Must-Try Foods In Sun Moon Lake Nantou (Nantou) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Natural scenic area

Food History of Sun Moon Lake Nantou, Nantou, Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake is a popular tourist destination in Nantou County, Taiwan, known for its breathtaking beauty and the indigenous Thao tribe culture. The area's food history is deeply intertwined with the available local produce, the fishing culture due to the lake, and the agricultural practices of the surrounding mountains. The cuisine blends Taiwanese flavors with Thao tribe traditions, resulting in unique dishes that reflect the local biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sun Moon Lake Nantou, Nantou, Taiwan

President's Fish (Presidential Fish) - Non-Veg: A unique dish made with the endemic carp fish known as "Aristichthys nobilis," seasoned and steamed to perfection.
Wild Boar Sausage - Non-Veg: A flavorful sausage made from local wild boar meat, mixed with a variety of spices.
Stuffed Shaoxing Wine Leaves – Veg: These are local leaves infused with the fragrance of Shaoxing wine and stuffed with sticky rice and other vegetarian ingredients.
Assam Tea - Veg: Sun Moon Lake is famous for its black tea. Assam tea, a richly flavored tea, is a must-try beverage in the area.
Ita Thao Taro Balls - Veg: These sweet and chewy taro balls are a popular Taiwanese dessert, especially in the Ita Thao village surrounding the lake.
Vegetarian Abalone – Veg: A vegetarian take on abalone using mushrooms and other plant-based ingredients to mimic the texture and flavor of the seafood.
Bamboo Rice - Veg: Traditional rice dish cooked in a bamboo tube, imparting a unique aroma and flavor to the rice.
Milky Fish Soup - Non-Veg: A milky, creamy soup made with the fresh catch from the lake, typically the local fish varieties.
Mountain Vegetables – Veg: Fresh vegetables harvested from the surrounding mountains are cooked or served as a salad, highlighting the pure taste of nature.
Tea Eggs - Veg: Eggs hard-boiled in a mixture of Assam tea and spices, creating a marbled effect and an infusion of complex flavors.

Top Famous Restaurants in Sun Moon Lake Nantou, Nantou, Taiwan

Fleur de Chine Hotel - (Non-Veg / Veg options available): Address: No. 23, Zhongzheng Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County; Famous Food: Lakeview Sky Lounge offers a sophisticated dining experience, featuring a fusion of traditional and modern dishes including chef's specialty fish creations.
Ita Thao Street Food Stalls - (Non-Veg / Veg): Address: Ita Thao Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County; Famous Food: A variety of street food including Ita Thao Taro Balls, Wild Boar Sausage, and Taiwanese traditional snacks.
Laurel Restaurant - (Non-Veg / Veg options available): Address: No. 58, Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County; Famous Food: Known for local Taiwanese cuisine, including fresh fish from Sun Moon Lake and a selection of local mountain vegetables.
The Lalu Hotel - (Non-Veg / Veg options available): Address: No. 142, Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County; Famous Food: The Lalu's Tea 18 restaurant offers a creative blend of Western and Asian dishes, with fine dining and traditional tea-infused dishes.