Over 20 kinds of Chinese herbal ingredients simmered into the broth—Taichung’s popular old-school ginger duck spot!

Text & Photos byDakou (Big Bite)

As cold fronts roll in one after another, the weather is getting chillier—it’s the perfect season for ginger duck hotpot. This time, we’re introducing you to a delicious treat located on Jianxing Road in North District, Taichung, right next to Xiaobei Department Store: “Dilin Ginger Duck (Shen) Jianxing Flagship Store”!

Originally located on Hankou Road, “Dilin Ginger Duck (Shen) Jianxing Flagship Store” has been a beloved eatery for over 20 years. It recently relocated to a new spot on Jianxing Road, but many loyal customers and foodies still find their way there with ease. Their signature broth is simmered with more than 20 types of Chinese medicinal herbs, combined with rice wine, sesame oil, and old ginger, resulting in an aroma that’s simply irresistible. The broth is rich, sweet, and mellow, bursting with the fragrance of sesame oil and a delightful hint of wine—with no actual alcohol kick.

The sauces are also custom-blended by the restaurant, including fermented tofu sauce, chili sauce, and seasoned salt, all perfectly complementing the ingredients. The duck meat is selected from 120-day-old red-feather ducks, stir-fried and cooked with old ginger and sesame oil. The generous portions and quality ingredients are just some of the reasons customers keep coming back. With a diverse menu, affordable prices, fresh flavors, and hearty servings, prices range from NT$30 to NT$300—you can simply pick what you like and enjoy a relaxed, stress-free meal.

%Ji’anxun Guben Jiao Mu Ya (Shen), Jianxing Branch is located on Jianxing Road in Zhongzheng District, not far from the intersection with Civic Boulevard. The shop with the “Shen” character is the one serving the classic flavor. There are plenty of parking spaces along the road, and motorcyclists can even park right at the entrance for added convenience.

%Ji’anxun Guben Jiao Mu Ya (Shen), Jianxing Branch offers two major highlights—not only is the ginger duck deliciously tender, but the late-night hours are also super appealing. After a hearty dinner, you can swing by again in the evening for another satisfying meal. The restaurant is brightly lit at night, making it feel especially warm and inviting.

%Although not every dish is made to order, some items are pre-prepared, while others are self-service. Most dishes are served this way, but the ginger duck is an exception—you can choose either a spicy or non-spicy version. Friends who aren’t into spicy food can still enjoy a flavorful option.

%Although not every dish is made fresh, the quality is still top-notch, and you can customize your level of spiciness. There’s also a takeout option available if you prefer.

%If you’re planning to visit during lunch or early dinner, be warned: once the evening rush hits, there might be a wait. But trust us, it’s well worth it.

%The best time to visit is actually during lunch hours. Many regulars come by during this time, making the atmosphere lively yet pleasant.

%The seating area inside is also quite compact, so it’s better to go with a small group. Larger parties might find it a bit crowded.

%The prices are really reasonable, ranging from NT$0 to NT$300. Aside from the ginger duck, everything else is self-service—just grab what you want to eat, making for a pressure-free dining experience.

%Every dish has its own charm, and most of the side dishes use fresh ingredients. Once you step into this place, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.

%Both the ginger duck and the side dishes are served in generous portions. You can mix and match however you like—it’s all up to you.

%The restaurant isn’t very big, but it’s popular with locals and office workers alike, so you’ll often see familiar faces.

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking.

%They also offer delivery services, including self-pickup, direct delivery, and third-party delivery. You can also place orders for friends who can’t make it in person.

%All the dishes ordered are freshly prepared. The spice levels can be adjusted based on your preference, so you won’t have to worry about it being too hot.

%Customers who come here often discover that even the takeout versions are almost as good as eating in. The taste remains rich and satisfying.

%Eating here with a group is a lot of fun—not only do you get to enjoy the delicious ginger duck, but you can also try side dishes, drinks, and desserts, making the meal even more fulfilling.

%For those who want to enjoy a proper meal, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Even if you walk in, the staff will do their best to seat you promptly. They’ll also prepare your ginger duck while you wait, ensuring you get a hot, fresh meal.

%At this shop, they first stir-fry and cook 120-day-old red-feather ducks with garlic for 20 minutes until fragrant and golden.

%Then they add the rice wine and let it simmer until the fragrance fills the air.

%Despite the strong aroma of alcohol, the ginger duck broth here is surprisingly not overly boozy. The top layer is thick with sesame oil, almost covering the duck and all the ingredients beneath. For those who don’t prefer the taste of alcohol, there’s also a non-alcoholic version of the ginger duck broth—and it tastes just as amazing!

%The texture is tender and juicy, and the flavor isn’t too greasy at all.

%The flavor is just right—not too strong, and not too bland either.

%Another great thing is that there’s no gamey smell, and the meat is tender without being dry. The ginger and other spices are also well-balanced, not overwhelming at all. We tried it ourselves and can confirm it’s really tasty.

The duck meat here is incredibly tender and juicy—juicy without being dry or tough, with a bit of chew but not so much that it’s hard to bite through. It’s a very easy-to-eat and delicious dish. The broth, made with rice wine, infused with over twenty kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs and sautéed with sesame oil and old ginger, tastes mellow, sweet, and rich. It’s filled with the fragrant aroma of sesame oil, ginger, and the sweetness of the wine. One sip warms both the heart and the stomach!

The portion is generous, and we were given a large bowl of soup. The taste is rich and satisfying.

The selection of ingredients is diverse, and we got a big box. “The soup can also help with keeping warm.”

First, they recommend some must-try items: the duck meatballs (NT$50), duck offal (NT$60), tofu skin (NT$30), and codfish dumplings (NT$50) are all essentials and absolute must-tries when you visit here!

Other popular choices include Chinese cabbage (NT$50), duck blood (NT$30), and duck intestines (NT$60). These are also very well-liked, not only refreshing but also pair wonderfully with the ginger duck hot pot!

There are also other vegetable options such as cauliflower (NT$60), various types of mushrooms, and more—quite a selection!

Other great options include Chinese mustard greens (NT$20), beauty mushrooms (NT$60), rice blood cake (NT$30), frozen tofu (NT$30), shiitake mushrooms (NT$60), enoki mushrooms (NT$60), king oyster mushrooms (NT$60), and mini mushrooms (NT$60). All of these are excellent pairings with the ginger duck hot pot. They’re clean, generously portioned, and friends who love it can grab a few different ones to enjoy together!

The vermicelli (NT$20) is another favorite. The soft, smooth noodles paired with shallots are super aromatic, savory, and deliciously smooth. You can also mix in the sesame oil from the broth yourself for an even richer flavor!

After enjoying the ginger duck hot pot, the braised pork rice is also a classic pairing.

We tried a bit of the braised pork rice first, and then the ginger duck. The braised pork rice is a classic Taiwanese comfort food, and it looks really appetizing.

The duck meat itself is incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s not just juicy and tasty on its own, but when combined with the rich, aromatic broth, it becomes even more irresistible!

The mustard greens are not only very affordable but also super fresh. They have a nice sweetness and are a great match for the broth. Mustard greens are also commonly eaten in winter, and they’re super healthy.

The tofu here is made from soybeans and has a fragrant, bean-like taste. The broth is mellow, sweet, and has a hint of wine aroma, offering a really diverse flavor profile!

They specially select red-faced ducks that have been raised for 20 days, first stir-fried and then simmered. This method not only retains the moisture of the duck meat but also makes it incredibly flavorful and delicious!

The duck meat here is tender and full of juice, with the sweet chewiness of the duck and the fragrant sweetness of the broth. It’s delicious even on its own!

When paired with the restaurant’s special sauce, the flavors become even more layered. A little bit of vinegar is added, which cuts through the richness and enhances the overall taste, making it incredibly addictive.

I highly recommend trying the spicy version. When paired with the duck, it’s not only tender and flavorful, but also adds a slight spicy-sweet kick to the taste buds. It’s an absolutely heavenly dish!

The duck meat here is not only tender and juicy but also doesn’t have that tough, chewy texture.

Whether you eat it on its own or pair it with the broth, it’s all delicious. The friends I came with, who usually don’t like duck, all said they’d come back again. The broth is rich and flavorful.

The pickled mustard greens are also a classic pairing with the ginger duck. After being pickled, they’re crispy and refreshing, not greasy at all.

The pickled vegetables and tofu are also great when paired with the broth. On one hand, the pickled vegetables aren’t too salty and don’t have any off-flavors or strange textures. On the other hand, the way the broth is cooked gives it a very rich umami flavor. The combination of textures and flavors is very satisfying. Even now, thinking about it makes me want to go back.

In addition to the duck, the bamboo shoots are also a highlight. They’re tender and sweet, and pair beautifully with the broth.

The fried pork chop (NT$20) is also one of the popular dishes here and a must-order!

The fried pork chop is also quickly prepared—just fry it for a few minutes and it’s ready. The outer layer is crispy, and the inside remains very tender. It’s super delicious.

The duck here has a nice chewy texture and isn’t fishy at all. Whether paired with the mellow broth or the special sauce, it’s super tasty.

The tofu pudding (NT$20) is also a very unique dish and quite popular among foodies!

The pudding is soft and wobbly. You can drizzle some syrup on it or enjoy it plain—it’s all delicious.

The duck gizzard is also slightly crispy and has no fishy taste. The texture is chewy but not too tough, crisp and delicious!

The pig’s blood cake is also very unique. It has a slightly burst-in-your-mouth texture, is flavorful, and delicious.

The pig’s blood cake is made using a special method. When you bite into it, it’s soft yet bursts with flavor. It’s tender, flavorful, and has a hint of spice. There’s also a bit of crunch, making it very delicious. Even now, thinking about it makes me want to recommend it to everyone.

% It’s one of the top choices if you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal in Taichung!

% The pork and vegetable wontons (around 50 NTD) are generously portioned—you really get quite a lot!

% The pork and vegetable wontons also come with a rich, savory broth that’s full of umami, and the color is vibrant and appealing. They’re soft, sweet, and have a satisfying chew, becoming more delicious the more you bite into them!

% The fried rice is another great option—if you’re still hungry after the other dishes, you can definitely have some more.

% The fried tofu (around 100 NTD) is actually pre-frozen and only taken out when ordered, so it’s best to let it thaw slightly before cooking!

% Even after frying, there’s usually still plenty left. If you’re too full to finish it, you can always take some home.

% The fried tofu isn’t greasy at all—the exterior is crispy while the inside remains soft, offering a satisfying, bouncy texture that’s actually quite tasty, not mushy like you might expect. It’s another must-try dish here!

% In our third round, we threw everything (around 200 NTD) into the pot for another big feast!

% After cooking for a while, the flavors become even more rich and layered.

“Di Lin Ginger Duck (Shen) Jianxing flagship store” is not only clean, bright, and comfortable, without any greasy feeling. The ginger duck broth is absolutely phenomenal—it’s made with over 20 kinds of herbs blended in-house, combined with sesame oil, rice wine, and aged ginger, and stir-fried with 120-day-old red-faced ducks. The broth is rich and delicious, the duck meat is tender and juicy, and it pairs perfectly with the signature dipping sauce. The other dishes are also great, such as duck meatballs, duck offal, duck intestines, chicken nuggets, frozen tofu, tofu skin, duck blood, and chrysanthemum greens—definitely must-orders. It’s a great choice for warm, nourishing winter food that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. After eating, you’ll feel cozy and warm all over!

Di Lin Ginger Duck (Shen) Jianxing flagship store

Address: No. 839, Jianxing Road, North District, Taichung City (next to Xiaobei Department Store, with parking spaces on the roadside)
Phone: 04-22070292, 0919-848608 (Shen Liangxian)
Business hours: 16:00–3:00 AM (no days off)
FB Fan Page:Please click here

Big Mouth Teacher’s Travel School!
Check it out: Big Mouth and Koumee’s Neon Lights
Blog,FB