Village Chief Liu's Sliced Chicken Rice

Don’t be surprised if you hear the name “Village Chief Liu’s Sliced Chicken Rice” thrown around wherever you are in Taiwan. Definitely don’t be surprised if someone from Chiayi recommends it to you. And absolutely don’t be surprised if you find it packed with people, even just before it closes at 14:30. Having been in the same family for three generations, and sporting a 35 years old history, this place has built quite a reputation for itself, with people of all ages from all parts of Taiwan gathering here for breakfast and lunch every day. The décor may be simple, but the taste is famous, many politicians even having made a point of coming here. But don’t be afraid of not getting a seat, many more places are on the floor above, as extensive seating is available upstairs.

It is not just chicken rice that is sold here, the meals are many. Nevertheless the cheap chicken and rice dish (雞肉片飯) goes down a treat. Served up with pickled radish and cabbage, this is a mixture of sweet and savory that is very tasty. Order a plate of flat fish with Chinese cabbage (扁魚白菜) for a classically Taiwanese taste. The price may have been raised in recent years, but the food here is still delightfully cheap, especially if you are dealing in a foreign currency. Lucky because you will probably find that one mouthful will quickly follow another. By the end of your meal, you’ll know why this place is so renowned around Taiwan.