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After 40 years, the most historic and largest international event at Sun Moon Lake, the Sun Moon Lake International Swimming Carnival, will be held grandly on September 15. Every year, tens of thousands of swimming enthusiasts from around the world gather at Shuishe Pier to take on the challenge of swimming 3 kilometers in the beautiful open waters. If you love nature and swimming, this is an event you won’t want to miss. And while you’re here to join the festivities, how can you not indulge in the local delicacies around Sun Moon Lake? From unique Thao tribe specialties to classic local snacks, every bite promises satisfaction with no disappointments.

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Nantou Delicacies: 8 Must-Try Eats Around Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Sun Moon Restaurant

This popular spot is a must-book restaurant at Sun Moon Lake. Though the space is small, Sun Moon Restaurant is always packed, whether it’s a weekday or weekend. The menu combines Thao tribal flavors with traditional Taiwanese cuisine, with the chef insisting on using seasonal local ingredients. The dishes may look simple but are incredibly impressive. You can order à la carte or opt for set meals. Beyond the exceptional flavors and reasonable prices, the plating and tableware are thoughtfully designed. The famous President Fish is a must-order, alongside dishes like wild pepper omelet, clay pot salted pork, and fragrant bamboo tube rice. The meal ends with a plate of fresh fruit, leaving you fully satisfied and happy.

• Address: No. 211-1, Zhongshan Rd, Shuishe Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Contact: +886 4-9285-6806
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Link: Sun Moon Restaurant

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Café Marina

Located right at the front row of Shuishe Pier, Café Marina offers stunning views that make dining even more enjoyable. Their signature is the Thao Flavor Set Meal for One, with three main dishes to choose from: Garlic Wild Boar, Millet Pork Knuckles, or Three-Cup Chicken Thigh. The meals are served in traditional wood-carved dishes, filled with various delicate sides. Drinks are served in wooden cups carved with Thao tribal faces, featuring Sun Moon Lake’s famous Assam Black Tea or Millet Wine. The set also includes Assam tea jelly with pearls, providing both a delicious and visually pleasing experience. For the best views, grab a seat on the second floor and soak in the breathtaking lakeside scenery while enjoying a relaxing afternoon.

• Address: No. 11, Mingsheng St, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Contact: +886 49-285-5143
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Ah Feng’s Restaurant

Ah, Feng’s Restaurant is a multi-award-winning spot that insists on using locally sourced ingredients and fresh daily catches from Nantou. Known for its unique dishes and constant innovation, it has received high praise on Google and from countless food lovers, even featuring in popular media like TV shows. Besides its rich flavors, the restaurant pays great attention to presentation, using uniquely shaped tableware for an added touch of fun. Must-try dishes include the juicy, tender Gold Medal Dongpo Pork, the spicy and appetizing Mouthwatering Crystal Chicken, and the sweet, crisp Puli Sugarcane Bamboo Shoots.

• Address: No. 2, Lane 406, Zhongshan Rd, Shuishe Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Contact: +886 4-9285-5005
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM / 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Link: Ah Feng’s Restaurant

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Thao Tribal Chief Yuan’s Cuisine

Thao Tribal Chief Yuan’s Cuisine has been passed down from the grandfather’s generation and is located on the old street near Dehua Pier. The restaurant features traditional Thao ceremonial stone instruments, making you feel like a guest at the chief’s home. Recommended dishes include the Thao Flavor Set Meal and the premium President Fish Set. The menu is filled with wild mountain delicacies, such as dragon beard vegetables, mountain celery, high mountain bamboo shoot soup, Formosan barking deer meat, and Qili fish. The simple preparation brings out the authentic flavors of these traditional mountain ingredients, ensuring that each bite leaves a lasting impression. This is the perfect spot to savor authentic Thao tribal cuisine.

• Address: No. 97-1, Yiyong St, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Contact: +886 919-736-383
• Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM / Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Must-Try Delicacies Around the Lake Nian Ji’s Handmade Cabbage Buns with Mushrooms

A must-try street snack in Ita Thao Shopping Street, Nian Ji’s Handmade Cabbage Buns with Mushrooms are freshly wrapped and deep-fried on the spot. Priced at just NT$50, these buns are larger than a fist and vegetarian-friendly. Made with crispy, sweet highland cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and vermicelli for added texture, the buns are fried to a golden crisp. Each bite reveals a generous, flavorful filling. Pair it with the shop’s signature spicy sauce for an extra kick. Regular visitors to Sun Moon Lake often find themselves lining up again for this irresistible snack. They also offer fried mushrooms and sweet potato fries, both hearty and delicious.

• Address: No. 95, Wenhua Street, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Phone: +886 910-522-678
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Dong Dong Gua Bao

A famous street food at Ita Thao Pier, Dong Dong Gua Bao takes the traditional Taiwanese pork belly bun to the next level. The shop creatively uses Sun Moon Lake’s signature Assam tea to marinate the tofu skin, wrapping it around a juicy pork belly. Instead of peanut powder, they use crispy soybean flakes for a unique texture without the overly sweet taste. The signature Combo Gua Bao features a fluffy bun filled with tea-scented tofu, tender pork belly, cilantro, cucumber, pickled mustard greens, and soybean flakes. The juicy tofu and rich fillings make every bite incredibly satisfying. Spice lovers should add some chili for an extra kick!

• Address: No. 111, Yiyong Street, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Phone: +886 49-2850289
• Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)
• Related Link: Dong Dong Gua Bao Facebook Page

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Crispy President Fish Rolls

A crowd favorite, Crispy President Fish Rolls are deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp, and you can smell their delicious aroma from afar. Located in the heart of Ita Thao Old Street, this stall always draws long lines. They offer two flavors: original and scallion pork. Thin tofu skin wraps around fresh fish paste made from President Fish, fried to order for a crispy exterior and chewy, flavorful filling. The scallion pork version is juicy and savory. Each roll is skewered, drizzled with special sauce, and topped with fresh cilantro, making it irresistibly tasty. Be sure to order more—you won’t regret it!

• Address: No. 93, Yiyong Street, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Phone: +886 930-151-021
• Hours: 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
• Related Link: President Fish Crispy Roll

Sun Moon Lake Eats｜Fan Fan Chicken Wings & Giant Shrimp Rolls

Fan Fan Chicken Wings is a creation by Chef Ah Sheng, who once worked in a five-star hotel. He mixes freshly steamed rice with pickled radish, crispy scallions, and other ingredients, then stuffs it into chicken wings. The wings are deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection, with the rich filling complemented by green onions and chili. This dish has earned its spot as one of Sun Moon Lake’s top ten must-eats. The Giant Shrimp Rolls feature a crispy exterior, firm shrimp filling, fresh lettuce, onions, pork floss, and mayonnaise. Just thinking about it will make your mouth water—don’t forget to order both!

• Address: No. 22, Yiyong Street, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
• Phone: +886 982-726-451
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Related Link: Fan Fan Chicken Wings & Giant Shrimp Rolls

Read more:

• Nantou Accommodation | 6 Recommended Places to Stay Near Sun Moon Lake
• Attractions in Nantou | Not Just Outdoor Scenery, but also Pottery Making, Paper Crafting, and Strolling Amidst the Tree of Life Indoors