16 Must-Try Turkey Rice Shops in Chiayi – Tender Turkey with Flavorful, Glossy White Rice

Text & Photos /Douglas Fang

Since I visit Chiayi frequently, I’ve tried turkey rice from many shops here. Compared to other places, Chiayi’s turkey rice is truly delicious, so I’ve compiled a shortlist of recommended spots for you. This is my Chiayi turkey rice cheat sheet, and I’ll keep adding more.

Besides Chiayi City, this article also includes two turkey rice shops outside the city—one in Meishan and another in Minxiong. Each has its own unique charm. If you’re a tourist, you might want to start with Liu Lizhang’s. After trying that, if you’re curious about spots locals frequent, check out A Lou Shi or He Ping... These are all based on my personal dining experiences—tastes may vary, so feel free to share your thoughts.

A Lou Shi

Visiting A Lou Shi, located on Wufeng North Road, I found that online reviews of this spot are overwhelmingly positive.

Turkey Rice ($25, Large)

At $25, it’s not expensive, but the portion is on the smaller side. A Lou Shi’s rice is quite savory, and it disappears quickly once mixed. Aside from the braising sauce, you can also see chicken fat on the rice, though I wouldn’t call it overly salty. The texture of the rice is good—not too soft, with distinct grains. One thing to note: after pouring the sauce, the rice stays relatively dry, meaning the bottom doesn’t get soggy or overly salty from excess sauce. Personally, I prefer this style of turkey rice, so I thought I’d share.

Liu Lizhang
(First Visit)

Shredded Turkey Rice (Small, $25)

Liu Lizhang offers two types of turkey rice: the shredded version I ordered and a sliced version ($50). Since I’d just eaten at Guo Jia, I opted for a small bowl of shredded rice to try. The rice grains are distinct—very important. The sauce, perhaps because of the added fried shallots, complements the rice well without being too salty—just right.

(Second Visit)

Sliced Turkey Rice ($50)

Compared to the sliced version, I prefer the shredded turkey rice. A whole bowl of sliced meat could easily feed a small group or make several portions of shredded rice. Beyond value, I think the thin strands of meat, paired with each bite of rice, better highlight the flavors of turkey rice. Liu Lizhang’s rice is indeed well-prepared—distinct grains being one key factor. Topped with the shop’s chicken fat and a bit of fried shallots, it’s a perfect combination.

Datong Turkey Rice

Turkey Rice ($30, Large)

Unlike other shops offering shredded or sliced options, Datong’s turkey rice is more like a sliced version. The meat isn’t overly dry, likely because the slices absorb the braising sauce and chicken fat. Some slices even have a bit of skin, which adds a particularly nice texture. The meat is tender yet still has some chew.

Datong’s turkey rice is sprinkled with fried shallots, which add a fragrant, crispy crunch. That said, I find Datong’s flavor profile leans toward the saltier side (ironically, A Lou Shi, often considered heavy by others, tastes mild to me). But the bold taste is what makes it so delicious. Also worth mentioning: the rice here is on the moister side, fully soaking up the sauce and chicken fat.

Chiayi City Authentic Turkey Rice

Turkey Rice ($30, Large Bowl)

This authentic turkey rice features shredded turkey, sprinkled with fried shallots and drizzled with sauce and chicken fat. Visually, the whole bowl is glossy and appealing. The sauce isn’t too salty—it’s just right for me. The shredded turkey includes some lean meat and bits with skin, the latter adding richness and a great mouthfeel.

One more thing: the rice here arrives very hot but not overly soft, which I personally love. Turkey rice shops in Chiayi serve rice at varying temperatures—some lukewarm. I personally prefer it hotter.

He Ping

Turkey Rice (Small, $25)

Seriously, just go for the large size—both big and small are available, but I got the small because I also ordered a bowl of sliced turkey rice. A large would’ve been too much~~

Sliced Meat Rice ($40)

This sliced meat rice looks similar to the turkey rice I had before, just with more meat. But it’s not what I remember from Liu Lizhang—definitely not the same!!! This sliced meat rice doesn’t look like slices at all........

Setting aside the fact that the pork slices rice didn’t quite resemble pork slices rice (not sure if the owner was too busy or what, but I’ll definitely come back next time to try the pork slices rice again), I personally think HowToTrip’s turkey rice is on par with my top pick, Liu Lizhang’s. At first glance, HowToTrip’s turkey rice may not look extraordinary, but it has a bold, savory flavor that’s salty without being greasy. The aroma of chicken fat is genuinely rich—even without crispy fried shallots, the fragrance is still incredibly satisfying.

As for the turkey meat, just like its appearance, it’s not tough at all—the texture is fairly tender and soft. Also, the rice here isn’t as moist and soft as what you’d get at Dull Lion—it’s just right at HowToTrip. That said, I think the condition of the rice really depends on the shop. Sometimes, when business is booming and the rice can’t keep up with the speed of sales, the texture will inevitably be affected to some extent.

Chiayi-style turkey rice

Turkey slices rice ($50)

The turkey slices are quite generous—each slice is thick and tender in texture. Some slices even have a slightly pinkish, tender appearance, and a few come with a bit of skin fat, adding a nice variety of textures. The turkey slices are also well-soaked in the shop’s braising sauce, so the meat doesn’t feel dry or tough at all. The rice has the perfect firmness, and when combined with the shop’s braising sauce and crispy fried shallots, the overall aroma is elevated.

Turkey rice (small, $25)

But to be honest, compared to the turkey slices rice, I personally prefer the regular turkey rice. There’s no particular reason—I just enjoy the texture of a mouthful of rice paired with some shredded turkey. To me, that’s the real satisfaction.

Dull Lion

Chicken rice (large, $30)

Dull Lion’s turkey rice comes with not just shredded turkey but also pickled yellow radish slices and a bit of potherb mustard. Potherb mustard is actually quite rare—usually, you only get yellow radish slices. The turkey is fairly tender, and Dull Lion’s turkey rice is also drizzled with braising sauce and chicken fat, paired with crispy fried shallots. It’s so good that I finished the bowl in no time—that’s the charm of turkey rice; it’s so easy to polish off a whole bowl and still want more. The rice is on the moister, softer side, which is a matter of personal preference—some people don’t like it that way. For me, I can accept it, and I actually find the slightly softer turkey rice easier to digest.

Simple Turkey Rice

Turkey rice (large, $25)

A big bowl of turkey rice for just $25 isn’t expensive, and the portion isn’t small either—the white rice is generously topped with shredded turkey. The flavor of Simple Turkey Rice isn’t too heavy, and it doesn’t feel overly greasy or salty by the end. The overall taste is well-balanced. Those who prefer a stronger, saltier flavor might want to check out places like Ah Lou Shi or HowToTrip.

Most of the turkey here is lean, with not much skin-on meat. The texture isn’t too tough, but I found it a bit dry that day. As mentioned earlier, while the rice isn’t heavy on flavor, the saltiness is just right, and the temperature is warm enough—but it’s not quite fluffy and separate. Still, it’s pretty good and tasty.

Ah Xi Turkey Rice

Turkey rice (large, $30)

The turkey rice doesn’t specify size or price, which can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors like us. The small bowl is $20. Ah Xi’s turkey rice is really delicious—the white rice is covered with shredded turkey of varying sizes and crispy fried shallots, both lean and fatty. The turkey shreds are still slightly warm (some shops serve cold turkey shreds, which can taste tougher). The tenderness is there without being tough, and the white rice is also coated with plenty of chicken fat. The aroma of chicken fat in this bowl is truly rich, making me forget about the crispy fried shallots on top. Overall, it’s fragrant without being overly salty or greasy, and the moisture level is just right. It’s definitely one of the best turkey rices I’ve had.

Turkey slices rice ($50)

On my second visit, I finally got to try the pork slices rice I missed last time. It’s relatively pricier compared to the turkey rice, but seeing the white rice piled high with turkey slices really whets the appetite. The turkey slices have a great texture—they’re both soft and tender, with a bit of chew. Drizzled with chicken fat and crispy fried shallots, it’s really satisfying. But at $50 a bowl, it’s not exactly cheap. Pairing it with a small bowl of turkey rice is just right.

Chiayi City Taocheng Sanhe Turkey Rice

Turkey rice ($30)

As someone trying Sanhe’s turkey rice for the first time, I’d say the flavor is one of the most memorable I’ve had recently. Sanhe’s turkey rice is sprinkled with a bit of crispy fried shallots, and the aroma alone is already great. The sauce isn’t excessive or overly salty. The meat is mostly shredded—mostly from the chicken breast—with only a little bit of fat, but the texture isn’t overly dry.

But the chicken oil drizzled over the white rice here is, in my opinion, the highlight of the dish. While the sauce is a bit light, making the rice a bit drier, the aroma of the chicken oil and crispy fried shallots makes the whole bowl of turkey rice taste even more fragrant as you eat. Just that aspect alone makes it worth visiting Sanhe.

Dongmen

Chicken rice (large, $30)

I’d say the oiliness and saltiness levels are just okay. The shop adds a bit of crispy fried shallots, and I’ve recently found that turkey rice with crispy fried shallots generally has a pretty good texture. By the way, I don’t know why, but the white rice in Dongmen’s chicken rice felt hotter than any other chicken rice I’ve had recently. Normally, rice straight from the rice cooker shouldn’t vary much in temperature.

Overall, Dongmen’s turkey rice is pretty okay. If we’re talking about chicken rice in Chiayi City, my current top picks are still Guo Jia and Minzhu, but for the overall best-tasting one, I’d vote for Meishan’s Siwei Snacks.

Siwei Snacks

Turkey rice ($35)

The legendary turkey rice—after eating it, my verdict is... truly deserving of its reputation, absolutely delicious!!!! The meat is, as we’d expect, not tough at all, very tender, paired with the shop’s sauce that’s neither too salty nor too greasy—the balance is just perfect!!! Seriously, don’t let the photo fool you—the rice doesn’t look like it’s covered in much sauce, but that’s where the shop’s skill shines. After eating, there’s no leftover sauce or oil at the bottom of the bowl!!! Perfect!!!!!!!! This is exactly the kind of turkey rice I’m looking for. I never expected such amazing food at this seemingly ordinary buffet-style shop in Meishan. In my heart, Siwei’s turkey rice has now claimed the top spot.

Smile

Turkey Sliced Rice ($50)

Look at that chicken (sliced) drenched in sauce~~~~ Just looking at the photo makes me hungry. The meat is tender and not dry, and the rice is coated with the shop’s savory sauce—super appetizing. But the trade-off for those big slices is a higher price. I personally think it’s quite tasty, but next time I might go for the shredded chicken—the sliced version seems a bit pricey for me~~~~

Guo Family

Chicken Rice ($30)

Here comes the star. Their chicken isn’t all shredded—some pieces are a bit larger, though still smaller compared to other shops’ sliced chicken rice. But the portion of meat is quite generous (chicken rice isn’t just about the meat; the rice and the shop’s sauce are also key). Compared to Minzheng’s chicken rice, Guo Family’s flavor is lighter, but not bland. I’d say their styles are different, and for now, I prefer Guo Family.

Overall, Guo Family is a pretty solid turkey rice shop—you’ll definitely want to come back. If you visit at night, you can stroll around Wenhua Road Night Market afterward, and there’s also the super famous Lin Congming’s Clay Pot Fish Head nearby~~~

Minzheng

Chicken Rice (Small) $20

I think Minzheng’s turkey rice is pretty good—the flavor is rich enough, and the chicken isn’t too dry. But their chicken rice is a bit oily; after eating, the bowl is completely greasy.

Chiayi City Ah-Hongshi Turkey Rice

Chicken Rice (Large, $30)

Ah-Hongshi’s turkey rice has a sprinkle of fried shallots on top—not too much. The meat is shredded, but it’s spread generously over the rice, with mostly lean cuts and some bits of skin. The meat doesn’t seem to be from the leg, so it’s less fatty, but the sauce keeps it from being dry.

The sauce and chicken oil aren’t overly generous, so it’s not too salty. For me, it’s a well-balanced bowl of turkey rice. From an outsider’s perspective, if you’re tired of other more famous turkey rice spots, give Ah-Hongshi a try. Aside from decent flavor and reasonable prices, the dining environment is also quite nice.

Ah-Lou Shi
Address: No. 102, Wufeng North Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2282738
Business Hours: 16:00–00:00

Liu Village Chief
Address: No. 197, Gongming Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2227669
Business Hours: 05:00–14:30

Datong Turkey Rice
Address: No. 113, Minzu Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2755005
Business Hours: 09:00–20:30

Chiayi City Authentic Turkey Rice
Address: No. 591, Section 2, Daya Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2762679
Business Hours: 08:00–14:00, 16:00–20:00

Peace
Address: No. 107, Heping Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2240956
Business hours: 07:00–20:30

Chiayi Turkey Rice
Address: No. 155, Chuiyang Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2231737
Business hours: 05:30–14:00

Dull Lion
Address: No. 665, Minzu Road, West District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2273051
Business hours: 10:00–20:30

Simple Turkey Rice
Address: No. 581, Section 2, Daya Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2754563
Business hours: 08:00–20:30 (closed on W2)

Axi Turkey Rice
Address: No. 356, Ren’ai Road, West District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2243177
Business hours: 05:30–13:30

Chiayi City Taocheng Sanhe Turkey Rice
Facebook
Address: No. 97, Minquan Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2786846
Business hours: 10:00–20:00

Dongmen
Address: No. 198, Guangcai Street, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2282678
Business hours: 07:00–20:30

Four Snacks
Address: No. 281-1, Gongyuan Road, Minan Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County
Phone: 05-2622898
Business hours: 10:00~19:00

Smile
Address: No. 56, Section 2, Jianguo Road, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County
Phone: 05-2213079
Business hours: 06:00~14:00

Guo Family
Address: No. 148, Wenhua Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2256214
Business hours: 09:00~15:00, 17:00~05:00

Democracy
Address: No. 149, Minzu Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2162666
Business hours: 10:00~20:45

Chiayi City Ah-Hong’s Turkey Rice
Address: No. 108, Guanghua Road, East District, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2233467
Business hours: 10:00~20:00

Douglas Fang
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