NantouEat Recommendations

Rong Shu Xia Kou Zai Die is a long standing snack shop in Cao Tun, Nantou with more than sixty years of history. There is no signboard, only a single grand banyan tree to mark the spot, and customers line up under the tree's arcade for oyster fritters, meat fritters, rice intestine, and other freshly fried bites that are crispy and affordably priced around NT$60. Long beloved by locals and tourists alike, the constant flow of customers makes it an essential coin priced street food experience in Cao Tun.

Rong Shu Xia O A Die on Yu Feng Street in Cao Tun Township, Nantou County is a more than sixty year old institution tucked under the arcade of a grand banyan tree. There is no signboard, but the constant queue of food lovers speaks for itself. The signature oyster fritters are crisp outside and tender within, the meat fritters are juicy, and the menu also features rice intestine, fried sweet potato, and sweet rice cakes. Everything is fried to order at friendly prices, beloved by locals and tourists alike, and ranks as a must queue snack destination in Cao Tun.

Mei You Dou Hua is an indie style douhua shop in Pu Li, Nantou County, converted from a former feed store. The kitchen specializes in salt brine douhua and pairs it with creative flavors such as sea salt burnt caramel, hand stirred caramel syrup, and Thai milk tea, mostly priced between NT$50 and NT$80. Indoor seating is limited and well suited to photo worthy dine in experiences, weekends often mean queues, and parking nearby is less convenient. The shop uses non GMO soybeans from Tainan friendly farming and offers a wide range of toppings and sweet soups, making it a popular check in spot for Pu Li's indie and dessert lovers.

Ubud Rainforest Bali Theme Restaurant at No. 73, Qing Long Lane, Dong Guang Village in Yu Chi Township, Nantou County is hidden in a forested stretch between Sun Moon Lake and the mountains. Designed in Balinese south seas style with red tiled pitched roofs, garden decor, and exotic hanging lamps, the restaurant conjures a resort atmosphere, with the main dining area upstairs and pet friendly outdoor resting space. The menu centers on Thai and Indonesian flavors such as lemon steamed fish, yellow curry chicken, green curry coconut chicken, and red curry fruit smoked duck. A large free parking lot sits out front, advance booking is recommended on holidays, and pricing is around NT$400 per person.

Shao Rou MEN is a high value yakiniku brand born in Pu Li, Nantou, with another branch in Xi Tun District, Taichung. The signature starts at NT$499 per person and includes an unlimited greenhouse hydroponic lettuce bar, Haagen Dazs ice cream, mango smoothies, and other drinks and side dishes. Meat options range widely, from A5 wagyu thin slices and F1 wagyu New York strip to thin sliced beef tongue, skirt steak, and Shimane shrimp, making it a fit for family dinners and friend gatherings. Hours run from 11 am to midnight at No. 38, Chao Fu Road, Xi Tun District, Taichung City, with convenient transit near Qiu Hong Gu Park and the Chao Ma transfer station.

Zhu Shan Jian Jiao is a long standing breakfast snack shop in Zhu Shan Township, Nantou, famed for hand pan fried jumbo dumplings at NT$8 a piece, much larger than typical dumplings so a few are enough to fill you up. The shop also offers scallion egg pancakes around NT$30 and self serve soy milk, with soy sauce, garlic sauce, and chili sauce on the table for personal seasoning. Service runs until about 1:30 pm and items often sell out fast, so arriving early to queue is wise. The simple, unassuming vibe suits travelers who want to experience a local breakfast and oversized pan fried dumplings.