Restaurants in Nantou often specialize in the unique local flavors of this mountainous region of central Taiwan. The high altitude and fresh air help to create excellent fruits, wines and teas, while the mix of aboriginal and immigrant cultures creates quite a diverse dining scene. You’ll also find plenty of western and international options to choose from.

Baiyi cuisine is one of the stars of the area. It arrived with refugees from Myanmar in the 1960s. A typical Baiyi dish is made by stuffing spices into the belly of a fish, usually a carp, and then deep frying it to a golden crisp texture.

  • 1

    Chueizihliao Jhuangjiaocai Restaurant

    Chueizihliao Jhuangjiaocai Restaurant
    • Food

    Chueizihliao Jhuangjiaocai Restaurant offers a good, satisfying meal without burning a hole in your wallet. They serve a selection of the best Taiwanese dishes you can find in Nantou County. Star attractions on the menu include the plum spare ribs, a delicate dish that’s sweet, sour and tantalizing to the taste buds. Locals cite the trademark salted pork and sweet fish bird’s nest as their all-time favorites.

    Location: No. 2-12, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

    Open: Daily from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 5pm

    Phone: +886 (0)4 9289 9278

    Map
  • 2

    Duofu Dohua

    Duofu Dohua
    • Food

    The Duofu Dohua store in Nantou may be part of a large chain of stores but staff members make most of the desserts themselves. The house specialty is sweet soft bean curd – a dessert eaten either cold or warm, with sugared syrup or soy bean milk. Other favorites include a wide range of shaved iced desserts and herbal drinks.

    Location: No. 110, Nanchang Street, Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 545

    Open: Daily from 9am to 10pm

    Phone: +886 (0)4 9298 2828

  • 3

    Lakeside Restaurant

    Lakeside Restaurant
    • Food

    Besides offering delectable meals, the Lakeside Restaurant at the Richforest Resort also provides a 180-degree view of Sun Moon Lake. The beauty of this restaurant is that guests are able to try international favorites along with more traditional Taiwanese and local Nantou fare, though the high quality does come with an appropriately high price. Book your seats early and enjoy the sunset views.

    Location: No. 31, Shuixiu Street, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

    Open: Daily from 7am to 10am and from 11.30am to 10.30pm

    Phone: +886 (0)4 9285 0000

    Map
  • 4

    The Oriental Brasseries

    The Oriental Brasseries
    • Food

    The Oriental Brasseries in the Lalu Hotel is a great place to unwind while treating your taste buds to a tempting range of contemporary Chinese and western fare. The atmosphere is casual, and you’ll definitely love the 7th-floor views of the Sun Moon Lake, rolling hills, scenic greenery as well as the majestic Ci'en Pagoda perched high up on the Shabalan Mountain.

    Location: 7th Floor, The Lalu Hotel, No. 142, Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

    Open: Daily from 7am to 11am, from 12pm to 2pm, from 3pm to 5pm and from 6pm to 11pm

    Phone: +886 (0)4 9285 5313

    Map
Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveler