Hualien Food — Gongjing Baozi, Dongdaemun Night Market, Bomb Pajeonbyeong
Although Hualien is the gateway city to Taroko Gorge, it also boasts a solid lineup of snacks in the city center. Long-standing establishments such as Gongzheng Baozi and Yuexiang Wonton are concentrated within walking distance, making it perfect for a half-day walking tour. Dongdaemun Night Market is characterized by a separate section for indigenous cuisine, and it is a good idea to pack Zhengji Mashu (sticky rice cakes) into a gift box before boarding the train.
Gongzheng Baozi (公正包子)
Gongzheng Baozi
Dongdaemun Night Market
Dongdamen Night Market
Yexiang Wonton, Liquid Fragrance Food
Yexiang Wonton
Zeng Ji Mochi (曾記麻糬)
Zeng Ji Mochi
Bomb Scallion Pancake (炸彈蔥油餅)
Bomb Scallion Pancake
Gongzheng Baozi (公正包子)
Gongzheng Baozi
Hualien's representative dumpling shop that is open nearly 24 hours a day. The combination of small xiaolongbao and soy milk is the quintessential late-night snack.
Dongdaemun Night Market
Dongdamen Night Market
A large complex bringing together Hualien's night markets in one place. The highlights are the indigenous (Ami) cuisine area and the grilled skewers alley.
Yexiang Wonton, Liquid Fragrance Food
Yexiang Wonton
A long-standing restaurant specializing in a single menu item—wonton—for nearly 100 years. Pork wontons in a clear broth; the very place said to have been visited by Chiang Kai-shek.
Zeng Ji Mochi (曾記麻糬)
Zeng Ji Mochi
The representative brand of Hualien's specialty glutinous rice cakes (Mashu). Fresh Mashu produced on the same day has a short shelf life, so please purchase it on the day of departure.
Bomb Scallion Pancake (炸彈蔥油餅)
Bomb Scallion Pancake
A street stall selling deep-fried scallion ice filled with a soft-boiled egg. It is called a "bomb" because of the bursting yolk, and there are long lines in the afternoon.
