Nantou Zhushan Food Experience: The Tempting Traditional Flavor of Ah Hai Kiln-Roasted Chicken
When visiting Nantou's Zhushan Jintian Temple and Zinan Temple, the enticing aroma of roasted chicken fills the air. The tender and juicy kiln-roasted chicken, with its crispy skin and succulent meat, leaves a lasting impression. On the way to Zhushan's Zinan Temple, you'll find the famous "Kiln-Roasted Chicken Street," where numerous restaurants compete fiercely. This time, I chose Ah Hai Kiln-Roasted Chicken, which has received high praise online, and it truly lived up to its reputation.
Comfortable Environment and Convenient Parking
Ah Hai Kiln-Roasted Chicken is located in Zhushan Township, Nantou County, with a prominent sign that's hard to miss. The restaurant boasts a spacious parking lot, eliminating any parking worries—a definite plus for those driving.
Inside, the decor features bamboo walls paired with red brick flooring, creating a nostalgic and traditional ambiance. The seating mainly consists of round tables and four-person tables, with ample space between them. The bright and spacious environment is suitable for both small families and larger gatherings.
Carefully Selected Ingredients and Traditional Kiln-Roasting
Ah Hai Kiln-Roasted Chicken impresses with its meticulous selection of ingredients. They use authentic free-range chickens weighing around four pounds, raised for 120-130 days to ensure optimal meat texture. Each chicken is marinated with over 20 types of Chinese herbs and massaged, with Cinnamomum leaves stuffed inside the cavity to enhance the aroma and reduce greasiness.
The roasting method is particularly unique: they use patented red brick kilns and longan wood or lychee wood for roasting. The red brick kiln ensures even heat distribution, while the wood adds a distinctive fragrance to the chicken.
Mouthwatering Dishes to Savor
Signature Kiln-Roasted Chicken (700 TWD)
When the freshly roasted chicken is served, its golden, glossy skin and tantalizing aroma are irresistible. The restaurant offers a chicken carving service, where the staff skillfully disassembles the chicken in no time, with flavorful juices dripping throughout the process, making your mouth water.
The chicken skin is slightly crispy, and the meat is firm yet tender. The Cinnamomum leaves stuffed inside provide a unique aroma, ensuring the chicken remains light and non-greasy even after multiple bites. Before serving, cumin powder is sprinkled on top, enhancing the fragrance.
The restaurant also offers concentrated chicken essence, which can be used as a dipping sauce to make the chicken even more flavorful and smooth. After trying it, it indeed elevates the taste to another level!
Bamboo Shoot Soup (100 TWD)
When in Zhushan, bamboo shoot soup is a must! Made with fresh local Ma bamboo shoots and simmered in a pork bone broth, every scoop is filled with bamboo slices, showcasing the generous use of ingredients. The bamboo shoots are crisp and sweet, while the soup is light and aromatic, perfectly complementing the juicy kiln-roasted chicken.
We also ordered a few side dishes:
Cold Tossed Cat’s Ear Herb (200 TWD): The herb is crisp and pairs well with the special sauce.
Stir-Fried Asparagus with Shrimp (280 TWD): Fresh shrimp stir-fried with a light sauce, offering a tender and flavorful bite.
Sweet Potato Leaves (180 TWD): High-altitude vegetables with a sweet and crisp taste.
Great Value and Highly Recommended
Dining at Ah Hai Kiln-Roasted Chicken is a satisfying experience. A 700 TWD roasted chicken is enough for 3-4 people to share, and with additional dishes, the average cost per person is less than 500 TWD for a hearty meal.
The service is also thoughtful, with chicken carving assistance and an outdoor handwashing area for post-meal cleaning. There are clean, independent restrooms located behind the parking lot.
Ah Hai Kiln-Roasted Chicken Zinan Temple Branch
Next time you visit Zinan Temple, don't miss the chance to savor this unforgettable traditional kiln-roasted chicken and indulge your taste buds.