Xincheng Township, Hualien County｜半天紅 麻辣館・不辣館

Wow really great beef noodle soup shop near the opening of Taroko Gorge in Hualien County! They also had an English menu available if needed. Staff was helpful and food was quick. Very tasty dishes! Also try the lemon drink! Very sweet and refreshing in the summer heat

Absolutely loved the spicy beef noodles. The reason it is more expensive is because the serving size is huge and the amount of meat makes for at least two meals. Highly recommend! Also loved the cool onions. Crispy and just right amount of heat!

Thought it was interesting that the identified favorite dishes on the native vs English menu were different. I decided to do as the locals did and ordered the spicy duck blood which was really good. It had none of the gamy, metallic taste or graininess that I’ve sometimes associated with similar dishes. It instead had the texture of silky tofu and tasted of the umami braising liquid, which went great with the braised pork rice. I would give it a try if you haven’t had blood yet and are willing to give it a try.