Don’t miss the claypot chicken when visiting Nantou’s Zinan Temple – crispy-skinned, juicy, and incredibly tender

Text & photos byMika

Most people know about the famous Zinan Temple in Zhushan, Nantou, the most renowned temple dedicated to the Earth God in Taiwan. It has many mysterious legends, serves as an important spiritual hub in Nantou County, and is a popular tourist attraction. Every year, numerous devotees from across the country come here to pray for wealth. But here’s the key question – are there any recommended local foods nearby? Of course, it’s the famous claypot chicken of Nantou! Even though this particular branch—Chen Ji Claypot Chicken—is relatively new, it’s become very popular among foodies thanks to its affordable prices and great taste. In addition to the claypot chicken, other local dishes such as cold mixed half-sky flower are also to my liking. It’s located on Nan Yun Road, right near Zinan Temple!

On your way to Zinan Temple along Nan Yun Road, you’ll spot these colorful awnings – they’re very easy to recognize.

Along the road, you’ll see signs for Chen Ji Claypot Chicken Local Cuisine. There’s plenty of parking space and seating for around one to two hundred people!

The owner is giving the claypot chickens a little bath and blessing – they really seem high-maintenance, haha XD Their chickens are marinated in advance using traditional methods with five-spice powder and Chinese herbs, so they’re incredibly fragrant and flavorful. It seems that claypot chickens are often smoked with longan wood to enhance the taste. I wonder if there’s any truth to the rumor that longan wood makes the chicken especially delicious!

I think Chen Ji’s value set meal is quite a good deal. For smaller groups, you might want to consider ordering individual stir-fries and the claypot chicken.

Roasted to a gleaming golden hue, the claypot chicken looks a bit shy but oh-so-charming!

Whether lying down or standing up, it just looks super delicious~ But I don’t know why, I feel this chicken is a bit shy, almost calling out “Eat me!” with all kinds of inner drama XD

Is the beautifully laid-out claypot chicken not good enough? Why chop it into so many pieces~~~ So cruel, right? But… once it’s cut, it’s definitely easier to eat. Remember to try it plain first to enjoy the simple flavor of the Chinese herbs, the tender and fragrant meat, with its crispy skin and juicy texture.

Dip it in a bit of chicken fat and season with pepper for a uniquely delicious taste – my favorite way to eat it!

Stir-fried celery with muntjac deer - 200 TWD
Muntjac deer meat is truly a wild mountain delicacy, no doubt about it. Probably one of the more commonly eaten game meats around Nantou... The seasoning is really rich, salty, and savory – I love it, especially the greens which are super crisp and refreshing. The meat itself is a bit chewier.

Cold mixed half-sky flower - 150 TWD
I have to give a strong recommendation for this dish – it’s absolutely delicious. Totally wins, wins, wins XD. Half-sky flower is betel nut flower, right? How can it be this addictive? It has such a satisfyingly crunchy texture, and even more refreshing when served cold. Ah, I really miss this!

Spicy salted fish cubes - 250 TWD
It’s basically fried tilapia fish cubes. I’m sure you can easily imagine the texture – crispy on the outside and sweet and fresh inside. It’s a dish I often eat!

This spread is just right for three or four people. If you have more people, you can order additional dishes. This place is perfect for family gatherings. Also, ordering the set meals becomes more economical with larger groups. I highly recommend Chen Ji Claypot Chicken as one of the must-try local dishes when visiting Zinan Temple!

Chen Ji Claypot Chicken (next to Zinan Temple)
Tel: 049-2624911
Chen Mingcheng 0973-089159 Address: Nan Yun Road, Zhushan Township, Nantou County
 

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