Xiyu Peninsula Specialty Store

Xiwei Peninsula Specialty Shop is more than just a store; it’s an atmospheric restaurant and local produce boutique tucked away in a quiet alley on Nangan Island, part of the Matsu Archipelago in Taiwan. The establishment occupies a carefully restored two-story building in the traditional Mindong style, featuring characteristic stone walls.

On the first floor, visitors are greeted by a shop with authentic souvenirs: here you can purchase coarse sea salt, various pastes, and other delicacies the region is famous for. The second floor has been transformed into a spacious dining area with panoramic windows offering a mesmerizing view of the sea, creating the perfect setting for a peaceful break.

The main gastronomic feature of the place is its unique "single-dish" concept. Every day, only one type of dry curry is prepared, based on a recipe using local Matsu ingredients, including fresh shellfish and traditional Jiguangbing bagels. The interior, complete with bamboo cushions and bookshelves, turns a simple lunch into an aesthetic pleasure.

When planning a visit to the Xiwei Peninsula Specialty Shop, we recommend checking the current opening hours and availability in advance. Since the menu is frequently updated and the place is popular among those seeking tranquility, verifying information beforehand will help make your stay on Nangan Island as comfortable as possible.

A visit here is, above all, a gastronomic adventure. Be sure to try the signature dry pork or seafood curry, as well as unique snacks like Jiguangbing bagels served with clam paste, sour cream, and honey. For dessert lovers, they prepare a unique Basque cheesecake infused with seaweed, and a cup of milk tea with traditional old wine will help keep you warm.

Beyond the food, it’s a lovely place to spend time reading books from the local collection or simply gazing at the seascape from the balcony. Pay special attention to the details: for instance, the spoons here are made from real shells, highlighting the connection to the ocean. Before leaving, browse the shop on the first floor to pick up farm products and pastes as original souvenirs.

The restaurant is located in the quiet Furen area of Nangan Island. The path leads through hidden alleys right behind the Matsu Blue Tears Ecological Museum. To find the entrance, look for the signs—the establishment is situated in a secluded spot that locals call the "tail of the peninsula."

You can reach the island itself by ferry from Taipei or Kinmen. Once at the Nangan port, it is most convenient to take a taxi or rent a scooter to reach the Furen area. Buses also run across the island, though walking from the nearest stop will allow you to better experience the local atmosphere.

The shop does not have its own parking lot, but parking spaces can be found nearby. If you are using a navigator, follow the coordinates to house No. 21—this will help you not to miss the correct turn into the alley.

The building housing the Xiwei Peninsula Specialty Shop today has a rich history. It was formerly the residence of Lin Yi-he, a legendary figure known in these parts as the "Sea Falcon." This two-story stone house is a classic example of Mindong architecture, preserving the authentic spirit of the region.

The name "Xiwei" (西尾) translates to "West Tail," referring to the historical name of Xiwei Village. It emphasizes the geographical location at the very tip of the peninsula, where the land meets the waters of the strait. The restoration of the house breathed new life into the old walls, transforming the former residence into a cultural and gastronomic hub for Nangan Island.

The restoration project serves as a prime example of how historical heritage can be integrated into modern tourism infrastructure without losing its charm. While the exact construction dates remain lost to time, every stone of the residence serves as a reminder of an era when island life was inextricably linked to the sea.

To fully experience this place, you usually need 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely lunch on the second floor, admire the ocean panorama from the balcony, and pick out memorable gifts at the specialty shop.

If you decide to linger with a book in the cozy lounge area or watch the tide for a while longer, your visit could easily stretch across the whole afternoon. The atmosphere encourages slow travel, so there’s no need to rush your visit.

The Xiwei Peninsula Specialty Shop welcomes guests on a specific schedule. On weekdays, the doors are open from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, though please note that Wednesday is a day off. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), the restaurant stays open longer, from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Since operating hours may change depending on the season or local holidays in Taiwan, it is advisable to check for current information on the establishment's official social media page before heading to Nangan Island.

The surroundings of the Xiwei Peninsula offer travelers many interesting discoveries to deepen their understanding of Matsu culture. Very close by is the unique Matsu Blue Tears Ecological Museum, where you can learn about the ocean's famous natural glow. Combining a gastronomic break with cultural exploration will make your walk around Nangan Island truly fulfilling.

Continuing along the coast, you can see the majestic Matsu Statue or visit the historical Victory Fort. Each of these attractions is within a short trip, making it easy to create an interesting itinerary for the whole day.