Fenchihu Hotel Railway Bento

Review

Fenqihu, in the mountains of Zhuqi Township, is a major midway station on the Alishan Forest Railway, and Fenqihu bento is among the most famous railway lunchboxes in Taiwan. Reports say the bento has more than sixty years of history and began with the lunch needs of forest railway workers. Fenchihu Hotel stands at the entrance to the old street, with old photographs displayed in its basement; it is a landmark many visitors head to as soon as they step off the train, and it also offers rooms and a dining room.

There are only two flavours: a double-main version with tomahawk braised pork and roast chicken leg, and a single-main roast chicken leg, both packed in a nostalgic metal box. News reports describe large mains and plenty of sides, with one visitor joking that one box equals three ordinary ones. Diners often mention the fragrant skin and tender meat of the chicken leg and the savoury sauce on the pork, especially warming in the cool mountain air.

Most reviews praise the generous portions and consistent flavour, the metal box makes a keepsake, and the rooftop view is called beautiful; foreign visitors find a hot bento on a cold day very comforting. The downsides are prices above ordinary lunchboxes, which some call tourist pricing, long queues at weekend lunchtimes, and a view dining area that is not always open. Some hotel guests complain about dated rooms, though that has nothing to do with the bento itself.

Reported prices are NT$180 for the double main and NT$160 for the single main; extras such as the metal box follow on-site pricing. Google lists roughly 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; sources may differ, so check before you go. The hotel has no dedicated parking and spaces around the old street are scarce on weekends, so the forest railway or bus is easier. If you come by train, buy as soon as you arrive in case a popular flavour sells out.

It suits travellers riding the forest railway to Alishan who stop at Fenqihu for a stroll, and anyone who wants a metal-box souvenir. Two people can buy one of each flavour and share; if you only want one, the double main lets you taste both the pork and the chicken. Afterwards, wander the old street, look at the old photos and walk a stretch of the forest trails.