Hualien East Coast, Taiwan Travel Guide
The abundant fresh seafood comes from the Pacific Ocean, while the fertile East Rift Valley and surrounding mountains supply a wealth of unique produce and wild meats.
The historical migration of Hakka people to the east coast also shaped the culinary landscape, introducing their particular cooking styles and ingredients. This fusion creates an unique gastronomic identity.
Most dining in Hualien remains casual. Meals mean ordering multiple dishes for sharing among diners, permitting everyone to sample a variety of flavors.
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerals). Do not point with chopsticks. Use serving chopsticks or the non-eating end of your own for communal dishes if no serving utensils appear.
Slurping noodles or soup is acceptable and indicates enjoyment. Tipping is not customary or expected; a 10% service charge may appear on bills in upscale restaurants.
Hualien's famous wontons, larger than typical, with a flavorful pork filling, usually served in a light, clear broth.
Where to find: Specialty shops like Gongzheng Baozi or 液香扁食 (Yexiang Bian Shi).
A soft, chewy glutinous rice cake, a Hualien specialty. Available in various sweet fillings, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Famous Brands: Zeng Ji Mochi (曾記麻糬) and Ah Mei Mochi (阿美麻糬).
A savory, flaky pancake generously studded with green onions, often served with an egg cooked inside. A popular street food.
Gua Bao (割包): A soft, steamed bun filled with tender, braised pork belly.
Hualien uses much taro. Look for taro cakes, taro balls (often served in desserts), and sweet taro paste.
Shaved Ice is a popular dessert with various toppings. Aiyu Jelly, a refreshing jelly dessert, has a light and cooling treat.
Limited in Hualien. Some upscale hotels, like Farglory Hotel Hualien, may offer fine dining options with international and Taiwanese cuisine, furnishing a more refined atmosphere.
Numerous local restaurants serve Taiwanese, Hakka, and Japanese cuisine (sushi, ramen, tempura). These often present a comfortable dining experience with a wider menu.
Dongdamen Night Market has a vast selection of street food at affordable prices, ideal for a casual and diverse meal. Small local eateries and breakfast shops also abound.
Limited but growing, mainly in Hualien City. You find some Western-style cafes, Italian restaurants, and Japanese eateries.
For more diverse international options, major cities like Taipei offer greater variety.
Dongdamen Night Market functions as a large outdoor food hall. Traditional wet markets sell fresh produce, meats, and some prepared foods for takeaway.
Hualien City Market is a good example of a traditional wet market.
Typically 06:00-10:00. Traditional Taiwanese items.
Typically 11:30-14:00.
Typically 17:30-21:00.
From late afternoon until late night, a popular choice.
Proves challenging due to the widespread use of soy sauce (which contains gluten) and wheat products (noodles, buns, thickeners).
Communicating specific needs can be difficult without Mandarin proficiency.
Focus on naturally gluten-free foods like plain rice, fresh vegetables, and grilled meats, but always confirm preparation methods.
Cross-contamination remains a risk.
Use translation apps (like Google Translate) to clearly convey your dietary restrictions in Mandarin.
Enjoy seasonal fruits like pomelo in autumn and tropical fruits (mangoes, lychees) in summer.
Large, crispy, seasoned chicken fillets.
A savory omelet with oysters, eggs, and vegetables, often served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
A pungent but flavorful fermented tofu, usually deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage. An acquired taste, but an iconic Taiwanese street food.
Do not stick them upright in a bowl of rice. Do not point with them.
Use serving chopsticks or the non-eating end of yours for communal dishes.
Slurping noodles or soup is acceptable and indicates enjoyment of the food.
Tipping is not customary or expected; a service charge covers service at upscale places.
Many dedicated vegetarian (素食) restaurants exist due to a significant Buddhist population. Specify "全素" (quán sù) for strict vegan.
Very limited availability. Halal food remains rare outside of major cities. Kosher food is virtually nonexistent. Consider self-catering with verified ingredients.
Proves challenging due to widespread use of soy sauce and wheat. Communication can be difficult without Mandarin. Focus on naturally GF foods like plain rice.
Always carry a small translation card with your dietary restrictions written in Chinese to assist in communication with restaurant staff.
