This guide covers the best restaurants, street food, and dining experiences in Taiwan.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
Hualien, a mountainous coastal city located in eastern Taiwan, is renowned not only for the magnificent Taroko Gorge and the deep blue Pacific Ocean but also for its abundant hot spring resources. From the iron-rich springs in Ruisui to the century-old hot springs of Antong, Hualien's hot spring areas have always been the perfect destination for travelers seeking relaxation and culinary delights. The combination of hot springs and cuisine has created a unique "hot spring dining" culture in Hualien—after soaking in mineral-rich sodium bicarbonate springs, enjoying a meal prepared with local ingredients can be described as one of the most luxurious ways to experience eastern Taiwan.
The distinctive feature of Hualien's hot spring cuisine lies in the "soup and food as one" experiential philosophy. Many hot spring hotels and restaurants are nestled between mountain valleys and streams, with windows overlooking verdant mountains and valleys, filling the air with refreshing negative ions. Enjoying cuisine in such an environment is not merely a sensory pleasure for the taste buds but a holistic relaxation and healing experience for the entire body. The biggest characteristic of dining in Hualien's hot spring areas is "using local ingredients"—extensive use of Hualien's local agricultural specialties, such as fresh milk from Ruisui, pomelos from Hegang, black glutinous rice from Yuli, seasonal vegetables from Shoufeng, and fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean. Hot spring cuisine tends toward light and healthy flavors, emphasizing the original taste and freshness of ingredients while incorporating indigenous spices and cooking techniques, creating a unique style that balances wellness with culinary excellence.
When it comes to Hualien's hot spring cuisine, Ruisui Hot Spring Area cannot be overlooked first. Located in Ruisui Township, Hualien County, Ruisui Hot Spring is one of Hualien's most famous hot spring destinations. Its spring water is rich in iron, presenting a unique yellowish-brown color, locally known as "Golden Springs." The most representative hot spring cuisine restaurants in the Ruisui area include the dining departments of "Ruisui Hot Spring Resort" as well as several specialty shops offering local cuisine. Ruisui's hot spring cuisine is most famous for the "milk bath"—using fresh local Ruisui milk in the soup to create a rich milk hot pot, paired with wild vegetables native to Hualien and free-range chicken, yielding a mellow and nourishing taste. This is a limited-edition delicacy that can only be enjoyed in Ruisui. Additionally, the "buffet-style" hot spring restaurants in the Ruisui area are also quite popular, offering diverse buffet options ranging from fresh seafood to indigenous specialty dishes, allowing post-soaking travelers to indulge in an all-you-can-eat culinary feast.
Antong Hot Spring Area is another highly acclaimed hot spring cuisine secret spot in Hualien. Located in the Antong Mountain area of Yuli Township, Antong Hot Spring has over a century of history. Its spring water is sodium bicarbonate-based, crystal clear, colorless and odorless, and is praised as the "Beauty Springs." The dining characteristic of Antong Hot Spring Area is its "mountain countryside style"—many restaurants are converted farmhouses that retain a thick rural atmosphere, serving mainly garden vegetables and mountain delicacies. The restaurant at "Antong Hot Spring Hotel" offers refined hot spring cuisine set menus, featuring a complete "one night stay with two meals" experience. The menu changes with the seasons—spring features seasonal wild vegetables, while autumn highlights fat river fish and trout. It is worth noting that Antong Hot Spring Area is close to Yuli Township, where the local black glutinous rice has a chewy texture and rich aroma, making it an excellent ingredient for sweet soups and traditional rice dishes. Many restaurants incorporate black glutinous rice into their dishes, creating uniquely local flavors.
For those who prefer more approachable budget-friendly cuisine, the area around "Hot Spring Road" in the Ruisui Hot Spring Area has numerous snack shops and simple restaurants offering economical hot spring dining options. Although these small establishments are modest in size, they often hide surprising local delicacies. For example, several tofu pudding shops near Ruisui Station use high-quality local soybeans and milk from Ruisui to make smooth and sweet hot spring tofu pudding, making it the perfect refreshing treat after soaking in the springs. Additionally, Ruisui's "Hakka rice dumplings" are also a must-try traditional snack—filled with generous stuffing and having a chewy skin, they offer a distinctive flavor when enjoyed alongside the warmth of the hot springs.
There are several main transportation options for visiting Hualien's hot spring areas to enjoy cuisine: departing from Hualien City, driving north along Provincial Highway 9 takes approximately one hour to reach the Ruisui Hot Spring Area. Alternatively, by train, you can get off at Ruisui Station and take a taxi or rent a scooter (about 15 minutes). For Antong Hot Spring Area, you can depart from Yuli Station, with a drive of approximately 20 minutes. Consumption in Hualien's hot spring areas is mid-range pricing. Hot spring soaking fees range from NT$200 to NT$800, depending on facilities and time slots. For dining, affordable snacks cost approximately NT$60 to NT$150, while set menu dishes at hot spring hotels range from NT$300 to NT$800, depending on the culinary level and content. Regarding operating hours, most hot spring facilities and restaurants are open from 10 AM to 10 PM, with some hot spring clubs offering 24-hour service. It is recommended to call ahead for confirmation.
Travel Tips: The best time to experience Hualien's hot spring cuisine is in autumn and winter. The weather is cool, making hot spring soaking most comfortable, and enjoying piping hot dishes after soaking feels especially warming. It is recommended to plan a day trip or an overnight stay—in the morning, explore Taroko or the rift valley scenery, in the afternoon head to the hot spring area for a soak, and in the evening enjoy hot spring cuisine, completing a full "Relaxation Day." When booking accommodation and meals at hot spring hotels, it is advisable to call ahead to confirm room and table reservations, especially during holidays and consecutive holidays when availability is scarce. Additionally, weather in Hualien's mountainous areas is changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and a light jacket to adapt to the climate changes. While enjoying hot spring cuisine, remember to stay hydrated and avoid soaking on an empty stomach to prevent physical discomfort.
