Food In Taitung

Food History of Taitung, Taiwan

Taitung, on Taiwan's serene eastern coast, is rich in cultural diversity, which is vividly reflected in its culinary scene. Indigenous cuisine plays a significant role due to the substantial population of various indigenous groups, including the Amis, Paiwan, and Bunun, among others. Closely tied to the land and sea, Taitung's food scene includes wild vegetables, fresh seafood, and indigenous recipes that have been passed down through generations. Over time, these traditional foods have blended with Han Chinese and Japanese influences, creating a rich tapestry of flavors unique to the region.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Taitung, Taiwan

1. Millet Mochi (Non-Veg): A traditional snack made from millet—a staple grain of many indigenous tribes, often combined with pork.
2. Flying Fish (Non-Veg): A specialty of the region, particularly among the Tao people of Orchid Island, flying fish can be prepared in various ways including grilled or dried.
3. Bamboo Rice (Veg): Rice cooked inside bamboo tubes, usually mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat.
4. Wild Boar (Non-Veg): A frequently used protein in indigenous Taitung dishes, often served grilled or as part of a stir-fry.
5. San Bei (Three-Cup Chicken) (Non-Veg): Although not uniquely Taitung, this is a beloved Taiwanese dish of chicken cooked with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine.
6. Seafood Congee (Non-Veg): A rice porridge teeming with fresh local seafood, perfect for Taitung's coastal setting.
7. Papaya Milkshake (Veg): A refreshing sweet beverage made from Taitung's abundant fresh papayas.
8. Sticky Rice Tubers (Veg): Taro or sweet potato tubers mixed into sticky rice—a hearty indigenous dish.
9. Oyster Omelette (Non-Veg): A popular Taiwanese night market fare, featuring fresh, succulent oysters folded into an eggy, starchy pancake.
10. Mountain Vegetable Dishes (Veg): Taitung hillsides offer a bounty of wild vegetables that are used in salads, stir-fries, and as accompaniments to meat dishes.

Top Famous Restaurants in Taitung, Taiwan

Dachi Restaurant (荖溪餐廳)

Address: 954, Taiwan, Taitung County, Chishang Township
Famous Food: Wild Vegetable Set Meal (Veg/Non-Veg options available)

Marlin Rice Noodle Soup (黑鮪魚米粉湯)

Address: No. 431, Zhonghua Road, Taitung City
Famous Food: Marlin Rice Noodle Soup (Non-Veg)

Dulan Amis Restaurant (都蘭阿美餐廳)

Address: No. 250, Dulan Village, Donghe Township, Taitung County
Famous Food: Indigenous-style BBQ Fish and Pork (Non-Veg)

Chen's Fish Ball (陳記魚丸)

Address: No. 82, Guanhai Road, Taitung City
Famous Food: Fish Ball Soup (Non-Veg)

Taitung Night Market Stalls

Address: Zhengqi Road, Taitung City
Famous Food: Variety of Taiwanese street food options, including Taitung specialties; find both (Veg) and (Non-Veg) options.