Sticking to Locally Sourced Yilan Ingredients – “Lin Bei Barbecue” Becomes a Hotspot from Yilan to Taipei

▲ Lin Bei Barbecue is committed to using locally sourced Yilan ingredients.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shih-yuan / Taipei

“Lin Bei Barbecue” is a skewer shop that has soared in popularity in Yilan over the past year or two. Aside from its catchy name, its commitment to using locally sourced Yilan ingredients is a major draw for customers. What started as a roadside food truck has, after four years, expanded to three locations in Yilan, Luodong, and Jiaoxi, with a new branch recently opened in Taipei’s Yanji Street. Owner Chuang Chih-hung says he hopes residents of Taipei can also enjoy the high-quality local ingredients of Yilan.

Chuang Chih-hung was originally a career soldier. After retiring five years ago, he felt he didn’t have any particular skills. Being a food lover and considering that the barrier to entry for grilled meat businesses is relatively low, he embarked on his skewer shop journey. As for the name “Lin Bei Barbecue,” Chuang said the homophonic play makes it memorable, and the colloquial yet powerful name is catchy. He explained that he uses only locally sourced Yilan ingredients such as Sanchung scallions, cherry ducks, and Liu Bai pigs, and opening a branch in Taipei is also a way to let more people taste the fine produce of Yilan.


▲ Sanchung Scallion Meat Roll. (NT$60 per skewer)

Xu You-shui, manager of Lin Bei Barbecue’s Yanji branch, said the owner delivers ingredients from Yilan to Taipei three times a week. In addition to staple items like Sanchung scallions, salt-grilled cherry duck, and Liu Bai pigs, special seafood is sometimes delivered on Fridays. Xu noted that most of Lin Bei Barbecue’s skewers are simply seasoned with salt to allow customers to enjoy the original flavors and textures of the ingredients. However, some do have additional seasoning — for example, the Sanchung scallion meat roll is brushed with a bit of soy sauce, but diners can still taste the original flavor of the scallions.

The menu features a wide variety of options, including chicken, duck, pork, beef, and seafood. Xu You-shui recommends the Sanchung Scallion Meat Roll, Cherry Duck, Salt-Grilled Liu Bai Black Pork, and Anchovy Chicken Thighs. Most items are priced at NT$120 for two skewers, while the most expensive single item is a NT$260 American beef short rib plate. Aside from skewers, the shop also offers fried rice, fried noodles, and udon noodles. Xu explained that these options are available in case customers get hungry after just eating skewers.




▲ Salt-Grilled Cherry Duck. (NT$120 for two skewers)

Postscript: On the day of the interview, although it was almost 6 PM, the weather outside was still hot. A group with a reservation arrived early but waited outside because not all members had arrived yet. However, the staff invited them to wait inside on the second floor, where there was air conditioning to escape the heat. Though a small gesture, it was very thoughtful.

Lin Bei Barbecue Yanji Branch
Address: No. 58-4, Yanji Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-87721913
Business Hours: 5:30 PM – 1:30 AM (Last order at 12:30 AM)
Note: 10% service charge applies


▲ Anchovy Chicken Thighs, generously coated with anchovy paste. (NT$120 for two skewers)


▲ Salt-Grilled Liu Bai Black Pork. (NT$120 for two skewers)


▲ Bacon-Wrapped Prawns. (NT$220 for two prawns)


▲ Grilled Broccoli. (NT$120 per serving)


▲ Sanchung Scallions.


▲ Shop exterior.


▲ First-floor seating area; there are also seats on the second floor.