Matsu Nangan | Jiurong Pavilion's no-menu cuisine: Red fermented rice wine flavor, seasonal fish, an island feast at a table halfway up the mountain

Tucked away in a quiet spot halfway up Nangan Mountain lies a secluded eatery called Jiurong Pavilion. Here, there's no set menu; instead, they embrace "no-menu" cuisine, transforming Matsu's most seasonal catches and local ingredients into a feast of surprises. Red fermented rice, the soul of Matsu, often appears in various dishes: in soups, stir-fried, or made into sauces. Fresh mussels, yellow croaker, and tofu are brought to the table fresh from the fishing boats, each dish imbued with the freshness of the sea. Accompanied by the island's signature laver, sweet potato leaves, and seaweed, they enhance their rustic charm. Dining at Jiurong Pavilion is both a feast and a cultural dialogue. Beyond the table, the windows offer a vast ocean view and mountain breeze; above, the chef skillfully interprets the stories of Matsu's local customs. The charm of no-menu cuisine lies in the unknown and its unexpectedness. At Jiurong Pavilion, these surprises embody Matsu—authentic, pure, and endlessly memorable.