Liyu Lake is the largest inland lake in Hualien, ringed on three sides by mountains and as calm as a mirror. Lakeside restaurants make their name with charcoal-grilled eel rice: the eel is repeatedly basted with a soy-sugar glaze and grilled until the skin is fragrant and glossy, then laid over a bowl of steaming white rice. With the lake and mountains in view, even a simple bowl of rice feels like a vacation. On weekends the crowds stream in, and eel rice is virtually a must-order at every table.
What is Liyu Lake Grilled Eel Rice
The grilled eel rice at Liyu Lake's lakeside restaurants uses Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) as the main ingredient, with charcoal slow-roasting as the core technique. The eel is split and deboned, then basted multiple times with a sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, and grilled repeatedly until a caramelized skin forms. The fat is rich yet not greasy; laid over white rice, the sauce soaks into every grain for a layered, satisfying texture. Some lakeside restaurants source locally farmed eel, while others use fresh-catch or imported Japanese eel — quality varies slightly.
The tourism resources introduction from the Shoufeng Township Office lists Liyu Lake's lakeside grilled eel rice as a representative dish of the Liyu Lake scenic area, and it appears in multiple local travel reports. The cluster of lakeside restaurants is concentrated near Liyu Lake's main entrance and the marina, and most operate primarily on weekends; some shops are open only on weekends. Liyu Lake is open year-round, but spring (March–May) for scenic viewing and the summer holiday period are peak seasons — grilled eel rice supply is most stable then, but wait times are also longest.
How to eat it like a local
Local knowledge
Objective backing
- The Shoufeng Township Office's tourism resources introduction lists Liyu Lake grilled eel rice as a representative dish of the scenic area, with records in multiple local travel reports as well.
- Liyu Lake is the largest inland lake in Hualien, a recommended scenic area of the Hualien County Tourism Bureau; the lakeside restaurants are a dining complement to the scenic area.
- Grilled eel rice is a dish offered across multiple lakeside restaurants — not exclusive to any single shop — so you can cross-compare quality between establishments.
Visitor tips
- Some lakeside restaurants close irregularly on weekdays; visiting on weekends guarantees the most options. Call ahead to confirm opening hours before you go.
- Parking demand at Liyu Lake on weekends is high. Arriving before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. is recommended to avoid peak-hour parking difficulties.
- Grilled eel rice is relatively high in calories — best enjoyed after physical activity. If you have questions about ingredient sourcing, ask the restaurant directly whether the day's eel is farmed or same-day catch.
Sources: Shoufeng Township Office tourism resources introduction; compiled local travel reports. Photos to be replaced after Dio's on-site shoot.