Must-Try Foods In Luye Highlands (Taitung) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Luye Highlands, Taitung, Taiwan

The Luye Highlands in Taitung is not only famous for its stunning landscapes and hot air balloon festivals but also its rich and diverse food culture. Influenced by the traditional practices of the indigenous peoples, the local cuisine integrates local agricultural produce and traditional cooking methods. The area is well-known for its tea plantations, with the Luye tea being particularly famous. Additionally, due to Taitung's coastal location, there is an abundance of seafood, while the fertile lands provide excellent conditions for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Luye Highlands, Taitung, Taiwan

1. Millets Cuisine (Non-Veg) - Traditional dishes prepared with millets, which is a staple grain of the indigenous tribes, often combined with local meats and vegetables.
2. Mountain Boar (Non-Veg) - Wild boar is a common delicacy here, prepared in various styles, from stews to barbeques.
3. Sticky Rice in Bamboo (Veg) - Known as "Zhutong Fan," this dish consists of sticky rice mixed with various ingredients and cooked inside bamboo sections.
4. Stone-grilled Fish (Non-Veg) - Freshwater and ocean fish seasoned and cooked on hot stones, often served by the indigenous tribes.
5. Tapioca Balls (Veg) - Sweet tapioca balls, also known as "pearls," commonly used in desserts and drinks.
6. Papaya Milk (Veg) - A refreshing beverage made from blended fresh papaya and milk, a common street food item in Taiwan.
7. Stir-fried Vegetables (Veg) - Vegetables that are locally sourced, stir-fried with garlic, and sometimes tofu.
8. Seafood Congee (Non-Veg) - A rice porridge with a mix of local seafood, seasoned with ginger and scallions.
9. Tea-Flavored Dishes (Veg/Non-Veg) - Various dishes flavored with Luye tea, ranging from meats to desserts, showcasing the unique local tea aroma.
10. Sweet Potato Balls (Veg) - Deep-fried and chewy sweet potato balls, a popular Taiwanese street-snack found in night markets and local stalls.

Top Famous Restaurants in Luye Highlands, Taitung, Taiwan

1. Luye Tea House
   Address: No. 100, Luye Blvd, Luye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan 955
   Famous Food: Tea-Flavored Chicken (Non-Veg), Tea-Flavored Ice Cream (Veg)
2. Indigenous Cuisine Restaurant
   Address: No. 200, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Luye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan 955
   Famous Food: Traditional Millet Mochi (Veg), Bamboo Rice (Veg), Wild Boar Stew (Non-Veg)
3. Highlands Seafood Joint
   Address: No. 50, Section 1, Zhongyang Road, Luye Township, Taitung County, Taiwan 955
   Famous Food: Stone-grilled Fish (Non-Veg), Seafood Hot Pot (Non-Veg)
4. Taitung Night Market Stalls
   Address: Throughout Taitung City - locations vary.
   Famous Food: Tapioca Balls Dessert (Veg), Sweet Potato Balls (Veg), Papaya Milk (Veg)
5. Local Vegetarian Delights
   Address: Serendipitous locations around Luye Township
   Famous Food: Various vegetarian dishes showcasing local produce, such as Stir-fried Vegetables (Veg) and Mountain Vegetable Tempura (Veg)