Courtesy of Yoti Hsueh (Yung-Ting Hsueh)
Actress Shih-Mei Tu, best known for her role as Hsiao-Man Lu in the hit TV series “Spicy Teacher”, has left a lasting impression on many audiences with her vibrant performances. Originally immersed in the fast-paced life of Taipei, fate led her to Hualien, where she settled down after marrying Chih-Lung Chuang in 2018. Together, the couple founded Mei Long House, a restaurant that officially opened in 2023, adding a fresh twist to Hualien’s thriving local food culture.
A few years ago, Tu was often seen helping out at a friend’s barbecue stall in Dongdamen Night Market, surprising many who never expected to spot a celebrity working behind the counter. Some even wondered how she could so effortlessly shed the trappings of fame. But for Tu, going with the flow has always been a way of life—her career in the entertainment industry has had its highs and lows, but when the spotlight isn't on her, she sees it as an opportunity to enjoy life at a different pace. Relocating from the bustling city to the relaxed atmosphere of Hualien felt like a perfect match. The slower rhythm of life allowed her to truly savor the moment—whether it was going on camping trips with her husband or indulging in her newfound passion for handcrafted textiles. She quickly embraced the "slow living" philosophy that defines Hualien.
Breathing New Life into an Old Space｜Honest, Quality Cooking That Keeps Diners Coming Back
After becoming a Hualien local, Tu and her husband dreamed of opening a restaurant together. The idea took shape when they stumbled upon an old dormitory once used by the Port of Hualien, Taiwan International Ports Corporation. Tu was immediately drawn to the towering pine trees surrounding the property, and the couple successfully bid on the site. They then invested millions in renovations, transforming the space into a chic, modern restaurant with a stunning glass-paneled entrance that floods the interior with natural light.
The name "Mei Long House" comes from a fusion of their names. Both Tu and Chuang had gained experience in the Dongdamen barbecue restaurant scene, and naturally, their menu centers around wood-fired grilling. Cooking over an open flame at high temperatures locks in moisture, ensuring that steaks, grilled fish, and other dishes remain irresistibly tender and juicy. For dinner, seasonal surf-and-turf options highlight the best local ingredients, featuring fresh seafood from nearby fishing ports, premium Hokkaido oysters, USDA Choice short ribs, locally sourced pork ribs, and free-range chicken from Hualien. Word-of-mouth alone brought in a flood of customers from the moment they opened—without the need for any grand promotional campaigns. Another signature feature of Mei Long House is its pet-friendly policy, which was inspired by their beloved dog and "resident manager," Niuniu. In fact, Niuniu has become so popular that she often steals the spotlight from her owners! After overcoming the challenges of the recent earthquake, Shih-Mei Tu has gained an even deeper appreciation for the rhythm of life in Hualien. With great food and heartfelt hospitality, she and her husband look forward to welcoming more travelers into their cozy culinary retreat.
INFO｜ Mei Long House
Address: No. 26-1, Minde 2nd St., Hualien City
Telephone: 0987-888737
Business hours: 14:00-17:00，17:30-21:30（Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays; Thursdays open for dinner only）
Lavatory: Yes
※Pet-friendly restaurant