An 80-year-old Changhua institution opens in Nantou, becoming a hit Japanese restaurant on Instagram!

Text & Photos byGui Xiaosun

If you’ve ever searched for #ChanghuaFood, you’ve definitely seen “Tianli Cafeteria”! I was already impressed by this popular eatery the first time I saw it. When planning to visit Puli, I discovered it had just opened a new branch there. Newly opened and trending on Instagram? We had to put it on our must-visit list ^~^ How long has it been since I last strolled around Puli in Nantou?! This time, I deliberately took it slow… because of the bad weather, because the scenic spots weren’t ideal, I ended up getting a closer look at local life in Puli. Which little shops tell the stories of this place? Where do locals hang out? What about Puli’s own coffee shops and late-night eateries? I’ll share them with you gradually!

“Tianli Cafeteria” is located in the bustling town center of Puli, right across from a huge Poya store. Although there’s a parking lot in front of the restaurant, it fills up quickly due to the high volume of customers. Fortunately, the nearby alleys have decent parking—just be mindful not to block residents’ homes. We waited about half an hour to get a table on this holiday evening. “Tianli Cafeteria” currently doesn’t take reservations. Luckily, there’s Poya across the street to browse in the meantime XD

The Puli branch of “Tianli Cafeteria” has plenty of space, and the layout is very clear. You can see the semi-open kitchen and the smooth SOP workflow. Most of the diners here are families—parents and kids enjoying meals together. Since I’ve never been to the original Changhua branch, I’m not sure if everything is the same. The space is comfortable, the lighting is pleasant, and the iron railing design gives the seating a semi-partitioned feel—perfect for family outings ^~^

Without researching “Tianli Cafeteria’s” history, I was shocked to learn at the counter that its story began 80 years ago!!! (Big surprise) It turns out the name “Tianli” comes from a grandfather who opened this small cafeteria for his grandson, serving simple Japanese home-style dishes. To carry on that sentiment, “Tianli Cafeteria” was established. To me, “Tianli Cafeteria” feels like a café mixed with a restaurant—the refined interior design alone is captivating. It’s definitely worth a visit :)

The menu has so many options. At first glance, it’s a bit overwhelming XD So if you’re bringing elders, it’s better to order for them—it’s faster. That day, we ordered two meals, both going with the B-set combo. Next time, maybe one A and one B? XDXD

#Kimchi-Tofu Hot Pot with Pork and Purple Rice 218 TWD + B-set Appetizer Trio + Light Lemon Sparkling Drink 88 TWD
#Uza Fried Chicken Curry with Roasted Curry and Soft-Boiled Egg 213 TWD + B-set Appetizer Trio + Japanese Green Tea 78 TWD

Let’s cut to the chase—the “Tianli Cafeteria” didn’t blow me away. Should I say my expectations were too high, leading to slight disappointment? It was decent overall, but perhaps because it was crowded, the dishes lacked that special touch. The first three appetizers were just… average. Suddenly, the presentation mattered more than the taste. Especially confusing—why include a soft-boiled egg when the meal already has steamed and soft-boiled eggs?! XD

#Kimchi-Tofu Hot Pot with Pork and Purple Rice 218 TWD + B-set Appetizer Trio + Light Lemon Sparkling Drink 88 TWD
#Uza Fried Chicken Curry with Roasted Curry and Soft-Boiled Egg 213 TWD + B-set Appetizer Trio + Japanese Green Tea 78 TWD

#Kimchi-Tofu Hot Pot with Pork and Purple Rice
My friend’s tofu hot pot was the most appealing dish for us all. Served hot and fresh, it warmed the stomach perfectly. The ingredients were generous and fresh. For 10 TWD more, you can swap the rice for purple rice, and the portion is huge. There’s also a giant steamed egg on the side. Compared to my roasted curry, we definitely preferred this combo. XD

#Uza Fried Chicken Curry with Roasted Curry and Soft-Boiled Egg

The roasted curry was a bit of a letdown for me—maybe I just don’t get roasted curry? The curry flavor wasn’t particularly rich, though the portion was huge. I gave up halfway through XD. The fried chicken on the side, however, was great—freshly fried, hot, juicy, and crispy. Very likable.

#Light Lemon Sparkling Drink
What ultimately wowed me the most was this drink. “Tianli Cafeteria” clearly puts thought into plating, which really elevates the meal. This #LightLemonSparklingDrink had the perfect balance—natural, refreshing lemony tang with lively bubbles. But the real star? The sprinkle of popping candy on the side. Don’t dump it all in at once, or it’ll explode everywhere XD. We chatted over our meal, playing with this fun popping candy + lemon bubble combo. Slowly dropping, slowly popping—it was so much fun ^__________^ /

It’s rare for me to spend this much time in Puli. I always feel like slowing down lets you truly experience a city—its vibrancy, tranquility, whether people sleep early or rise early. What was Puli like during this Mid-Autumn holiday? Meeting Changhua’s “Tianli Cafeteria” wasn’t mind-blowing, but it’s surely a great spot for local families on weekends ^__________^ /

Tianli Cafeteria Puli Branch
Address: No. 37, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Puli Town, Nantou County
Phone: 049 290 0338
Business Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

［Enjoy life without boredom. By Gui Xiaosun］、FB