This guide covers the best restaurants, street food, and dining experiences in Taiwan.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
Hualien, a beautiful city located on Taiwan's eastern coast, not only boasts magnificent mountain and ocean landscapes but also serves as an important stronghold for Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Here, the Amis, Bunun, and Truku peoples have lived for generations, giving rise to a unique indigenous culinary culture. A visit to Hualien would be incomplete without tasting an authentic indigenous meal—a truly regrettable oversight.
The soul of Hualien's indigenous cuisine lies in the wisdom of "eating with nature." The Amis people are skilled at utilizing ocean resources such as flying fish and shellfish, while the Bunun and Truku peoples excel at foraging wild mountain vegetables and game. These dishes don't rely on complex seasonings but instead showcase the natural sweetness of ingredients, letting each bite be filled with the essence 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. The far-infrared radiation from the stone keeps the meat juicy while imparting a unique mineral flavor—representing the highest form of hospitality in indigenous culture. Bamboo rice involves steaming glutinous rice with ingredients inside a bamboo tube, releasing a fragrant bamboo aroma when opened. Originally a portable staple for hunting expeditions, it has now become a beloved specialty among tourists. The use of maqaw (mountain pepper) represents the essence of Hualien's indigenous cuisine. This spice carries a blend of lemon and ginger aromatics, adding layers of flavor whether used in soups or seasoning, never failing to impress. Additionally, various wild mountain vegetables such as fiddlehead ferns, asparagus ferns, and bird's nest ferns are delicacies rarely found in urban areas.
Speaking of recommended places for Hualien indigenous cuisine, the following five restaurants are local favorites that residents often take their friends to:
"Dakuli Tribal House" is located in Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, and is a well-known restaurant specializing in traditional Amis cuisine. The proprietress is a native Amis person who insists on using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their signature "Warrior Set" includes stone slab BBQ, salted pork, grilled fish, and bamboo rice—generous portions perfect for sharing. The restaurant environment is filled with indigenous-themed decorations, with traditional handicrafts from various tribes adorning the walls, allowing diners to learn about indigenous culture while enjoying their meal.
"Red Tile House Old Place" is located in Hualien City and is a long-established spot that many locals have enjoyed since childhood. Though the exterior appears unassuming, it's always packed during meal times. Here, the specialty is "creative indigenous cuisine," presenting traditional ingredients in modern ways. The highly recommended "Maqaw Chicken Soup" uses free-range chicken and wild maqaw simmered for hours, resulting in a clear, sweet broth with a distinctive aroma. The "Charcoal-Grilled Wild Boar" is another masterpiece—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with special saw-leaf onion sauce for an exceptional flavor profile.
"Pot Lily Spring" is located in Jian Township, Hualien County, and is a restaurant specializing in Bunun cuisine. The name comes from a Bunun legend, and the environment design is filled with primitive tribal atmosphere. Their signature "Eight Dishes and One Soup" set allows diners to experience eight different classic indigenous dishes at once, including roasted meat, grilled fish, bird's nest fern, and fiddlehead fern. The "Millets Wine Braised Pork Knuckle" is a unique creation found nowhere else—the pork knuckle is stewed until tender with a subtle millet wine aroma, rich in collagen.
"Mibanei Mountain Cuisine" is located in Hualien City and is a rare restaurant featuring Atayal and Truku cuisine. The interior uses abundant wooden elements and indigenous woven fabrics, creating a warm atmosphere. Their "Warrior Hot Pot" uses various wild vegetables and mountain chicken as the base, with a sweet and healthy broth—very popular among health-conscious guests. "Lover's Tears" (cymbopogon) is also a must-order. This algae that grows in the mountains has a crisp texture and is delicious when simply stir-fried.
"Dagefali Café" is located in Ruisui Township, Hualien County, and is a combined restaurant offering indigenous cuisine and coffee. The owner is a young Truku person dedicated to promoting tribal industries. Their "Tribal Set" includes bamboo rice, grilled chicken wings, and seasonal wild vegetables—portions suitable for individual diners. The most special addition is the "Hand-Poured Tribal Coffee," using locally grown coffee beans from Ruisui, with a rich aroma that forms a perfect pairing with indigenous cuisine.
Getting to Hualien to taste indigenous cuisine is quite convenient. If traveling from other counties, you can take the Taiwan Railway to Hualien Station, then transfer by taxi or rent a motorcycle to reach the various restaurants. The express train from Taipei takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. If driving yourself, most restaurants have parking lots available, making transportation no problem. Average spending per person ranges from NT$300 to NT$600. Advance phone reservations are recommended, especially during holiday peak hours. Most restaurants are open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some closed on Wednesdays.
Finally, a few tips: Indigenous cuisine tends to be salty, so you can ask the restaurant to reduce salt when ordering; many restaurants offer group dishes or set menus, so solo diners don't have to worry about excessive portions; be sure to inform staff of any food allergies in advance; there are more mosquitoes in Hualien's mountain areas, so bring insect repellent when visiting in summer; some restaurants are located in remote mountain areas where mobile signal may be poor, so it's advisable to confirm your route before setting out.
Hualien's indigenous cuisine is not merely about satisfying the appetite—it's a profound cultural experience. While savoring these dishes, one can almost feel the wisdom of ancestors in dialogue with the mountains and sea. Next time you visit Hualien, slow down and appreciate the warmth and flavors of this land with an open heart.
