Let’s dig in to this hidden gem of a seafood feast in Jiaoxi!

Photos & Text by Liao Weiren from Travel Destinations Magazine
 
Jiaoxi, situated in a volcanic zone, boasts diverse landscapes such as hot springs, waterfalls, lakes, and mountain views. Naturally, being a coastal town nestled among hills, it also offers incredible seafood dishes. This hidden seafood hotspot tucked along a roadside in Jiaoxi is a favorite among many local foodies. Today, we’re taking you and our readers on a delicious journey!

Caixi Café is located along Pinghe Road in Jiaoxi, Yilan. If you’re not paying close attention, you might just walk right past it. As the name suggests, Caixi Café is indeed a café. The owners, who are seafood enthusiasts themselves and passionate about local vegetables and fresh catches, have committed to a path of cooking that highlights natural flavors.

The owners’ dedication to preserving the natural flavors of ingredients truly shines through in every dish. The menu changes with the seasons and availability of catches. On the day we visited, we had a sashimi rice bowl featuring katsuo (also known as bonito or skipjack tuna), which has a very rich flavor. The owner called this the “sashimi for real men,” and it was incredibly sweet, refreshing, and spot-on in taste.

I also couldn’t resist ordering a salt-grilled combo platter—grilled squid paired with yellowtail. Their skill in salt grilling really deserves two thumbs up. The squid was perfectly grilled to a slight char, and you could smell that unique smoky aroma as soon as it was served. Its natural sweetness was exquisite even without any added sauces.

And the yellowtail in the combo was an absolute favorite of mine—the fish was firm and juicy, with every bite from the skin to the flesh offering delicate texture and moisture. Paired with the scallions and chili seasoning prepared by the chef, it was perfect to enjoy a bite of fish with a mouthful of hot rice. It was pure satisfaction. There were also some accompanying kumquat slices and seasoned salt on the side, but I didn’t use them—because such pure, unadulterated natural flavors aren’t something you get to enjoy every day.