Food History of Qingjing Farm, Nantou, Taiwan
Qingjing Farm, also known as Cingjing Farm, is a popular tourist destination in the central mountains of Nantou County in Taiwan. Established in 1961, Qingjing Farm was originally developed as an agricultural settlement for veterans from the Kuomintang army. Over time, the farm gained popularity as a tourist spot due to its picturesque highland scenery, cool climate, and the unique experience it offers of sheep herding and rural life.
As far as food is concerned, Qingjing Farm is influenced by a blend of cultures, including native Taiwanese, Hakka, and the culinary traditions of Chinese immigrants. The farm is known for its fresh vegetable produce, dairy products, and mountain tea. While meat dishes are popular, Qingjing Farm also caters to vegetarians with a variety of locally sourced vegetable-based dishes owing to the fresh produce readily available from the region's farms.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Qingjing Farm, Nantou, Taiwan
- Mountain Vegetable Dishes (Vegetarian) - Delicacies made from organically grown local vegetables such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and high-altitude cabbages.
- Fresh Fruit Platters (Vegetarian) - Seasonal fruits harvested from surrounding orchards, typically served fresh or as part of a fruit-based dessert.
- Tea Leaf Eggs (Non-Veg) - Hard-boiled eggs steeped in a marinade of tea and spices, commonly found at roadside stalls.
- Stinky Tofu (Vegetarian) - A traditional fermented tofu dish, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage.
- Scallion Pancakes (Vegetarian) - A crispy, savory flatbread filled with scallions and often eaten as a snack or side dish.
- Vegetarian Noodles (Vegetarian) - Noodle dishes prepared with a variety of vegetables and savory sauces.
- High Mountain Tea (Vegetarian) - Oolong tea grown in the high-altitude tea gardens of the surrounding mountains, known for its unique flavor.
- Momiji Manju (Vegetarian) - A type of Japanese-style bun typically filled with sweetened red bean paste, influenced by the Japanese colonial heritage of the region.
- Wild Honey (Vegetarian) - Locally sourced honey, which is a sweet accompaniment to various dishes or tea.
- Vegetarian Hotpot (Vegetarian) - A comforting, communal meal that includes a variety of local vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
Top Famous Restaurants in Qingjing Farm, Nantou, Taiwan
- Luming Restaurant
- Address: No. 170, Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 546
Famous for: Vegetarian Set Meals (Vegetarian) - Offers an array of locally-sourced vegetable dishes served in a set meal format.
- Green Green Grasslands Tea House
- Address: No. 170-1, Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 546
Famous for: High Mountain Tea (Vegetarian) and Tea-Flavored Snacks (Vegetarian/Non-Veg) - Specializes in teas and light snacks that pair well with the local high mountain teas.
- Starbucks Qingjing Store
- Address: No. 170-1, Renhe Road, Datong Vil., Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 546
Famous for: Coffee and Western-style Pastries (Vegetarian/Non-Veg) - A familiar spot for tourists offering a comforting array of coffee and bakery items.
- Small Swiss Garden Restaurant
- Address: No. 170, Zhongxing Lane, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
Famous for: European-style Meals (Vegetarian/Non-Veg) - Provides a taste of European cuisine with a picturesque dining atmosphere reminiscent of the Swiss countryside.
- Cingjing Lumama Restaurant
- Address: No.8-3, Rongguang Lane, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 546
Famous for: Chinese-style Stir-fries (Vegetarian/Non-Veg) - A menu focusing on a variety of Chinese dishes that highlight local ingredients.
Note: When visiting Qingjing Farm, it is worth noting that many of the restaurants and food stalls highlight local produce, with some offering a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Always check with the restaurant for the latest menus and to confirm dishes meet dietary requirements.