Food In Wenwu Temple

Food History of Wenwu Temple, Nantou, Taiwan

Wenwu Temple, located in Nantou near the famous Sun Moon Lake, is a place rich in culture and history but not traditionally known for its food. Originally built in 1938, the temple is dedicated to Confucius and military deities, and has become a cultural landmark for visitors. Food associated with the temple often includes vegetarian fare, as it aligns with many Buddhist principles found in Taiwanese culture. Over time, street vendors and local eateries have developed around the temple area, serving both traditional Taiwanese snacks and meals to cater to tourists visiting the temple.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Wenwu Temple, Nantou, Taiwan

1. Sun Cake (Tai Yang Bing) - Vegetarian: A classic Taiwanese pastry that is flaky on the outside and sweet on the inside.
2. Taro Balls - Vegetarian: Soft, chewy, and sweet, these taro balls are often served as a dessert in hot soup or over shaved ice.
3. Tofu Pudding (Douhua) - Vegetarian: A soft tofu dish that can be served either sweet or savory, often found in local markets.
4. Tea Eggs - Non-Vegetarian: Hard-boiled eggs steeped in a mix of spices and tea, creating a marbled effect and a savory flavor.
5. Bubble Milk Tea - Vegetarian: Taiwan's signature drink, consisting of tea mixed with milk or fruit flavors and tapioca pearls.
6. Vegetarian Bento Boxes - Vegetarian: Common around temples, these bento boxes contain a variety of meat-free dishes.
7. Scallion Pancakes - Vegetarian: A popular street food, these are flaky, savory pancakes filled with green onions.
8. Sticky Rice in Bamboo (Zhutong Fan) - Vegetarian: Rice mixed with mushrooms and other vegetarian ingredients, then steamed inside bamboo.
9. Pineapple Cakes - Vegetarian: Buttery shortbread-like pastries filled with sweet pineapple jam.
10. Mountain Vegetable Dishes - Vegetarian: Local vegetables cooked in various styles, often with a focus on highlighting their natural flavors.

Top Famous Restaurants in Wenwu Temple, Nantou, Taiwan

While there are not many restaurants directly inside the temple complex, several can be found in the surrounding Sun Moon Lake area.

Shuishe Sun Moon Lake Peacock Garden

Address: ShuiShe Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County 555, Taiwan

Famous Food: Traditional Tea Sets - Vegetarian

Full House Resort Hotel Restaurant

Address: No.188 Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan

Famous Food: Vegetarian Cuisine - Vegetarian

Sun Moon Lake Tea Fragrance House

Address: No.40 Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan

Famous Food: Assorted Tea Snacks - Vegetarian

Liao Mama's Vegetarian Cuisine

Address: No.8, Mingsheng Street, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan

Famous Food: Organic Vegetarian Dishes - Vegetarian

Thao Tribe's Specialty Food Stores

Area: Near Yuchi Township, around Sun Moon Lake

Famous Food: Bamboo Rice - Vegetarian and Grilled Mochi - Vegetarian

Please note that while the restaurants near Wenwu Temple typically offer a variety of vegetarian options, visitors should confirm the ingredients and cooking methods to ensure they meet their dietary preferences, as local interpretations of vegetarianism might vary. Additionally, many traditional Taiwanese dishes, although predominantly made from plant-based ingredients, may include small amounts of fish or other seafood products. Be sure to ask if you follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet.