Traditional Taiwanese rice dumplings with ocean views, nearly 50 years of history, and a must-stop food experience along Taiwan’s scenic North Coast.
If you’re planning a trip along Taiwan’s North Coast, Shimen (石門) is one of the most common stopovers between Taipei and popular attractions such as Laomei Green Reef, Fugui Cape Lighthouse, and Shimen Cave.
While many travelers come for the dramatic coastline and ocean views, locals often make an additional stop here for something equally memorable: traditional Taiwanese rice dumplings (zongzi, 粽子).
Shimen is also known locally for its “Three Local Specialties”: Iron Goddess Tea (Tieguanyin), stone flower jelly (石花凍), and zongzi (rice dumplings).
If you visit Liu Family Rice Dumplings, you can experience two of them in one stop — zongzi and stone flower jelly.
Among the many zongzi shops in Shimen, one name stands above the rest: Liu Family Rice Dumplings (劉家肉粽).
Quick Info
📍 Location: Shimen, New Taipei
🍙 Famous For: Traditional Taiwanese zongzi with multiple regional styles
🌊 Best Feature: Ocean-View Dining at the Flagship Store
💰 Budget: NT$50–200 per person
🚗 Best Combined With: Laomei Green Reef, Shimen Cave, Fugui Cape Lighthouse
About Liu Family Rice Dumplings
This restaurant has been serving handmade zongzi for nearly 50 years and has become a well-known stop for both locals and travelers passing through the North Coast.
On weekends, it’s common to see long lines forming outside as visitors come specifically for its signature rice dumplings.
What makes Liu Family especially memorable is not just the food, but its setting. The flagship store sits directly across from the coastline, offering one of the rare chances in Taiwan to enjoy traditional comfort food with a full ocean view.
Why Visit Liu Family Rice Dumplings?
Multiple Styles of Taiwanese Zongzi
One of the highlights of Liu Family Rice Dumplings is its variety.
Unlike many small local shops that only serve one style, Liu Family offers several regional variations of Taiwan’s most iconic rice dumpling.
Popular options include:
- Northern-style zongzi (北部粽)
- Southern-style zongzi (南部粽)
- Hakka sticky rice dumplings (粿粽)
- Salted egg yolk zongzi
- Vegetarian zongzi
- Weekend specials
For travelers who have never tried Taiwanese rice dumplings before, this restaurant offers a great introduction to the different styles found across Taiwan.
Dining With a Coastal View in Shimen
Another highlight of Liu Family Rice Dumplings is its location.
The flagship store sits directly across from the coastline near Fugui Fishing Harbor and Shimen Wedding Plaza.
Inside, there is both first-floor seating and a second-floor dining area with views of:
- Shimen coastal area
- Taiwan’s rugged North Coast
Sitting by the window with a hot rice dumpling while watching the sea in the distance is unexpectedly calming.
Many visitors stop here for a quick meal but end up staying longer because of the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
What I Tried at Liu Family Rice Dumplings
During my visit, I ordered the weekend-only Seafood & Scallop Rice Dumpling (山海干貝粽), the Hakka Sticky Rice Dumpling (粿粽), and a cup of Plum Juice.
Hakka Sticky Rice Dumpling (粿粽)
This was my personal favorite.
Unlike regular zongzi made with individual grains of glutinous rice, this version uses a soft glutinous rice dough, creating a chewy, slightly bouncy texture.
The filling combines minced pork and dried shrimp, resulting in a rich and savory flavor.
I honestly found myself wanting another one as soon as I finished it!
If you’ve never tried Hakka-style dumplings before, this is the item I would recommend ordering first.
Seafood & Scallop Rice Dumpling (山海干貝粽)
This weekend-only special is a more premium option.
It includes dried scallops, pork, mushrooms, dried shrimp, salted egg yolk, and chestnuts.
If you’re unfamiliar with Taiwanese cooking, the scallops used here are dried scallops rather than the large fresh scallops commonly served in seafood restaurants.
The dried scallops are shredded into fine strands and used primarily to add umami flavor to the filling.
While I personally preferred the Hakka Sticky Rice Dumpling, this weekend special offers a richer combination of traditional ingredients and is a good choice if you’re interested in trying one of the restaurant’s signature specialty items.
Plum Juice
The plum juice was slightly sweeter than I usually prefer, but it paired nicely with the rich dumplings and helped refresh the palate between bites.
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Northern vs Southern Zongzi in Taiwan
Taiwanese rice dumplings vary significantly depending on region.
🥢 Northern-style Zongzi
- Rice is steamed then stir-fried before wrapping
- Firm in texture
- Separate rice grains
- Rich and savory in flavor
Typical fillings include pork belly, mushrooms, chestnuts, and salted egg yolk.
If you enjoy flavorful rice dishes, this is often the easiest style for international visitors to appreciate.
🥣 Southern-style Zongzi
- Rice is wrapped raw then boiled
- Softer and stickier texture
- Moist in texture and creamier consistency
- More aromatic from bamboo leaves
This style often includes peanuts, pork, mushrooms, and preserved vegetables.
The rice becomes extremely soft and sticky after cooking, creating a texture quite different from the northern version.
Trying both styles side by side is part of the fun.
Northern vs Southern Zongzi Comparison Table
Northern-Style Zongzi | Southern-Style Zongzi |
Steamed first, then stir-fried | Wrapped raw, then boiled |
Firmer texture | Softer texture |
Distinct rice grains | Stickier rice |
Richer seasoning | Stronger bamboo leaf aroma |
Menu & What to Expect
Liu Family Rice Dumplings offers a simple and casual dining experience.
Most items are:
- Budget-friendly
- Quick to serve
- Suitable for dine-in or takeaway
- Available year-round
Ordering is simple — just point at the menu. You can also refer to the following bilingual Chinese-English names in this guide.
Whether you’re stopping for a quick snack or a full meal, service is generally fast and efficient.
Here’s the menu from my visit in April 2026:
The menu at Liu Family Rice Dumplings is primarily in Chinese, so I’ve translated the main items below.
Item | Main Ingredients | Price (NT$) |
Northern-Style Zongzi | ||
Signature Northern Zongzi (招牌粽) | Pork Belly, Salted Egg Yolk, Mushroom, Chestnut, Sakura Shrimp | 95/pc 350/4pcs |
Northern Zongzi with Salted Egg Yolk (蛋黃粽) | Pork, Salted Egg Yolk, Mushroom, Chestnut, Peanut, Preserved Radish | 70/pc 190/3pcs |
Large Pork Zongzi (大肉粽) | Pork, Mushroom, Peanut, Preserved Radish | 45/pc 170/4pcs |
Small Pork Zongzi (小肉粽) | Pork, Preserved Radish | 23/pc 210/pcs |
Southern-Style Zongzi | ||
Southern Zongzi with Salted Egg Yolk (南部蛋黃粽) | Pork, Salted Egg Yolk, Mushroom, Chestnut, Peanut, Dried Shrimp | 75/pc 280/4pcs |
Traditional Southern Zongzi (南部粽) | Pork, Mushroom, Peanut, Dried Shrim | 60/pc 160/3pcs |
Specialty Zongzi | ||
Hakka Sticky Rice Dumpling (粿粽) | Minced Pork, Dried Shrimp, Preserved Radish | 45/pc 170/4pcs |
Sweet Red Bean Dumpling (豆沙粽) | Glutinous Rice, Sweet Red Bean Paste | 60/pc 160/3pcs |
Limited-Edition Zongzi (Weekend Only) | ||
Seafood & Scallop Zongzi (山海干貝粽) | Mushroom, Pork, Dried Shrimp, Salted Egg Yolk, Chestnut, Scallop | 95/pc 350/4pcs |
Spicy Braised Beef Zongzi (香辣牛腩粽) | Beef, Mushroom, Chestnut | 75/pc 280/4pcs |
Vegetarian Zongzi (素粽) | Soy Protein, Mushroom, Peanut, Preserved Radish | 45/pc 170/4pcs |
Drinks | ||
Stone Flower Jelly (石花凍) | A refreshing Taiwanese jelly dessert made from seaweed, commonly served chilled. 👉 Curious about how Stone Flower Jelly is made? Read my detailed guide here. | 75/pc 225/4pcs |
Plum Juice (酸梅湯) | A traditional Taiwanese drink made from smoked plums, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. | 45/pc 35 with any zongzi |
📌 Prices were recorded during my visit in April 2026 and are provided for reference only.
📌 This menu was photographed at the flagship store in Shimen. Some items may not be available at other Liu Family locations.
Recommended for First-Time Visitors
🥇 Signature Northern Zongzi (招牌粽)
If you’re only trying one zongzi, make it this one. Packed with pork belly, salted egg yolk, chestnut, mushrooms, and sakura shrimp, it showcases many of the classic ingredients found in Taiwan’s northern-style rice dumplings.
🥈 Northern Zongzi with Salted Egg Yolk (蛋黃粽)
One of the restaurant’s best-selling items and a popular choice among locals. The salted egg yolk adds a rich, savory flavor that many Taiwanese people love.
🥉 Southern Zongzi with Salted Egg Yolk (南部蛋黃粽)
Want to compare northern and southern styles? This is a great choice. The softer, stickier texture is completely different from the northern version.
⭐ Hakka Sticky Rice Dumpling (粿粽)
Not a traditional zongzi, but one of the most unique items on the menu. Its chewy texture is closer to a rice cake and offers a different side of Taiwan’s rice-based snacks.
🌊 Stone Flower Jelly (石花凍)
Last but not least, don’t miss the Stone Flower Jelly! This refreshing seaweed-based dessert is one of Shimen’s local specialties and is only available at this location. It’s especially enjoyable on a hot summer day after a savory meal.
Shop Information
- Name: Liu Family Rice Dumplings (劉家肉粽) – Flagship Store
- Address: No. 58-18, Kanzijiao Rd., Shimen District, New Taipei City 253
- Phone: +886-2-2638-0888
- Opening Hours
- Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–12:30 AM
- Seating: Indoor seating available on both the first and second floors
Other Liu Family Locations
Not planning to visit Shimen?
Liu Family Rice Dumplings also operates branches in Shilin (Taipei) and Xinzhuang (New Taipei).
While these branches offer many of the same zongzi varieties, the Shimen flagship store remains the most popular thanks to its ocean views and coastal setting.
📍 Shilin Branch (Google Maps)
📍 Xinzhuang Branch (Google Maps)
How to get to Liu Family Rice Dumplings
By Public Transport
From Taipei, follow this step-by-step route:
- Take the MRT (Red Line) to Tamsui Station (Exit 2).
- At the bus stop outside the station, take one of the following buses:
- Bus 862 (Timetable)
- Bus 863 (Timetable)
- Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 716 (Official schedule — daily from May–Oct / weekends & holidays only from Nov–Apr)
- Get off at Fuji Fishing Harbor Stop (富基漁港站) / Shimen Wedding Plaza Stop (石門婚紗廣場站)
- Walk 1 minute to the restaurant
Estimated travel time: ~1.5–2 hours from central Taipei
💡 Transportation Tips
- Bus 862 and 863 generally have more frequent departures.
- Google Maps works well for checking real-time bus arrival information.
- Using an EasyCard is the easiest way to pay for MRT and bus rides in Taiwan.
By Car/Scooter
- Navigation: Shimen Wedding Plaza | 石門婚紗廣場
- Several free parking spaces are available nearby, and the restaurant is located directly across the road.
A Delicious Introduction to Taiwan’s Zongzi Culture
Rice dumplings are often associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, but in Taiwan, they’re enjoyed year-round.
Liu Family Rice Dumplings offers something special:
a chance to experience multiple regional styles of zongzi while overlooking the North Coast sea.
Whether you’re curious about the differences between Northern and Southern zongzi, looking for a quick lunch during a coastal road trip, or simply want to enjoy traditional Taiwanese food with an ocean view, this restaurant is one of the most enjoyable places to start.
Even if you’re not visiting Taiwan during the Dragon Boat Festival, Liu Family Rice Dumplings offers one of the easiest ways to experience one of Taiwan’s most important traditional foods any time of year.
📌 Save this guide for your next North Coast adventure.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re already visiting Liu Family Rice Dumplings, it’s easy to combine your meal with several of Taiwan’s most famous North Coast attractions.
Shimen Wedding Plaza (石門婚紗廣場)
A scenic waterfront plaza known for its ocean views, sunset photography, and coastal atmosphere.
Located directly across from Liu Family Rice Dumplings, it’s an easy stop for a short stroll after your meal.
Laomei Green Reef (老梅綠石槽)
One of Taiwan’s most iconic coastal landscapes, famous for its seasonal green algae-covered volcanic rock formations that appear each spring.
👉 Read my complete guide to Laomei Green Reef.
Fugui Cape Lighthouse (富貴角燈塔)
Taiwan’s northernmost point, popular for easy coastal walks and sunset views.
Fugui Fishing Harbor (富基漁港)
A popular seafood harbor where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and watch fishing boats come and go throughout the day.
Shimen Arch (石門洞)
A natural sea arch carved by centuries of wave erosion. Visitors can walk through the opening and enjoy dramatic coastal scenery.
Together, these attractions make an excellent half-day or full-day trip from Taipei.
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