly referred to by nicknames like "Grandma's seafood stall." However, when it comes to value for money, they absolutely outshine the tourist areas by a wide margin. Signature dishes are usually boiled squid, grilled mackerel rice bowls, or sea urchin rice, priced between NT$150-300, and they're always packed with locals during meal times. Recently, due to Japan's nuclear wastewater controversy and China's ban on Japanese seafood imports, Taiwan's local sea urchin and Hokkaido scallops have become more sought after. Wild sea urchins can occasionally be found along the Yilan coast - catching them truly requires some luck.
Jiaoxi's seafood restaurant cluster is concentrated around Deyang Temple, which is the spiritual center for Jiaoxi residents. The surrounding restaurants naturally form a seafood eatery hub. These restaurants excel in "seafood soup" - made with fish bones from that day, plus clams, shrimp, and squid. The cost is not low, but the price is often under NT$200 per bowl - it's the flavor Jiaoxi locals have grown up with. Some older establishments also offer custom cooking services: customers buy fish from the adjacent fish market, then have the chef steam or braise it for a minimal processing fee. This "market + eatery" combination is the essence of Yilan's seafood culture.
Su'ao has the highest number of seafood eateries because Nanfang'ao is Yilan's largest commercial fishing port. There are several seafood porridge and sashimi shops near the white rice dumpling shops in Su'ao's city center - these are where locals have breakfast. The port eateries that open at six in the morning offer the "freshest" seafood - as fishing boats arrive at port, the catch goes straight to the cooking station. Mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna from Nanfang'ao are the signatures. Fish prices fluctuate depending on the daily catch, but overall, they're 30-50% cheaper than seafood restaurants in Taipei.
Luodong excels in "seafood processing." Luo dong is the commercial center of northern Yilan. Locals don't recommend fresh-caught seafood but rather various dried seafood and processed products - dried squid, dried fish, dried shrimp, and crispy seaweed. These dried items are the mainstays for Yilan locals as gifts or for personal use during holidays and festivals. Prices are stable and they have a long shelf life, making them the best choice when facing global supply chain uncertainties.
Practical Information
Regarding transportation, from Taipei via National Highway 5, the Toucheng Interchange is about 50 minutes away, while Jiaoxi and Luo dong are about an hour. Driving or renting a car is recommended as bus routes in Yilan are limited and cannot reach the port areas. If taking the train, you can get off at Toucheng, Jiaoxi, Luo dong, or Su'ao stations, then transfer to local taxis or rent a scooter.
Regarding costs, the per-person spending at Yilan seafood eateries is around NT$200-400, much cheaper than comparable seafood restaurants in Taipei. A stir-fried seasonal seafood dish costs about NT$150-250, seafood noodle soup is NT$80-150, and a plate of sashimi costs under NT$100. Due to rising global shipping costs and Red Sea crisis impacts in 2026, imported seafood prices have increased significantly. However, prices for locally-caught nearshore fish remain relatively stable - another advantage of local eateries.
Regarding hours, port eateries typically open at five in the morning - to get "first-hand" seafood, you have to wake up early. Regular eateries are busiest from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM. It's recommended to avoid weekend crowds; weekday lunch hours are the most relaxed.
Travel Tips
To experience the true Yilan seafood culture, remember to let go of your "must-eat list." Long-time Yilan locals don't look for famous restaurants when eating seafood - instead, they check what the fish market announces that day. Whatever fish is fresh is what they eat - that's the essence of seafood eateries.
Additionally, most Yilan seafood eateries are family-run, and lunch breaks are not fixed - sometimes they close unexpectedly. It's recommended to call ahead before your first visit to avoid a wasted trip.
One final reminder: most Yilan seafood eateries only accept cash, and credit card or mobile payment adoption is not as widespread as in Taipei. Please bring enough cash before setting out.
