G.SHOCK Motel

In 1993, this dumpling shop began life as a street stall in a local market. Now it has become a household name throughout south Taiwan. Apart from steamed pork and beef dumplings, the variety filled with assorted vegetables also stands out – its plump, full skin enrobes a filling of shredded wood ear fungus, green bok choy, glass noodles and dried tofu. Pancake rolls that are crispy and nicely browned are also popular.

Next to Meinung Folk Village, Ibu Kitchen specialises in indigenous Taiwanese cuisine made with produce from the Bunun chef-owner's hometown in Mt Tengzhi. The menu is dominated by healthy options such as fried egg tofu in plum sauce with crisp-skinned silken tofu garnished with a compote of three-year-aged shiso plums, fresh plum juice and plum essence. On holidays, only set menus are served for a party of minimum two guests. Greenery and mountain views make for a unique experience.

This no-frills shop near the train station has been renowned for its migao since 1955. Glutinous rice mixed with dried shrimps and shallot is steamed in ceramic ramekins (rather than bamboo tubes). The rice cake is then turned out onto a serving plate, drizzled with braised pork sauce and topped with fish floss and pickled radish. They sometimes sell out early and the shop has irregular days off, so call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Ciaotou was the centre of Taiwan’s sugar production and this 6-decade-old joint fascinates its fans with terrific braised pork rice boasting a savoury-sweet taste. Pork shoulder and belly in a specific ratio are hand-diced and braised till melting before being drizzled over steamed rice. Pork thick soup, and assorted pork offal make perfect companions with the signature rice. Expect to queue any time of the day. It closes on major holidays.

For 20+ years, locals have been swooning over the pork knuckle rice here – ham hock braised in a marinade with spices and Chinese herbs, served with a glistening amber sauce; the peppery aftertaste is spellbinding. Steamed rice from Hualian and a julienne of crispy bamboo shoots cut through the richness. Marine fish cooked to order are also a firm favourite. Noodle lovers can't get enough of the umami-laden pork bone broth lifted by veggie sweetness.

From a tricycle food cart in 1961, the third-generation family business has transformed itself into a no-frills booth, open from noon till dusk. This popular venue for Taiwan-style afternoon snacks is a stickler for tradition. The best-selling chargrilled pork sausage in intestine skin is mildly laced with five spices and sorghum wine. Fried shallot and peanuts give sticky rice sausage extra aromas, best enjoyed with the hearty sparerib soup.

With an ice cellar for storing fish and a profusion of hinoki wood, the interior is steeped in Japanese charm. The owner-chef hails from Tokyo and his omakase menu starts with cooked zensai dishes that showcase the best seasonal produce, followed by the freshest catch flown in from Japan over sushi rice dressed in two kinds of akazu. Custard-like tamagoyaki and Taiwanese black tea make the perfect conclusion. In autumn, the sanma shiso spring roll is unmissable.