She used to tremble when serving dishes at first — the homestay owner has created 60 breakfast sets and is hailed as an underground female chef.
▲ The “California Breakfast” at Aishang Bulao Ocean Homestay features French toast with colorful fried eggs, radiating vibrancy and sunshine. The homestay offers a total of 60 different breakfast options, all created by the female host herself!(Photo / Reporter Zhou Chen’geng)
Reported by Reporter Lin Yuling / Hualien
Located in Hualien, the “Aishang Bulao Ocean Homestay” features expansive sea views, comfortable spaces, and a warm, hospitable female host with excellent cooking skills — how could such a serene vacation retreat not captivate you? Yang Xintong (nickname: Auntie) used to work in the real estate industry, running her own business where daily life was a fierce competition. Later, she switched to running a homestay.At first, she was so shy she’d tremble when serving dishes to guests.She faced a series of setbacks. But now, she not only knows how to enjoy both work and life but has also created60 breakfast setsfor guests, writes a DIY food column for newspapers, and is praised by everyone for her cooking skills. She even refers to herself as“an unlicensed underground chef.”!
▲ Yang Xintong (Auntie) is kind and generous, with excellent culinary skills. (Photo / Provided by Aishang Bulao Ocean Homestay)
Both the staff and guests here call her “Auntie.” Her warm and friendly demeanor treats everyone who comes her way like family — it’s hard to imagine her former commanding presence in the business world. Auntie says that although working in real estate earned her good money, every day was a fierce struggle, constantly fearing competitors would snatch away deals. After 13 years of this high-pressure life, she decided to switch careers and open a homestay to pursue her dream. However, she had imagined being a homestay hostess would mean “looking beautiful every day,” living gracefully and comfortably. Instead, it turned out to beendless breakfasts, never-ending dishwashing, and a constant stream of chores,and she couldn’t wear nice clothes, always in jeans. She admitted that at the time,“I felt like I was just an old granny!”
Running a homestay wasn’t as easy or idyllic as she’d imagined, which initially left Auntie feeling defeated. After all, in real estate, everyone treated her with respect; in the homestay business, she had to let go of her pride, prioritize guests, and handle many chores. Add to that her initial lack of experience and slow pace, leading to constant pressure, and she really struggled to adjust.“I was so nervous and shy I’d tremble when serving dishes to guests!”Fortunately, it took her less than three days to overcome her mental block and start interacting naturally and cheerfully with guests.
▲ % The cozy space of the homestay is perfect for families, couples, or friends traveling together. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chen’geng)
Initially, she didn’t hire much help, and Auntie often worked from morning until 11 p.m. alone, which eventually took a toll on her marriage. Moreover, because she loved cooking so much, she once opened an American-style restaurant that did very well. Unexpectedly, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her health took a turn for the worse, and she realized “loving to cook and running a restaurant are two different things.” One day, while chopping ingredients, she broke down in tears, startling those around her. She resolutely closed the restaurant and kept only the homestay, becoming acutely aware of the importance of health and life.“What matters is integrating life into work, not letting work take over and affect your life!”Only then did she start hiring more staff to share the workload and actively focus on treatment and self-care. Fortunately, she has since fully recovered, joined hiking groups, and developed the habit of hiking twice a week, growing healthier with each passing day.
During this dark period of life’s setbacks, almost all her relatives and friends drifted away. “They seemed afraid I’d ask to borrow money, but honestly, I never asked anyone for help!” Eventually, she met Barbara, the now-famous owner of Qingxi Restaurant, by chance. The two not only shared many culinary exchanges but also became close sisters. Auntie and Barbara encouraged each other:“We must succeed — we must make lots of money, then give back and contribute to society.”And they truly succeeded in their respective fields. Auntie used to knit and sell wool hats for charity, though she stopped due to deteriorating eyesight. But she fell in love with painting and has created numerous works, one of which has already been offered 40,000 NTD for purchase — something that made her very happy. She now plans to continue doing good through selling her paintings.
▲ % The homestay’s dining area is warm and inviting, with many guests enjoying their meals there. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chen’geng)
▲ % The rooms offer various combinations — romantic, fun, and more — allowing couples and best friends to choose based on their needs. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chen’geng)
▲ If you’re lucky enough to stay in a room facing the sea, you can enjoy the ocean view right from your window and even take a stroll along the beach. (Photo / Reporter Lin Yuling)
Now, the Aishang Bulao Ocean Homestay offers a total of 60 different breakfast sets, all designed by Auntie herself. First-time guests can try the basic “Boy’s Breakfast” or “Girl’s Breakfast.”The more days or stays you book, the more the meals will be "upgraded" – becoming increasingly creative.For example, on the 5th day (or stay), you can enjoy a croissant chicken burger (or boiled chicken) paired with freshhomegrown wild vegetable salad.On the 6th day, you’ll get a Mexican taco set meal, where the little auntiemakes it with fresh chicken instead of canned.The homemade tomato sauce even includes oregano, rosemary, and mint – absolutely delicious. On the 7th day, there’s a California set with French toast, sunny-side eggs, hot dogs, fruits, and vegetables – a very energetic combination.
She says,“Many people say I could just buy stuff from a franchise breakfast shop, put together a combo, and serve that to guests. ‘But I refuse!’”Apart from not wanting to betray her passion for cooking, she also insists on offering food that is both tasty and healthy. She also adjusts meals according to different guests’ needs – for example, replacing sugar with other natural ingredients for those who avoid it. As for naming the homestay “Fall in Love with the Ageless Ocean,” it’s because she grew up by this seaside and hopes both she and her guests can retain their childlike hearts and truly enjoy life.
▲ First-time guests can choose either the “Boy’s Breakfast” or “Girl’s Breakfast.” This image shows the girl’s meal, which features light bites in smaller portions. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chengeng)
▲ The croissant set comes with a chicken burger, but can also be changed to boiled chicken upon request, served with freshly grown salad. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chengeng)
▲ The Mexican taco set, where the little auntie uses fresh chicken rather than canned, and the homemade tomato sauce includes oregano, rosemary, and mint – super yummy. (Photo / Reporter Zhou Chengeng)
▲ 60 different breakfast combinations keep guests coming back again and again – just to try all of the little auntie’s creations. (Photo / Provided by Fall in Love with the Ageless Ocean Homestay)
▲ The little auntie treats every guest as family. (Photo / Provided by Fall in Love with the Ageless Ocean Homestay)
★Fall in Love with the Ageless Ocean Homestay
Address: No. 16, Haibin Street, Hualien City
Phone: 0928-299567
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