Taste of Hualien: 7 Local Dishes You Can’t Miss

What to Eat in Hualien, Taiwan (and Where!)

Hualien, Taiwan, is famous far and wide, from indigenous locals to international foreigners, for its exceptional natural grandeur. Nestled along Taiwan’s east coast, Hualien is renowned for its enchanting landscapes, from lush mountains to idyllic beaches. From the foresty mountains to the calm of the dark blue sea, it is no wonder that Hualien attracts travelers from all over the country and the world. 

However, the beautiful scenery is only one aspect of exploring Hualien, Taiwan. Beyond its natural wonders lies a culinary hodge-podge waiting to be discovered, flaunting a mouth-watering variety of unique Hualien-style Taiwanese foods. Surprisingly, I have not seen some of the food in Hualien elsewhere in Taiwan!

After hearing of this township destination from a boss at my old job in Thailand, I packed my bags and set THREE WEEKS aside to explore the peaceful coastal city of Hualien. 

Exploring the vast and novel food scene was intimidating, which is why I recruited the help and advice of a few Taiwanese locals to point me to all their favorite restaurants and let me taste-test all their favorite foods in Hualien! From street food sensations to vegetarian delights, Hualien’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. 

Join me on the mouthwatering journey through seven must-try dishes that showcase the authentic taste of Hualien, Taiwan’s hidden culinary paradise.

So, I present to you the Taiwanese local-inspired food menu (and restaurant recommendations) for your trip to Hualien.

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1. Coffin Toast

Topping my compilation of what to eat in Hualien, Coffin Toast is a Taiwanese delicacy that has been around for at least 80 years at night markets but is slowly becoming extinct! Many Taipei locals told me coffin toast is difficult to come by these days. So, when I heard of a coffin toast restaurant in Hualien, I knew I had to try it!

Originating south of Hualien in Tainan, coffin toast is a thick piece of toast cut out almost like a bread bowl and stuffed with “something sweet” or corn soup (a Taiwanese favorite). However, Hualien has its own savory take on the delicacy. Instead of the famous sweetened bread style recognized in Tainan, Hualien stuffs the thick, buttery bread with chewy grilled pork and black pepper, opting for a smokey palate. The toast had a nice fresh crunch with a fluffy and flavorful inside! There are two branches of Chiang Family Coffin Toast in Hualien, one at the night market and one brick front where you can enjoy the meal inside, so definitely stop by one!

2. Mochi

I heard so much fuss about a mochi shop in Hualien that I needed to try it. Locals claimed it had the best mochi in Taiwan, so I decided to investigate and walked to the neighborhood shop around 8 a.m. Friday morning to find a long queue! Don’t worry; the line moves fast as the mochis are fresh but pre-packaged. But, you must come in the morning because they sell out of fresh mochi by afternoon daily! 

There are three flavors: red bean, sesame, and peanut. One bite, and the peanut mochi was already my favorite dessert I have tried in all of Taiwan! The outside of the mochi is doughy and powdery, the perfect ratio of chewiness to the interior. Inside, the mochi has an almost creamy-gritty-textured pureed paste packed with delicate flavors—but not overly sweet. Grab a morning coffee and treat yourself to a mochi (or a few!).

3. Tapioca Shaved Ice

This is another Taiwanese dessert favorite in Hualien that I have never tried before! After the night market, I went with my friend to the Bao Xin Tapioca shop for a cooling dessert. We ordered the dessert combination as recommended by the staff with the add-ons and flavors. The flakey ice was prepared with caramel and condensed milk, and I was overjoyed by the milky sweetness. The ice was fluffy, and the condensed milk added the perfect creaminess and sweetness. I added the tapioca red beans, rice balls, and sweet potato balls to really experience the flavors of Taiwan.

Combining the milky, sweet ice and the dough-like, chewy tapioca balls made for a satisfying traditional treat after the hot night market. I am still reminiscing over this dessert, even weeks later. If you are looking for what to eat in Hualien for dessert, get Taiwanese shaved ice!

4. Deep-fried scallion Pancake

If you’ve been to Taiwan, you have probably tried the famous scallion pancake street food. Don’t let the name confuse you; The scallion pancake bread is less like an American-style pancake and more like the Indian bread roti! It is served fresh off the pan in Taiwan and glittered with scallions in the breading. 

Of course, the food in Hualien has its own fashionable twist on bread. In Hualien, they take the traditional Taiwanese scallion pancake, deep-fry it, and add a runny egg. My mouth is watering as I reminisce about it. As you chow through your scallion pancake, the yolk from the runny egg spills all over the pancake, adding more to the texture and flavor. A masterful culinary experience, this crisp snack was so delicious that I had to return for more!

5. Beef Noodle Soup

Just as Japan has its ramen, Taiwan has its beef noodle soup! This is the perfect food in Hualien if you are looking for a savory meal but have already had your share of the endless dumplings in Taiwan. So, I introduce to you- the Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Infused with many flavors, such as soy sauce, chili paste, and bean paste broth, this filling meal is a true testament to the flavors of Taiwan. The Moo Moo Beef Noodle restaurant in Hualien is always packed from lunch to dinner, and locals enjoy their meals. Chew on some beef, slurp some broth, and suck up some noodles for a satisfying meal!

6. Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a staple food in Hualien diet, as each hot pot always had lines out of the doors with locals every night. However, you may not be completely confident in your hot pot cooking skills if you are foreign, like me. Do not feel shy; I know the perfect restaurant for you in Hualien. This family-run restaurant, which translates to Beef Tomato Hot Pot, is a tasty eating experience boasting organic-only ingredients and many options for vegetarians!

My foreign friend (Hi Mithra!) and I went for dinner, and the Auntie assisted us in mixing our dipping sauce and picking the perfect hot pot offering to match our flavor preferences. By combining your own sauces, you can create an additional flavor profile of dip to match your preferences. I have never enjoyed eating vegetables so much in my life. This is a no-brainer for what to eat in Hualien!

7. Vegetarian Restaurants

If you have dietary preferences or are even curious about Asian-style vegetarian meals, the vegetarian food in Hualien has numerous options! The vegetarian scene is surprisingly widespread in Hualien, so you must try a vegetarian restaurant in the township! Some vegetarian dining options include hot hop, bibimbap vegetable-rice meals, and noodle soups. There is something for everyone!

The restaurant I chose to taste test offers many healthy options, such as bibimbap, curry, noodles, and omelets with rice. I went with the kimchi bibimbap meal and was shocked by the quick service and large serving size. The blend of flavors wowed me, and the combination of sides and the quality of the ingredients incorporated created a rich flavor profile. With the excellent service paired with the flavorful dishes, I recommend going vegetarian for a meal (if you’re not already) while in Hualien!

Honorary Restaurant Mention- The Fishery

While ramen is not unique to Hualien, I recommend eating at The Fishery if you are craving a quality bowl of Japanese ramen. This is all they specialize in. My Taiwanese friend brought me here, telling me he had been craving their ramen for days. Now, here I am, sitting at the computer, craving that ramen as well. You can’t look at this picture and tell me you don’t want to eat it, too. 

Final Thoughts

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