Moon House Restaurant

Driving along the circuitous roads and all the way up to the mountainside of Fenglin in Hualien, you will then be greeted by Moon House, a quaint restaurant that is easy to miss in the middle of nowhere but always teeming with loyal patrons. As you approach Moon House, you will instantly find yourself cast away into an exotic world of flavor and tranquillity. The serene Zen garden set against a backdrop of the incredible East Rift Valley gives a sense of relaxed order and a distinctive atmosphere, creating a tranquil and calming dining environment, the ideal setting to enjoy an intimate meal with family and friends. Come and enjoy something different, you will not be disappointed with Moon House.

The whole seating area is composed of several traditionally elegant tatami rooms, and shoes must be taken off before entering each of them. From wooden dining table sets, the stonemasonry wall to the menu written in calligraphy, every single detail is charmingly nostalgic. You may choose to order off the prix fixe menu or à la carte options. The extensive menu will satisfy all tastes and ages. Served in a giant wood bucket, the black and white rice is both tasty and healthy — perfect to balance out all the following sinful pleasure. The crispy, golden brown deep-fried yucca root added with the salty egg yolk delivers a heavenly flavor and texture, so appetizing that one just cannot help but yearn for more. Refreshing and flavorful on its own, the bitter gourd with plum sauce is a surprising yet pleasant combination that will have your taste buds singing. The fried pork with the aromatic sesame oil is dotted with Chinese wolfberries, and the salt and pepper pork belly with perfect crispy crackling is simply succulent and appealing. The al dente vermicelli in casserole is piled with bouncy shrimps and drenched in the sha cha BBQ sauce, just how any sane person likes it. Some other light dishes such as fried Napier grass and three different kinds of mushrooms are also worth a try. Always keep this in mind: you can never leave Moon House without having the signature dish — the grilled plum chicken. Stuffed with herbs and spices, the whole chicken is tender and juicy while maintaining a plate-scratching crispiness. Finally, the wild veggie soup loaded with all kinds of greens, taros, sweet potatoes and pumpkins puts a healthy end to the hearty meal.