When it comes to Alishan cuisine, most visitors first think of high mountain tea, railway bentos, or mountain vegetables. However, you may not know that there are also many hidden gem xiaolongbao shops around the Alishan Forest Recreation Area and along the route to Alishan, offering warm and delicious options for travelers during their journey. Although these xiaolongbao are not as famous as Taipei's Din Tai Fung, they possess a unique charm of the high mountain region, worth exploring for travelers.
The characteristic of Alishan xiaolongbao lies in the adjustments made for the high mountain climate. Due to the large temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountain areas, many shops use thicker dough to maintain the dumplings' warmth in the cool environment, keeping them warm after steaming. In addition, Alishan xiaolongbao often incorporate local ingredients such as high mountain vegetables or shiitake mushrooms, giving traditional xiaolongbao a distinct local flavor. Some older shops also specially prepare the filling by reducing the fat content, presenting a lighter soup taste that aligns with modern dietary preferences.
Speaking of xiaolongbao around Alishan, these popular shops are a must-mention. First is the "Shizhuo Snack Stand" located along Alishan Highway (Route 18). This over thirty-year-old shop is famous for traditional xiaolongbao and steamed dumplings. The owner insists on hand-making them on the spot, with thin skin and generous filling, richSoup, and when you take a bite, you can also feel the dough's chewy texture. It is a must-stop rest station for many mountain travelers.
The second recommendation is the "Crossroad Station Xiaolongbao," located near the Crossroad Station of the Alishan Forest Railway. The特色 of this stall lies in its integration with railway culture. Many tourists specifically take the small train to taste them, while also experiencing the thick forestry historical atmosphere. Here, the xiaolongbao are larger in size, with pork hindquarters meat as the main filling, seasoned with green onions and ginger, emitting an old-fashioned aroma.
The third worth trying is the "Dabang Tribe Xiaolongbao," located in Dabang Village, Alishan Township. The biggest特色 of this shop is incorporating traditional Tsou tribe ingredients into the xiaolongbao, such as adding lemon grass for seasoning, giving the filling a unique indigenous flavor. It is a great choice for experiencing Alishan's diverse culture.
The fourth is the "Xiding Viewpoint Xiaolongbao," located on the Xiding section of the road to Alishan. The advantage here is that you can enjoy xiaolongbao while viewing the layered mountain ranges and sea of clouds. The shop also provides free high mountain tea for customers to savor, truly a double enjoyment for both sight and taste.
The last one is the "Fenqi Lake Old Street Xiaolongbao." Although Fenqi Lake itself is famous for bentos and aiyu jelly, there is a xiaolongbao specialty shop at the end of the old street that uses traditional methods, adding fermented old dough to the skin, bringing a slightly sour aroma, quite different from regular xiaolongbao, and favored by gourmet food lovers.
As for practical information, there are two main transportation methods to reach the Alishan xiaolongbao shops: self-driving takes National Highway 3 to the Zhongpu Interchange, then Route 18 (Alishan Highway) upward, where you can see signboards for various stalls along the way; alternatively, you can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus to each stop and walk to taste. The price of xiaolongbao ranges from NT$8-15 per piece, and a serving (8-10 pieces) costs approximately NT$80-120, making it quite affordable street food. Regarding business hours, most shops operate from 7 AM to around 5 PM. It is recommended to avoid peak meal times to prevent long waits.
Travel tips: When tasting xiaolongbao on Alishan, there are a few suggestions worth noting: First, the weather in the Alishan mountain area changes quickly, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket and rain gear; second, due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitudes, friends with more sensitive stomachs should avoid eating too much at once; third, some xiaolongbao shops only accept cash, so be sure to prepare enough New Taiwan Dollars; finally, if time permits, consider taking the small train to watch the sunrise in the morning, then taste xiaolongbao for lunch at noon, drawing a perfect ending for your Alishan trip.
