Courtesy of Yoti Hsueh (Yung-Ting Hsueh), tutufoodaholic, Editorial Office
The “FlavorWay Hualien” experience spans brunch, coffee and desserts, international cuisine, stylish bars, gastro pubs, and creative cultural experiences, letting visitors explore Hualien through food, culture, art, and natural scenery, creating a journey uniquely styled for the city.
Three Generations of Craftsmanship｜Artful Flavors by the Sea | Lin Ji Fish Ball
For over 30 years, Lin Ji Fish Ball at Hualien Harbor has been operated by the Lin family. The third-generation brothers, Chia-Hsien Lin and Chia-Chi Lin, continue the legacy. Their signature fish ball soup features handmade balls crafted from pure dolphinfish, giving them a firm, springy texture. Paired with a clear broth simmered with fish, chicken, and pork bones, the result is a subtly sweet, clean-tasting soup. Their popular fried noodles and fried rice vermicelli continue the comforting flavors familiar to Hualien locals, while the sashimi menu showcases seasonal fish, highlighting the harbor’s freshness. Dolphinfish is also used to create a variety of products, including fish fillets, Taiwanese oden, and the island’s only dolphinfish floss rice snack.
After relocating to Sunward Plaza, Lin Ji Fish Ball established a dolphinfish-themed gallery, featuring a systematic exhibition that presents the complete process - from going out to sea and using traditional fishing gear to crafting the fish balls. In recent years, the gallery has promoted hands-on experiences such as fish ball DIY, cooking classes, and harbor tours, placing culinary enjoyment alongside knowledge. Through fish-focused education, it reconnects people with the harbor and allows Hualien’s fishing culture to continue fermenting and regenerating for future generations.
INFO｜Lin Ji Fish Ball
Address: No. 35-1, Gangbin Rd., Hualien City
Telephone: 03-8236300
Business hours: 11:00–17:30（Open until 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, closed every other Wednesday）
Lavatory: Yes
Daily Queues of Hualien Locals｜Brunch & Comfort | Ding Ji Noodle & Braised Pork Rice
Located inside Chong Qing Public Market, Ding Ji Noodle & Braised Pork Rice opened in 2013. What began as a small venture inspired by the owner’s grandmother’s traditional recipes has grown into a local staple, drawing a steady stream of Hualien residents from morning until it closes around noon.
Customers praise the quality and freshness: oysters for the mixed noodles are delivered daily from the harbor, and the braised pork is made with local Hualien pork, fried, then stewed for over two hours in black bean soy sauce. Orders can also be customized - some diners like fattier cuts, others prefer leaner pork - and regulars often have their own “set” way of eating. Beyond the food, the owner remembers the stories behind familiar faces, so each visit offers not just flavor, but the warm, human connection of the market community.
INFO｜Ding Ji Noodle & Braised Pork Rice
Address: No. 480, Chongqing Rd., Hualien City (Chong Qing Public Market 205-207)
Telephone: 0985-339982
Business hours: 08:00-13:30（Closed on Tuesdays）
Lavatory: Yes (public restrooms at Chong Qing Public Market)
More than Croissants - Community Warmth｜Windowside Coffee | Found Croissanter
Tucked in a quiet alley on Jinghua Street, Found Croissanter opened in 2020, created by a young couple. The surrounding neighborhood is an older community, where afternoons are perfect for elders to enjoy a coffee and chat. Inspired by their love for bread and their family’s old guesthouse, the couple dreamed of opening a neighborhood-style bakery.
Since its opening, Found Croissanter has become a must-visit spot, with the renovated old apartment and courtyard greenery making it a favorite for social media snapshots. Crafting croissants from scratch hasn’t been easy - they’ve had to adapt to Hualien’s humid climate while relying on Japanese flour and premium French butter, the secret to their delicious layers. Attentive service and consistent quality reflect the owners’ dedication, and they are now expanding this local treasure beyond Hualien so more people can enjoy their renowned croissants.
INFO｜Found Croissanter
Address: No. 18, Aly. 1, Ln. 35, Jinghua St., Hualien City
Telephone: 0928-229358
Business hours: 14:00-17:30（Closed every Monday）
Lavatory: Yes
Tipsy Evenings｜Cozy Drinks | Old Times Yakiniku & Sake
Located in central Hualien, Old Times Yakiniku & Sake immediately conveys a nostalgic atmosphere with lantern-lined walls and wooden sliding doors reminiscent of a Japanese street corner. Inside, warm yellow lighting sets a relaxed mood, while an array of sake bottles adds character. Seating includes regular tables and traditional Japanese-style floor seating. Despite operating from post-work hours into the night, the restaurant often requires reservations
The menu is extensive, spanning skewers, fried dishes, stir-fries, specialty items, desserts, and drinks. Highlights include Okinawan-style bitter melon stir-fry with tofu, egg, and pork belly (Goya Champuru), which balances savory and slightly bitter flavors, and delicate zucchini with salmon roe, refreshing with a touch of the sea - dishes that break away from the usual expectations of typical skewers. Whether gathering with friends, enjoying late-night snacks, or unwinding after work, Old Times Yakiniku & Sake offers a welcoming spot to relax.
INFO｜Old Times Yakiniku & Sake
Address: No. 88-1, Minguo Rd., Hualien City
Telephone: 03-8315848
Business hours: 17:00–00:00（No fixed holidays）
Lavatory: Yes
Nostalgia Meets Innovation｜International Flair | Kitchen Woow
Housed in a historic Hualien building, Kitchen Woow is an Italian eatery beloved by locals and travelers alike for its blend of nostalgia and innovation. Previously a Taiwan Power Company restaurant, the space retains its original walls, window frames, and terrazzo floors, with lighting that creates a fusion of vintage and modern vibes. Seating ranges from two-person tables to booths, with a social media-friendly wall and outdoor garden for photos and gatherings.
Kitchen Woow, an Italian-style eatery, offers a variety of pasta, risotto, small bites, desserts, and beverages. Highlights include the Beef Burgundy Rigatoni, rich with sauce and tender meat, and the afternoon-exclusive collaboration soufflé pancakes, available in Roasted Hojicha & Black Gold Pistachio and Honey Vanilla flavors - made to order, fluffy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. With high-value set meals and a stylish, comfortable space, Kitchen Woow is a must-visit spot for travelers, whether for a full meal or afternoon tea.
INFO｜Kitchen Woow
Address: No. 78, Fuxing St., Hualien City
Telephone: 03-8335050
Business hours: 11:30-19:30（Closed every Thursday）
Lavatory: Yes
Handmade Burgers from Food Truck to Shop｜Slow City Culture | :HANG OUT
HANG OUT started in 2016 as the Kiciyang food truck and settled near National Dong Hwa University’s back gate in Shoufeng in 2024, run by owner Xiao Hua (小花) and partner CJ. The colon prefix ":" symbolizes the duo partnership and a relaxed, shared dining vibe, reflecting Hualien youth culture and creativity.
The menu at :HANG OUT highlights made-to-order American-style burgers, with beef or pork patties. The signature Salted Caramel Sauce Burger is crafted with homemade caramel sauce instead of peanut butter, creating a rich, sticky, sweet-and-salty flavor that has won a devoted following among female customers. Another favorite, the Glowing Knift Burger, has been popular since the food truck days and remains a bestseller today. It features deseeded Hualien peeled chili peppers stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, and paired with a juicy patty, delivering a striking balance of heat and creaminess - truly capturing Hualien’s local flavor. From its beginnings as a mobile food truck to a permanent storefront, :HANG OUT has become a beloved spot for National Dong Hwa University students. After earning a place on the 500 Bowls Award list, it has also drawn travelers from outside the region, allowing more people to discover Hualien’s local tastes and youthful energy through a single burger.
INFO｜:HANG OUT
Address: No. 64, Zhongzheng Rd., Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
Business hours: 11:30-14:00、15:30-19:00（Saturday 11:30-15:30，Closed every Sunday & Monday）
Lavatory: Yes