NantouEat Recommendations

Zhi Fan Tuan on Zhong Xiao Road in Pu Li Township, Nantou County, specializes in Japanese Okinawa-style hand-pressed rice balls blended with Taiwanese creative flavors. The minimalist, spotless open kitchen lets customers watch each rice ball being formed by hand. Signature items include water bamboo tempura onigiri, fried shrimp onigiri, and an oversized fried pork cutlet onigiri, all with varied flavors and generous portions. Prices range from NT$55 to NT$95 per ball, with mostly takeaway and limited indoor seating, perfect for brunch or quick check-ins. The shop's design uses rice, mountain, and sun motifs to create an indie literary vibe that draws travelers and locals alike.

Tun Xian Hotpot in Cao Tun, Nantou County, is a popular all-you-can-eat hotpot buffet featuring more than two hundred ingredients across multiple broth bases, seafood, meats, Japanese dishes, Hong Kong dim sum, pizza, fried snacks, salads, and desserts, plus premium Häagen-Dazs and Mövenpick ice cream and capsule coffee. Weekday pricing is around NT$726 and holidays around NT$817, with an additional 10 percent service charge, and earlier NT$545 and NT$659 tiers remain reference points. Dining typically runs two hours, with possible shortening on holidays or during lunar new year. Free parking is available, making it well-suited to family dinners and gatherings with friends.