Vegetarian Eats in Xiaoliuqiu

A rustic bowl of roasted root vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, and onions—an example of wholesome vegetarian cuisine found on Xiaoliuqiu Island, Taiwan.
Christina rumpf guu4mf87ipw unsplash

Xiaoliuqiu is a dreamy island escape: imagine snorkeling with sea turtles in crystal-clear water, sipping bubble tea with a view of the sunset, and wandering past temples nestled in quiet alleys. This tiny gem is rich in culture, full of friendly faces, and wrapped in the slow rhythm of island time.

Thanks to its easy access (just a 20-minute ferry ride away), tourism has become a big part of the island’s story. And with that wave of curious travelers comes a delightful demand: vegetarian food! If you’re one of those plant-loving wanderers, you’re in for a treat – Xiaoliuqiu isn’t just accommodating, it’s deliciously welcoming.

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of some of the best vegetarian spots on the island to satisfy your appetite and your taste buds.

Daylily: Handmade Orecchiette and Fresh smoothies!

A vegetarian dish of handmade gnocchi in pesto sauce, served with fresh salad and golden enoki mushrooms—plant-based dining in Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan.

Tucked along Zhongzheng Road, Daylily is a cozy plant-based deli that blends comfort food with conscious eating. Their handmade pasta – especially the orecchiette, shaped like little cat ears – is the heart of the menu. You can request any dish to be made fully vegan, and everything is prepared with love and seasonal ingredients.

What really makes Daylily shine is their lineup of 100% real smoothies, made from fresh fruits and whole foods (no syrups, no powders, just the good stuff). If you’re in the mood for something cool and energizing, try their coconut water Americano – yes, coffee with coconut water, and yes, it works.

And don’t leave without dessert. Their Apple Crumble Pie is legendary – warm, flaky, and just the right amount of sweet.

Whether you’re a local foodie or a curious traveler, Daylily offers a delicious stop for anyone looking to eat well and feel good.

Address: 929屏東縣琉球鄉中正路255-1號
Phone: +886 935508127
Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday, 12:00–15:00 & 17:30–20:00
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
Instagram: @daylily.liuqiu
Click here: Google Maps

Seaside Café: For Vegan, Yogis, and Coffee lovers!

A rustic bowl of roasted root vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, and onions—an example of wholesome vegetarian cuisine found on Xiaoliuqiu Island, Taiwan.

If you’re wandering the island with sand between your toes and the sun on your back, Seaside Café might just be your next happy place. This bright and breezy little eatery feels like a home away from home – mismatched chairs, the smell of freshly baked bread, and reggae playing softly in the background.

Seaside Café in Xiaoliuqiu is a cozy vegetarian haven that caters to plant-based diners with a delightful menu. Their offerings include vegan sandwiches, freshly baked focaccia, an assortment of baked goods, and coffee made with oat milk. This charming spot is perfect for those seeking wholesome and satisfying vegetarian meals on the island.

There’s a casual, slow-vibe magic about Seaside Café. It’s not just a place to eat – it’s a place to breathe, chat, journal, or just stare out at the sea. Smoothie lovers will find plenty to celebrate here too, and the coffee is top-notch – especially if you love a good oat milk latte.

Be sure to say hi to Jason, the friendly owner. He speaks fluent English, and as a yoga teacher, he brings a calm, mindful energy to the space that you can feel as soon as you walk in.

Address: 929, Pingtung County, Liuqiu Township, 觀光港路30號
Opening Hours: 11AM to 5PM
Instagram: @seasidecafe.liuqiu
Click here: Google Maps

Dàizhòng Biàndāng: Local Buffet, Vegetarian Friendly

Colorful Taiwanese vegetarian bento with tofu, pumpkin, wood ear mushrooms, greens, and cabbage—plant-based buffet option in Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan.

Just a few steps from the Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Terminal, Dàizhòng Biàndāng (代眾便當) is a beloved spot among locals, freedivers, and instructors looking for a fast, affordable, and satisfying meal.

This no-frills Taiwanese buffet offers a wide variety of hot dishes served cafeteria-style. Grab a plate or takeaway box, and help yourself to a generous selection of freshly made food. You’ll find everything from stir-fried greens and tofu to braised eggs, noodles, and yes – crispy lemon-flavored fried chicken if you’re into it.

Here’s the vegetarian-friendly secret: since you choose your own portions, you can easily build a fully plant-based plate. With an abundance of vegetables and tofu dishes, it’s a fantastic option for vegetarians who want a local dining experience.

No fixed price – just pay at the counter based on what you take. Most vegetarian meals fall in the NTD 50–100 range. If you go heavy on meats or seafood, expect to pay a bit more.

Come early, around 11AM, to get the full selection before the lunch rush. By 12:30PM, popular items start to disappear, and by 1:30PM, the buffet closes.

It’s not fancy, but if you’re after authentic, budget-friendly Taiwanese food with flexible vegetarian options, Dàizhòng Biàndāng hits the spot.

Address: 屏東縣琉球鄉三民路125號
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Click here: Google Maps

It is my favorite place at the moment. You can read a full article about this spot here: Read more

Pizza Luna: Handmade Pizza on Xiaoliuqiu

Wood-fired vegetarian pizza with melted cheese, olives, and peppers—served fresh on Xiaoliuqiu Island, perfect for plant-based travelers.

If you’re in Xiaoliuqiu and suddenly find yourself dreaming of real-deal pizza, head straight to Pizza Luna. This quirky little pizza truck is parked along Zhongshan Road, and it’s become something of a legend on the island for serving up wood-fired pies that are the real thing – crispy, smoky, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

Everything is made fresh, and the pizzas are baked right on the spot in a stone oven mounted on the back of the truck. You’ll find classic favorites as well as fun veggie-forward combos, and yes, there are vegetarian options that don’t compromise on flavor.

The vibe? Super chill. You can grab your pizza to-go or enjoy it right there under the stars with a cold drink in hand. Many locals recommend taking your box to the nearby harbor to catch the sunset while munching – pure island magic.

It’s walk-up only, and they’re often busy, so come early or prepare to wait (totally worth it).

Address: 屏東縣琉球鄉中山路77-1號
Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
Instagram: @pizza.luna.liuqiu
Click here: Google Maps

Madam Porridge: A Simple Bowl of Soup and Porridge

Creamy Taiwanese vegetarian soup with tofu, mushrooms, leafy greens, and chili oil—warming plant-based comfort food in Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan.

If you’re in the mood for something warm, light, and nourishing, head to 粥太太養生蔬食廣東粥—aka Madam Porridge. Tucked along Zhongshan Road, this charming vegetarian eatery serves up comforting Cantonese-style congee packed with goodness and love.

Their menu features flavorful combinations like taro congee, three-color egg porridge, and seasonal veggie noodle soups. Most bowls come with tofu, mushrooms, and other whole-food toppings—making it easy to go fully vegetarian or even vegan.

But this place is about more than just food. Madam Porridge is proudly eco-conscious. They don’t offer plastic bags, and they even give extra portions if you bring your own reusable containers. It’s the kind of place where your meal nourishes both you and the planet.

Whether you’re recovering from a dive or just looking for a peaceful, feel-good meal, Madam Porridge is a cozy must-visit.

Address: 屏東縣琉球鄉中山路74號
Phone: 08-8614972
Opening Hours: Daily, 09:00–14:00 and 17:00–20:00
Click here: Google Maps

Happy Plant-Based Travels!

Whether you’re here for a weekend dive trip, a long beachside stay, or just passing through, Xiaoliuqiu is a surprising gem for vegetarian and vegan travelers. From handmade orecchiette and fresh focaccia to wholesome Cantonese congee and local-style veggie buffets, this island offers a vibrant selection of vegetarian food that nourishes both the body and soul.

And it’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the people behind it. The friendly café owners, the mindful chefs, and the local cooks putting love into every spoonful make the vegetarian food scene in Xiaoliuqiu something truly special.

So if you’ve been searching for “best vegetarian food in Xiaoliuqiu” or wondering where to find healthy, plant-based meals while exploring Taiwan’s southern islands, consider this your go-to guide.

Pack your appetite, your reusable container, and a sense of adventure. Because in Xiaoliuqiu, every vegetarian meal is a little love letter to the island.

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