35 years of upholding tradition — Jinzhou’s goose meat is glossy and juicy, while sesame oil chicken achieves the “golden ratio”

▲ Jinzhou Street’s “Jinzhou Cuisine” sticks to traditional, old-school flavors of goose meat — juicy, tender, and delicious. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Taipei Report

Stepping out of the Taipei Metro Tian Gong Station and turning into Jinzhou Street leads you to a hub of culinary delights. Among the eateries, “Jinzhou Cuisine” sees a constant stream of patrons even before mealtime. The shop’s sign prominently displays “Sesame Oil Chicken, Goose Meat” — indeed, these are the two most popular signature dishes. Regular customer Mr. Wu said, “I’ve been eating here since I was a kid, and now I bring my own children. What’s rare is that the boss’s goose meat flavor has never changed.”

Starting as a street vendor and operating for 35 years, it’s clear the boss is dedicated to his food. When interviewed by reporters, before being asked anything, he immediately said, “The oil we use is all inspected by the Department of Health, so customers can eat with peace of mind.” The boss added, “The geese we use are from the Jiadong and Nan Tong regions, specifically 8 to 9-kilogram female geese. Female geese are more tender than males, and the meat tastes better too.” Speaking eloquently about goose meat, the boss said he and his elder brother’s “goose skills” were learned from a master in their youth. The old master taught them traditional methods. The humble boss said, “Our goose meat isn’t very creative — we just stick to tradition.” But this commitment to tradition is what has kept lovers of old-school flavors coming back to this delicious dish for 35 years.


▲ “Goose skills” were learned by asking an old master in their youth. The boss (left) has kept the same flavor for 35 years. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

 
▲ Using more tender female geese, the goose meat here is juicy without being overcooked. Drizzled with goose broth, it doesn’t overpower the meat’s natural sweetness. Of course, you can also dip it in a special sauce for another way to enjoy it. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Cooking delicious goose meat involves a complex process. First, the whole goose is placed in boiling water, then salt and a small amount of MSG are added, and it is simmered for about an hour but still not served. It must be steamed for 15 minutes, and after turning off the heat, it is left to sit in the pot for another 10 minutes. Only then does the goose meat become flavorful. The boss emphasized that the steaming time should not be too long to avoid the meat becoming tough. The aromatic goose meat is sliced to order and drizzled with the richly extracted “goose broth.” The glossy, oily goose skin looks especially tempting. Take a bite, and the goose broth isn’t overly salty, so it doesn’t mask the sweetness of the meat. The goose meat itself has a firm yet tender texture, juicy and not tough, with a mouthwateringly succulent feel that keeps you coming back for more.

 
▲ The sesame oil chicken at the shop achieves a “golden ratio” of wine and sweetness, making it a must-try dish recommended by foodies. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Another must-try is the “sesame oil chicken.” The boss says it must be made with free-range chicken for the best texture. First, ginger is stir-fried to release aroma but not to the point of burning, then the chicken is added and stir-fried together for 5 to 10 minutes. After that, the chicken, wine, and water are brought to a boil over high heat before serving. The boss makes it sound simple, but the sesame oil chicken broth seems meticulously balanced to achieve the “golden ratio” — with moderate wine and sweetness that don’t compete with each other. When you take a bite, the wine flavor comes first, followed by the fragrance of sesame oil spreading in your mouth, and then the sweetness of the rice wine lingers. The chicken itself is also richly infused with the wine aroma.


▲ Visitors coming to Tian Gong Temple often make their way to the famous “Jinzhou Goose Meat” to taste the boss’s excellent cooking. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)
【Shop Information】
Jinzhou Cuisine
Address: No. 243, Jinzhou Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2503-8543
Business Hours: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

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