A Local's Food Guide
As a B&B owner born and raised in Yuchi Township, I know every hidden gem on these hills. Here are my personal top 10 picks — places I eat at regularly, not tourist traps.
1. Grandma's Tea Eggs at Xuanguang Temple
The iconic Grandma's tea eggs (阿婆茶葉蛋) at Xuanguang Temple pier are simmered in local Sun Moon Lake black tea with shiitake, star anise, and spices. Each amber-hued egg costs just NT$13 (~US$0.40). Take the ferry to Xuanguang pier — expect a 20-30 minute queue on weekends, but they're absolutely worth the wait.
2. Lugao Coffee Estate
Hidden in the hills, Lugao Coffee Estate (鹿篙咖啡莊園) grows and roasts its own beans on-site. Sip a hand-dripped cup (NT$180–250) while gazing over rolling tea plantations. A 20-minute drive from our B&B; visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
3. Sun Moon Old Tea Factory
This 60-year-old factory has been converted into a tea tourism destination with free tours of its vintage machinery. The tea room serves premium Sun Moon Lake black tea by the pot (NT$200–350). Their Ruby Black Tea (Tai Cha No. 18) makes a perfect souvenir.
4. Aba's Kitchen
Aba's Kitchen (阿爸食堂) on Yuchi Main Street serves hearty Taiwanese home cooking. Signature dishes include braised President Fish (a Sun Moon Lake specialty), stir-fried wild boar with bird's nest fern, and sesame oil chicken. A feast for four runs NT$800–1,200. Open for lunch (11 AM – 2 PM) and dinner (5 – 8 PM).
5. Sun Moon Lake Black Tea Ice Cream
At Shuishe Pier, look for Ruby Black Tea ice cream made with local Tai Cha No. 18 — rich tea flavor without excessive sweetness. NT$60 for one scoop, NT$100 for two. Perfect on a lakeside stroll.
6–10: More Local Favorites
- Mingtan Tea Dad Lunch Box — tea-smoked pork chop bento for NT$100–150
- Tsai's Grilled Wild Boar Sausage at Ita Thao — NT$50, eat with raw garlic for the authentic experience
- Chaowu Pier Lakeside Breakfast — Chinese breakfast with a sunrise view, NT$80–150
- Pinli Fried Chicken — the late-night snack locals love, NT$50–80 per portion
- Shanshui Xianglin Black Tea Noodles — tea-infused noodles, only NT$80 a bowl; a hidden gem near Yuchi Junior High
Tip from Your Host
Every restaurant on this list is within a 20-minute drive of our B&B. At check-in, I'll give you a hand-drawn food map with locations, hours, and my personal recommendations.