Taitung Culinary Journey: Tasting the Hottest Indigenous Dishes

The Warm and Inviting Ali'an Indigenous Restaurant

The popular Ali'an Indigenous Restaurant, founded by three friends from the Beinan tribe, filled with indigenous warmth.

As you enter Ali'an Indigenous Restaurant in Taitung City, the vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by live performances from local musicians. One of the founders has a family background in indigenous cuisine and has been learning culinary skills since childhood, creating authentic and unique indigenous dishes for the restaurant.

An incredibly rich set menu, experiencing the warm hospitality of Taitung's indigenous people, with a table for ten costing only NT$7,000.

The Big Bone Wild Game Wooden Tub Soup showcases the boldness and passion of indigenous culture. When served, the soup is steaming hot, with a large bone partially sticking out of the wooden tub. Disposable gloves are provided, but many diners choose to eat with their hands, enjoying the tender, gelatinous meat. The broth, enriched with wild vegetables, is incredibly sweet.

The signature dish, Big Bone Wild Game Wooden Tub Soup, with a bone longer than a forearm, partially sticking out of the tub.

Other recommended dishes include:

Roasted Chicken in a Tub : A whole chicken roasted to a golden shine, tender and juicy when shredded by hand. Roasted Chicken in a Tub, beautifully golden. A lady tearing the chicken apart, enjoying every bite.

Salsa with Rain Mushrooms and Handmade Bread : Crisp bread served with fresh vegetables, including rain mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. Crispy bread paired with refreshing salsa made from rain mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes — deliciously fresh.

Lightly Salted Grilled Taiwan Snapper : Wrapped in salt to lock in the fish's sweetness, stuffed with garlic and scallions for added flavor.

The Nut-Crusted Grilled Pork Ribs are an enticing option, with the nuts adding an aromatic finish. The Brandy-Steamed Large Shrimp is another highlight, delivering a sweet, bouncy texture infused with a hint of alcohol. Other dishes include Three-Cup Turtle and Sweet Potato Tub Rice. This lavish feast for ten costs only NT$7,000 (approximately HK$1,700).

Nut-Crusted Grilled Pork Ribs are incredibly flavorful. Large shrimp steamed in brandy, delivering a sweet and bouncy texture with a hint of alcohol.

Ali'an Indigenous Restaurant

Address: No. 411, Section 1, Lihai Road, Taitung City

Phone: +886-(0)8-933-2212 Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Tauzing Café: New-Style Indigenous Brunch

The Tauzing Café is located in the historic Tuo Xian Ranch(脫線牧場) , which has been rooted in Luye for over 30 years. The name "Tuo Xian" refers to a popular celebrity from years past, akin to Hong Kong's famous star Lu Chi. Recently taken over by the young third generation, the ranch has transformed into the Tauzing Café.

The Taitung "Tuo Xian Farm," rooted in Luye for over 30 years, has seen three generations. The café offers extravagant brunches served on wooden trays, full of indigenous flavors.

The name "Tauzing" refers to the first building of Tuo Xian Ranch, which is over 40 years old. Upon entering, you'll find a spacious area selling local Taitung products alongside a dining space. The café specializes in extravagant brunches served on wooden platters, filled with indigenous flavors. The young third-generation owner focuses on local ingredients, pairing fresh fruits like passion fruit, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, and grapes with homemade bread. A must-try is the Taitung A-Muan , a sticky rice dumpling made with millet and pork, embodying the warmth of Taitung's indigenous culture. Don't forget to pair your meal with a cup of locally sourced red oolong tea.

The farm features the Tuo Xian Story Museum, with free admission.

After your meal, visit the Tuo Xian Story Museum located on the ranch, which showcases performances and scenes from Tuo Xian's life, free of charge.

Tauzing Café

Address: No. 100, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Luye Township Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Brunch Price: NT$380

If you're looking to take home some unique Taitung souvenirs, make sure to visit the Luye Agricultural Products Marketing Center . They offer a variety of local gifts and have a café on-site. Must-buy items include Qingze Qima Crisps , pineapple chips, and the locally produced red oolong tea, known for its sweet and fragrant profile. During the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival, the center offers a red oolong tea sealing experience!

The Luye Agricultural Products Marketing Center showcases various local souvenirs.

Taitung Red Oolong Tea Sealing Experience

Tea sealing dates back to the Tang Dynasty, originally a ritual for scholars to express blessings and hopes. In recent years, it has become popular in Taiwan, where tea leaves and written wishes are sealed together. When you later open the container, seeing your previous wishes brings a unique sense of emotion. The sealing process preserves not just tea but also the gratitude and heritage of tea lovers towards the land.

A teacher demonstrates to travelers how to seal tea. Sealing tea is not just about the tea; it captures tea lovers’ gratitude and heritage for this land.

This sealing experience also includes a sensory exploration of red oolong tea, featuring an MBTI personality test to help participants discover their preferences and suitable tea flavors.

Luye Agricultural Products Marketing Center

Address: No. 19, Section 1, Ruilong Rujing Road, Luye Township