Sun Moon Lake Culinary Gems You Must Try
Nestled in the heart of Taiwan’s Nantou County, Sun Moon Lake is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. The region’s food scene is a unique tapestry woven from indigenous Thao traditions, Japanese https://thenewyorkerdeli.com/ colonial influences, and the area’s world-famous tea culture. Whether you are strolling through the bustling streets of Ita Thao or taking a quiet boat ride across the water, these culinary gems are essential to the Sun Moon Lake experience.
The Legendary Ah Ma’s Tea Eggs
No visit is complete without a stop at Syuanguang Pier for Ah Ma’s Mushroom Tea Eggs. Braised for hours in a secret mixture of local Assam black tea and mountain shiitake mushrooms, these eggs are infused with a deep, earthy umami flavor. The shells are carefully cracked during the process to create a beautiful marble pattern on the whites. It is said that at the height of the tourist season, thousands of these savory snacks are sold daily—a testament to their status as a local icon.
Indigenous Thao Flavors
The Ita Thao Shopping District is the heartbeat of indigenous cuisine. Here, you must seek out Wild Boar Sausages. Unlike standard pork sausages, these are leaner, smokier, and often seasoned with “Maqaw” (mountain pepper), which adds a surprising hint of lemongrass and ginger.
Another tribal staple is Bamboo-Tube Rice. Glutinous rice mixed with taro, mushrooms, or pork is stuffed into fresh bamboo poles and steamed until the rice takes on the subtle, woody fragrance of the wood. For dessert, the Millet Donut is a modern favorite; made with millet flour, it offers a distinctively chewy, mochi-like texture that is light yet satisfying.
The “President Fish”
Named after late leader Chiang Kai-shek’s fondness for the dish, the President Fish (Aulacocheilichthys) is a local species of carp found in the lake. While bony, its meat is exceptionally tender and sweet. Most lakeside restaurants serve it steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce to highlight its delicate flavor. If you prefer a mess-free snack, look for President Fish Rolls—deep-fried tofu skin wraps filled with savory fish paste.
Assam and Ruby #18 Black Tea
The misty hills surrounding the lake produce some of the world’s finest black teas. Ruby #18, a hybrid of Burmese and Taiwanese wild tea, is famous for its natural notes of cinnamon and mint. Beyond drinking it, you will find tea integrated into everything from soft-serve ice cream to Assam-marinated Tofu Buns.
Sun Moon Lake’s food is a reflection of its landscape—bold, fresh, and deeply rooted in history. Every bite tells a story of the mountains and the water.