MiaoliEat Recommendations

Shuishang Renjia Alanjie Crystal Dumplings is a local snack hidden in the alleys of Miaoli City, specializing in Hakka-style crystal dumplings. The dumplings here have thicker skins shaped like regular dumplings, with a mainly preserved winter vegetable filling, offering a chewier texture; while debated, they still draw many tourists willing to queue. The shop is near Sanjiao Park and a paid parking lot next to 85°C, suited to scootering or walking, and is one of Miaoli's popular breakfast and lunch options.

Jiangji Jiuji is a long-standing snack shop in Miaoli City, founded in 1949 and family-run across three generations for over 70 years. The shop is famed for handmade thin-skin wontons, bouncy crystal dumplings, and meatballs (bahwan), with prices mostly between NT$40 and NT$70. Unique flavors and high popularity often mean queues; parking and restrooms are nearby, transport is convenient, and it suits travelers eager to taste authentic local Hakka snacks.

Baishatun Waisheng Beef Noodles on Zhongshan Road in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, hides inside an old iron-roofed shack. The faded exterior signage belies queues year-round thanks to tasty beef noodles, generous portions, and friendly prices (about NT$110), with crowds gathering even before 11 AM. The beef is tender and flavorful, the dual-sauce noodles (sesame paste plus fried sauce) deliver a unique flavor, and braised snacks and dumplings are also available. Though the surroundings are simple, air conditioning is ample, making it ideal for travelers or pilgrims seeking a quick meal in Tongxiao.

Lao Beifang Puzi at No. 126, Ziyou Street, Zhunan Township, Miaoli County, is a popular Chinese-style noodle snack shop. The menu is known for hearty portions and fragrant sesame paste dry noodles, clear-simmered beef noodles, and clear-simmered lamb noodles, plus assorted pick-and-choose braised snacks, surf-and-turf mixed noodles, and fresh meat dumplings. Decorated in a vintage rural style with hanging lanterns, it is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Certified by the Miaoli County Cultural Tourism Bureau as a local specialty restaurant, average spend is around NT$220, ideal for travelers wanting to quickly taste local noodles and braised snacks.

Yuanli Jiumei Beef Noodle Shop in Yuanli Township, Miaoli County, near Yuanli Train Station, serves red-braised, clear-simmered, and other beef noodle varieties. The meat chunks are large, the broth is fresh and sweet with a Vietnamese touch, and prices are only around NT$100, offering excellent value. A free parking lot is provided, hours are 11 AM to 8 PM, queues are common but reviews are excellent, beloved by locals and tourists alike. It is a must-eat local delicacy in Yuanli.

Zhan Shifu Zhunan Vietnamese-Style Lamb Hot Pot at No. 15, Zhongyi Street, Zhunan Township, Miaoli County, has operated for 30 years and is considered the representative lamb hot pot of Zhunan. Using Taiwan lamb as the main ingredient, the broth is simmered with dozens of Chinese herbal medicines, sweet and clear without MSG, preserving the natural herbal aroma. The lamb is skin-on and bone-in, chewy and juicy, especially suited to diners who enjoy the original flavor of lamb. Charcoal heat keeps the broth aromatic and warm; takeout lamb hot pot can be reheated at home for convenience. The dining space is spacious and bright with warm service, an ideal choice for gatherings of friends and family.