When it comes to Taiwan's indigenous cuisine, most people might first think of the mountain and seafood dishes from Hualien or Taitung. However, Sun Moon Lake located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, hides a relatively low-key yet highly distinctive group—the Thao. As one of the smallest indigenous populations in Taiwan, the Thao have lived for generations around Sun Moon Lake, developing a unique food culture. Visiting Sun Moon Lake, besides enjoying the scenic lake and mountain views, savoring Thao-style dishes is also a way to understand the cultural depth of this land.
The Thao's traditional diet centers on mountain produce and lake resources. Early reliance on fishing, hunting, and simple agriculture led to cooking wisdom utilizing local ingredients. President Fish (Quyao Fish) is the most representative lake catch of Sun Moon Lake, said to have been tribute to President Chiang Chung-cheng, hence the name. Its flesh is tender and often served steamed. Bamboo tube rice is a traditional Thao staple, where glutinous rice is charcoal-grilled in bamboo, carrying a subtle bamboo aroma and smoky scent. Grilled wild boar is an essential dish for tribal feasts, using wild boar hindquarter meat sliced and charcoal-grilled, with crispy skin and chewy meat—a favorite among gourmet diners. Additionally, Kili Fish (苦花鱼) is also a特色 lake catch, a small fish that becomes crispy-boned and aromatic when deep-fried, making an excellent accompaniment to drinks.
In recent years, with global ingredient cost fluctuations and supply chain challenges facing the food industry, most Thao restaurants at Sun Moon Lake choose local sourcing, ensuring ingredient freshness while aligning with sustainability trends. Some businesses have started developing creative plating, presenting traditional Thao dishes in modern ways to attract younger customers.
【Xinshanwei Thao Flavor Restaurant】
This long-standing restaurant at No. 132 Zhongshan Road has been operating near Shuisha Pier for over 30 years, a hidden gem beloved by locals. The owner insists on sourcing fresh ingredients daily. The signature four-dish one-soup set is NT$1,000, and the seven-dish one-soup set (serving six) is NT$2,200—excellent value. Signature dishes include charcoal-grilled wild boar, steamed President Fish, and bamboo tube rice. Reservations are recommended by phone, and预订 entitles you to a free dessert. The restaurant is only a three-minute walk from Shuisha Pier, open from 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, closed on Tuesdays.
【Zhi La Xiao Guan】
Located at No. 87 Yongyi Street, Zhi La Xiao Guan is a Thao cuisine restaurant with over 40 years of history, famous for its crispy Kili Fish and President Fish. The restaurant's environment is simple, filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, with affordable prices and single dishes around NT$150-300. Signature dish "Crispy-fried Kili Fish" is crispy outside and tender inside—a classic must-order for many returning customers. Open from 08:00-19:00, recommended to avoid peak dining hours.
【Abu Shameng An】
Located in the Idawdao Food Street (No. 298-306 Lakeside Road), this traditional Thao cuisine stall is known for affordable snacks. Grilled wild boar skewers NT$70, millet glutinous rice cake NT$50, fried President Fish NT$60—moderate portions, perfect for casual tasting while shopping. The stall is open from 10:00-20:00, the best choice for sampling Thao snacks.
【Shao Zu Tou Mu Yuan Jia】
Located at No. 97-1 Yongyi Street, this restaurant is operated by the Thao tribal chief's family, promoting authentic heritage. Signatures include President Fish dishes, wild boar broth with mountain pepper (马告), and handmade millet wine, with set menu prices around NT$300-600 per person. The restaurant's atmosphere is filled with tribal cultural elements, with traditional Thao handicrafts hanging on the walls, allowing diners to experience cultural ambiance while dining. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00-14:30, 17:00-20:00, Saturday 11:00-21:00, Sunday 11:00-20:00.
【Tan Xian Food Restaurant】
Located at No. 32-1 Mingde Street, this restaurant specializes in combining Sun Moon Lake lake produce with Thao cuisine. Signature "President Fish One Fish Three Ways" allows tasting three flavors: steamed, red-braised, and砂锅 fish soup—quite distinctive. Set menus for two around NT$800-1,200, suitable for small families or couples. About a five-minute walk from Shuisha Pier, operating hours vary by season.
【Transportation】
To reach Sun Moon Lake from Taichung, you can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Sun Moon Lake Line. Buses depart directly to Shuisha Visitor Center from Taichung Train Station or Taichung High-Speed Rail Station, with a journey of about 1.5-2 hours and fares around NT$190-230. For self-driving, exit at the Ailan Interchange on National Highway 6, then connect to Provincial Highway 14 and Provincial Highway 21 to reach Sun Moon Lake. Parking lots around Sun Moon Lake charge approximately NT$40 per hour.
【Best Travel Season】
Sun Moon Lake is suitable for year-round visits. Spring offers cherry blossoms, summer provides cool escape from heat, autumn features stunning lakeside maple foliage, and winter brings New Year's Eve fireworks and hot springs. Thao restaurants operate year-round, but it's recommended to avoid peak crowds during consecutive holidays.
【Price Range】
Thao snacks single items NT$50-70, complete flavor sets around NT$300-600 per person, mid-to-high-end restaurants around NT$800-2,200—flexible options based on budget.
Advance phone reservations are key to ensuring dining quality, especially at popular restaurants like Xinshanwei. Peak dining times are 12:00-13:00 and 18:00-19:00, so it's recommended to arrive early or go slightly later. Must-order signature dishes at Sun Moon Lake include President Fish, wild boar meat, bamboo tube rice, and Kili Fish—these dishes best represent the Thao's culinary wisdom. For a deeper experience, you can join Thao cultural guided tours, combining food and cultural understanding to make your lakeside journey even more enriching.
