Must-Try Foods In Nantou (Taiwan) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Nantou, Taiwan

Nantou County, located in the heart of Taiwan, is known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The food history of Nantou is a fascinating tapestry woven with the threads of the various ethnic groups that inhabit the area, including Hoklo (Hokkien-speaking people), Hakka, and indigenous tribes. The region is also renowned for its tea cultivation, especially oolong, which plays a significant role in its cuisine.

Its agricultural abundance provides a great variety of produce, which has influenced the local food culture. From fresh vegetables and fruits to an array of unique high-mountain teas, the cuisine here is often characterized by natural flavors and traditional methods. The indigenous peoples' influence brings to the table a focus on wild game, foraged vegetables, and mountain delicacies.

Even though some tourist might have restrictions when it comes to their dietary preferences, Nantou has managed to adapt its food offerings to suit both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the local tastes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Nantou, Taiwan

Here are the top 10 dishes you should try in Nantou (Note: This information is relevant to non-cow meat consumers as cow meat dishes are excluded).

1. Bamboo Rice (Vegetarian) - A traditional dish where rice is stuffed into bamboo tubes and cooked, infusing it with a distinctive woody flavor.
2. Sun Moon Lake Assam Tea (Vegetarian) - A type of black tea grown around the famous Sun Moon Lake, known for its rich flavor and aroma.
3. Wild Vegetable Cuisine (Vegetarian) - Dishes prepared from locally foraged greens, often used by the indigenous people.
4. Stinky Tofu (Vegetarian) - A fermented tofu dish with a pungent odor but a flavorful taste, often sold at night markets.
5. Mountain Boar Sausage (Non-Veg) - A savory snack made from wild boar, seasoned and grilled to perfection.
6. Tea Oil Chicken (Non-Veg) - Chicken is cooked with tea oil, which imparts a subtle, refreshing taste unique to the region.
7. Braised Fish Head (Non-Veg) - A flavorful Hakka dish where the fish head is stewed with soy sauce and spices.
8. Tea Egg (Vegetarian Option Available) - An egg is boiled and then steeped in tea and spices, giving it a marbled appearance and a savory taste.
9. Mochi (Vegetarian) - Soft, chewy glutinous rice cakes that can come in various flavors and are a popular sweet treat.
10. Assorted Mushroom Cuisine (Vegetarian) - Nantou's mountains are fertile grounds for mushrooms, and they feature prominently in the local vegetarian cuisine.

Top Famous Restaurants in Nantou, Taiwan

Below are some of the acclaimed restaurants in Nantou where you can try the aforementioned dishes and many more:

1. Shan Yen Restaurant
   Address: No. 18, Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
   Famous for: Bamboo Rice (Vegetarian)
2. Lao Jiou Fen Focaccia
   Address: No. 109-15, Jintian Lane, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County
   Famous for: Wild Vegetable Cuisine (Vegetarian)
3. Starry Night Tea House
   Address: No. 12, Ln. 165, Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
   Famous for: Sun Moon Lake Assam Tea (Vegetarian)
4. Yuchi Township Indigenous Restaurant
   Address: No. 131, Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
   Famous for: Mountain Boar Sausage (Non-Veg)
5. He Huan Mountain Restaurant
   Address: No. 546, Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
   Famous for: Tea Oil Chicken (Non-Veg)

Whether you're looking for vegetarian delights or non-vegetarian specialties, Nantou's food scene will not disappoint. Keep in mind to try the local tea wherever you dine to enrich your culinary experience in this beautiful Taiwanese county.