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Authentic cuisine

Come to the East Longitudinal Valley to become a gourmet

The rice produced in the pure and clean environment of the East Longitudinal Valley is crystal clear. It is not only famous throughout Taiwan, but also loved by the Japanese Emperor during the Japanese colonial rule. The crops grown under natural farming methods are all fresh, sweet, and delicious. The aromatic braised pork knuckle and tofu with soya aroma will allow you to taste the most original flavors of food!

Rice aroma in the rice town
Rice aroma in the rice town

When visiting the famous rice town, you must try the rice dishes. From Fuli of Hualien to Chishang and Guanshan of Taitung are all rice-growing areas. Besides the famous Chishang lunch box, there are various rice dishes and desserts waiting for you to taste!

Rice-based food and lunch box

Rice-based food and lunch box

The rice produced in the East Longitudinal Valley is fragrant, soft, and delicious, and is even more delicious when put into lunch boxes.

You can find unique lunchboxes in Fuli, Chishang, and Guanshan with half a braised egg, dried bamboo shoots, and other home-cooked dishes. There are now many flavors of lunchbox sold in different places, providing tourists with oprtions.

In addition, each district has launched different flavors of rice puffs, rice crackers, and rice ice cream giving tourists a full taste of the charm of rice!

Where to： Fuli、 Chishang、 Guanshan
Zongzi (rice dumpling) with meat filling

Zongzi (rice dumpling) with meat filling

The shiny old-style zongzi with the aroma of fried shallots is made of rice that is moderately soft and springy. The braised pork filling is lean but not tough. The aroma of dried radish is rich. Topped with the store's special sauce, there are many layers of flavor to the zongzi.

Where to： Ruisui Township
Local delicacies
Local delicacies

In East Longitudinal Valley, there's not only delicious rice but also unique local delicacies. Be it local specialties or the home flavors brought in by immigrants, you must not miss them when visiting!

Stinky tofu

Stinky tofu

Stinky tofu deep fried until golden brown is a common street delicacy in Taiwan. When visiting the East Longitudinal Valley, you must not miss the stinky tofu with local characteristics.

There are famous stinky tofu in Fenglin and Yuli of Hualien. The crispy, sweet and sour pickled vegetables are paired with the stinky tofu that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. In the Guanshan Township Market, the pink shredded radish or red ginger pickles are popular among foodies. Stores in various places have their own special sauces and pickles to pair with stinky rofu. It is a delicacy that may seem simple but requires true skills in deep frying. They are definitely worth trying.

Where to： Fenglin、 Yuli、 Guanshan
Tofu, Tofu skin

Tofu, Tofu skin

There is a place in Fuli, Hualien where tofu is made in the traditional way—Luoshan Mud Volcano Tofu! The tofu made with the brine from the mud volcano has a dense and firm texture. When topped with soy sauce and mustard, you can taste the soybean aroma. This is a must-try snack in Luoshan.

In addition, the tofu, tofu skin, and tofu pudding (douhua) made in Chishang are also favorites among tourists. In the deep-fried soft tofu, pan-fried tofu skin, and tofu pudding, you can find the most original taste.

Where to： Fuli Tofu、Chishang Tofu, Tofu skin
Baozi (bun with fillings)

Baozi (bun with fillings)

The baozi with many types of sweet or savory fillings is a must-eat delicacy here. They are easy to take with you and also delicious and fulfilling. Bamboo shoot buns and meat buns all have die-hard fans.

Where to：Baozi
Pig blood curd soup

Pig blood curd soup

The pig blood soup with leeks, pickled cabbage, and pork intestines is a value-for-money delicacy rich in ingredients! The pig blood curd is tender and flavorful, and without any unpleasant smell. The ground pepper sprinkled on top would spice it up further, making the dish very satisfying.

The taste of home
The taste of home

In every place you can find those unique flavors that locals miss when they are away from home. They may seem ordinary, but they are unforgettable flavors deep in the hearts of locals. Follow us to taste these classic local dishes!

Pork Knuckle

Pork Knuckle

Fenglin is a well-known Hakka town. In addition to delicious Hakka dishes, the pork knuckle here is a classic delicacy that many older Hualien people cannot forget! After stewing for several hours, the glossy pork knuckle tastes soft and not greasy. When the rice is drizzled with the marinade, you can eat many bowls.

Where to：Pork Knuckle
Yuli noodles

Yuli noodles

Yuli noodles is definitely the taste of home for those from Yuli. There are two variations: noodles and noodle soup. The handmade Yuli noodles are similar to oil noodles, with a springy and firm texture. Served with a pork bone broth, braised egg, lean meat slices, and fried shallot, you have a bowl of delicious and value-for-money Yuli noodles. It is an authentic you must not miss in Yuli.

Where to：Yuli noodles
Indigenous cuisine
Indigenous cuisine

In the East Longitudinal Valley where various tribes thrive, it is highly recommended that you learn about the tribal food culture and wisdom through tasting the food. Take a "bite" of the tribes and savor the indigenous cuisine with the authentic tastes from the earth.

Stone hot-pot

Stone hot-pot

This is a Amis traditional dish. In the past, they used materials at hand such as heated stones and pots made of leaf sheaths to cook wild vegetables and fish.

Nowadays, stone hotpot has become a unique and representative delicacy. Grill the stones until red and put them into the soup filled with ingredients. The instant heat seals the freshness and sweetness of the ingredients in the soup. A handful of wild herbs can then be added to enhance the flavor of the soup. It is a delicacy that must be tasted when visiting the East Longitudinal Valley!

Where to：Stone hot-pot
Slate barbecue

Slate barbecue

Slate barbecue is a classic indigenous dish. The meat is seasoned with a little salt or marinated with spices, and then grilled on a slate. Taking advantage of the even heating quality of schist, meat is not easily burned and the juice can be seal in. Paired with onions and other vegetables, the dish not greasy and rich in texture. It is the best known tribal cuisine.

Tribal flavors

Tribal flavors

Each tribe has its unique food culture, which is shown on their dining table. When visiting Tafalong and Fataan Tribes in Guangfu, you can taste the traditional Amis "eight dishes and one soup" and stone hotpot made with wild vegetables. You can also try the modern indigenous cuisine cooked in French culinary methods. Through one meal, you will be surprised by the Amis mastery in wild vegetables and their unique insights.

From Chishang to downtown Taitung, there are many specialty shops selling tribal delicacies made from classic indigenous spices such as maqaw (mountain pepper), ailanthus prickly ash (Zanthoxylum ailanthoides), betel, and fireweed. Creativity is transformed into delicacies on the table. In every bite you can taste culture and stories from each tribe.

*Reminder：Some stores require reservations.
Where to： Guangfu、 Chishang、 Taitung City
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