Must-Try Foods In Liyu Lake (Hualien) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Liyu Lake, Hualien, Taiwan

Liyu Lake is a picturesque destination in Eastern Taiwan, nestled within the stunning landscape of Hualien County. The area is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the cultural richness of the indigenous tribes. The food history of this region is deeply intertwined with the local aboriginal cultures, which have shaped the culinary scene with their unique farming and cooking techniques. Traditionally, staples include rice, millet, fish from the freshwater lake, and an array of local vegetables and fruits. Over time, the influence of Han Chinese cuisine and more recent global trends have also found their way into the local palate, creating a diverse and exciting food culture.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Liyu Lake, Hualien, Taiwan

1. Bamboo Rice (Vegetarian): A traditional indigenous dish where sticky rice is mixed with some pork and mushrooms, then stuffed into a bamboo tube and roasted over fire.
2. Salted Crispy Chicken (Non-vegetarian): Pieces of chicken marinated with spices, lightly battered and deep-fried to golden perfection.
3. Vegetarian Bian Shi (Vegetarian): A vegetarian adaptation, these are dumplings filled with a mixture of vegetables and sometimes tofu.
4. Wild Vegetable Dishes (Vegetarian): Sautéed local greens that are often foraged from the mountains themselves, known for their freshness and unique taste.
5. Seafood Stuffed Pancakes (Non-vegetarian): Savory pancakes filled with a mix of seafood, providing a taste of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
6. Taro Balls (Vegetarian): A dessert made from taro root; these chewy balls are usually served in a sweet soup or over shaved ice.
7. Smoked Duck (Non-vegetarian): A flavorful delicacy that is smoked with a variety of spices to create a rich and aromatic dish.
8. Tube Rice Pudding (Vegetarian): Similar to bamboo rice, this is made from sticky rice cooked in a hollowed-out bamboo, but it is usually sweeter.
9. Aboriginal Grilled Mullet (Non-vegetarian): Locally caught mullet fish marinated and grilled, featuring the simple yet delicious flavors of traditional aboriginal cooking.
10. Mountain Boar Sausage (Non-vegetarian): Sausages made from wild boar, reflecting the hunting traditions of the indigenous population.

Top Famous Restaurants in Liyu Lake, Hualien, Taiwan

• Liyu Lake Gourmet Pavilion
  Address: No. 100, Huantan N. Rd., Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
  Famous for: Bamboo Rice (Non-vegetarian)
  
• Shoufeng Harvest Festival Restaurant
  Address: No. 45-20, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
  Famous for: Wild Vegetable Dishes (Vegetarian)
  
• Yuli Delicacy Restaurant
  Address: No. 28, Zhongxiao St, Yuli Township, Hualien County
  Famous for: Seafood Stuffed Pancakes (Non-vegetarian)
  
• Ching-Shui-Yuan Spring Water Tofu Restaurant
  Address: No. 16, Gongyuan Rd, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
  Famous for: Sautéed Organic Tofu (Vegetarian)
  
• Lakeside Bistro
  Address: Near Liyu Lake, Hualien County
  Famous for: Grilled Rainbow Trout (Non-vegetarian)