Limited to Jiaoxi, Yilan: Crispy "Stinky Tofu" Soaked in Hot Springs & Dongshan Duck Heads

Text & Photos /Beluga

After the opening of the Xueshan Tunnel, it became easier for tourists from all over to visit Jiaoxi, driving up real estate prices there—so much so that it’s been dubbed the “Xinyi District of Yilan.” Jiaoxi boasts babbling streams and waterfalls, soothing hot springs, scenic mountain views, and a variety of delicious food, but it lacks a night market that stays open late.

Most shops in Jiaoxi close by 10 PM. If you and your friends or family are too hungry to sleep, where can you go for a late-night snack in Jiaoxi to ensure a good night’s rest? Before 10 PM, head to [Different Hot Spring Crispy Stinky Tofu]; after 10 PM, go to [Dongshan Duck Head] for some duck heads.

If you also love stinky tofu, have you ever tried a piece that costs 20 NT but still draws foodies in droves?

Besides the must-order hot spring crispy stinky tofu, you can also try stir-fried noodles, herbal braised pork ribs... or a bowl of flying fish ball soup.

The shop boldly calls itself [Different Hot Spring Crispy Stinky Tofu]—so what makes it different from the ordinary stinky tofu we usually eat?

Handmade with care, the minerals in Jiaoxi’s hot springs break down the protein in the tofu skin, shortening fermentation time while ensuring safety and hygiene. The hot spring-soaked stinky tofu is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and not overly greasy. The only downside: too little pickled vegetables XD

When traveling to Jiaoxi with family and friends, who wants to go to bed early? But if you’re not sleepy and your stomach starts growling, what do you do? The two photos below are of the [Dongshan Old Shop Duck Heads] I always eat at Yilan’s Dongmen Night Market—now you can satisfy your cravings right here in Jiaoxi.

I’ve been here many times, usually going for duck heads, bean curd sheets, dried tofu, pig’s blood cake, and fish cakes—a whole bagful, so satisfying !

Since there’s a [Dongshan Old Shop Duck Heads] branch—the only one in Jiaoxi—right on Zhongshan Road, why bother going all the way to Dongmen Night Market? This Jiaoxi [Dongshan Duck Head] spot is open from 4 PM until 2 AM, perfect for night owls to feast to their heart’s content.

It’s likely run by the same owner as the neighboring stall [Seven Tongues Eight Lips Pickled & Braised Snacks], with a dining area where you can leisurely munch on duck heads and braised snacks.

Authentic Yilan Night Market Classic: Dongshan Duck Head Jiaoxi Branch
Business Hours: 16:00–02:00, Closed Mondays
Seven Tongues Eight Lips Pickled & Braised Snacks Jiaoxi Direct Store
Business Hours: 16:00–24:00, Closed Mondays
Address: No. 95, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County | Tel: 0919-419-091

Different Hot Spring Crispy Stinky Tofu
Business Hours: 17:00–22:00, Closed Wednesdays & Thursdays
Address: No. 79, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County | Tel: 0920-705-977

Beluga, who loves sharing, photography, and travel
Happy photography lets me see the world from a different angle; happy eating lets me enjoy the world through simple pleasures.