Affordable and authentic nigiri sushi at Hualien’s late-night diner – just NT$30 per piece!

Text & Photos /Mazzy Bunny

Previously, I stayed at the Imari Homestay in Hualien with a friend and was warmly hosted by the owner, Mr. Maeda, and his wife, Mrs. Maeda (Sister Tamie). I was not only deeply impressed by their homemade bread, cakes, and freshly roasted coffee, but also couldn’t stop thinking about the dishes from the Imari Japanese Restaurant we had for dinner.

Although it’s a pity that Imari Japanese Restaurant has recently closed, I never expected that the chef, who once went to Tokyo to hone his skills and has Japanese heritage, would choose a simpler way to allow Japanese cuisine lovers to easily enjoy high-quality and delicious food. In August 2017, he officially started a new sushi journey in an old house and small veranda next to Hualien Times Secondhand Bookstore, creating Hualien’s • Late-Night Sushi Diner that serves authentic sushi.

During my late-summer trip to Hualien, I came out of curiosity after seeing Sister Maeda’s Facebook recommendation for the new shop, but what I got was a delightful feast of surprises.

Using carefully selected ingredients that are no less premium than those in high-end Japanese restaurants, yet each piece of nigiri sushi is priced at only NT$30, NT$40, NT$60, or NT$80. When I saw the menu, I was truly, truly shocked – it’s absurdly cheap. Even if I ordered a full course, I wouldn’t have to worry about breaking the bank. What surprised me even more was the exceptional quality of the nigiri sushi served – so fresh and delicious, with many limited-edition ingredients like Spanish mackerel and conger eel… as well as specially selected items, which in Taipei would cost more than triple the price!!!

I really suspect the owner of the Late-Night Sushi Diner must be out of his mind to offer such delicious nigiri sushi at these prices. People in Hualien are so lucky. I feel like this owner should get to know the chef from Little Six Diner – both are equally crazy, but it’s this kind of passionate obsession that benefits food lovers like us.

<官方粉丝团介绍>
Owner: Yang Zongru
Experience:
Wada Yuuichi
Iwaki Tsutomu
Yamazaki Junichi
Tokyo Sushi Academy

The owner says:
To bring authentic sushi to the streets
To let customers eat with ease and authenticity
Welcome to Hualien • Late-Night Sushi Diner

You must first take a look at theMENUprices at Hualien Late-Night Sushi Diner – they’re outrageously cheap,with each piece of nigiri sushi priced at NT$30, NT$40, NT$60, or NT$80, and the best part is that they’re absolutely high-quality, delicious, super fresh, and have an amazing texture – none of that roughness. It’s been a while since I came back, but I still can’t quite understand how the owner manages to run the place at these prices. Of course, I also hope to often enjoy such incredibly good value food, but sadly, it’s impossible in Taipei… sob sob

The most basic nigiri sushi like salmon, swordfish, tuna, amberjack, and squid (NT$30) – not only delicious, but the thought of NT$30 per piece actually brings tears to my eyes. Please don’t compare it to chain sushi restaurants; it’s like night and day. Without even comparing technique, the freshness alone beats everything. 

Tamagoyaki (NT$30), sweet shrimp (NT$60), angel red shrimp (NT$80)

That day, they just happened to have Pacific saury (special ingredient, NT$80). If not fresh, Pacific saury can easily have a fishy taste, but this one was handled perfectly – rich, sweet, fresh, and bouncy. Pacific saury is truly the king of autumn flavors!

One of my personal favorites, grilled halibut fin meat (NT$40), and conger eel (NT$60) were also delicate and fresh.

Hokkaido scallops (NT$80) – so tender and delicious. The squid and tofu skin (NT$30) were also great.

Today’s special: yam and tuna paste on a battleship roll (NT$60)

Salmon roe (NT$60) – refreshing with no fishy taste, and the best part is it’s not at all salty. Delicious. 

Actually, after the first round, we ordered a second one because it was so delicious. Unfortunately, the chef is the only one working, so we had to wait a bit. We ended up giving up, but next time I’ll remember to order everything in the first round to avoid any regrets.

【Hualien • Late-Night Dining】 Located next to Hualien Times Secondhand Bookstore, there’s just a row of small counter seats and a few tables under the arcade. Next time, I’d still prefer to sit at the counter. 

Since only the head chef is preparing all the dishes, everything is made slowly. If you want to enjoy great food, please be patient—it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Lucky friends in Hualien can go on weekdays; the place gets pretty crowded on holidays.

The black tea is also very good—just 10 NT per cup.

That day, we also ran into Mrs. Maeda, which was so exciting. She even invited us to come to Imari Homestay for afternoon tea in a couple of days to enjoy their homemade bread and pour-over coffee. Imari Homestay is currently under renovation, and we heard that when it reopens on December 1st, there will be a foot bath—something we’re really looking forward to.

I think next time I come, I should choose a weekday. I really envy the people of Hualien for having their own late-night dining spot where they can enjoy authentic, delicious sushi.

Hualien • Late-Night Dining

No. 2, Lane 6, Jianguo Road, Hualien City (next to Hualien Times Secondhand Bookstore)
Official Fan Page:Hualien • Late-Night Dining
Business Hours: 17:30 – 23:30 (irregular closures, please check fan page announcements)

♦ As it’s a street stall, reservations by phone are not available. Currently, only walk-in queuing is offered.
♦ Only the head chef (chef) prepares the dishes. Please be patient with the wait.
♦ By saving on rent, decoration, and air conditioning, we offer high-quality, affordable food. Being outdoors, there may be some bugs—please bear with us.

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