Ah Xi Turkey Rice is something quite special, and when exploring the south of Taiwan, it would be a crying shame to overlook Chiayi city for this reason alone. Nestled within the heart of this charming city, Ah Xi Turkey Rice stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of flavours that define the local food scene. Chiayi, renowned for its vibrant culinary heritage, boasts an array of timeless regional delicacies, and Ah Xi Turkey Rice is undoubtedly one such gem. With a history dating back generations, this beloved eatery encapsulates the essence of comfort food in Chiayi, drawing both locals and visitors alike into its inviting embrace.
Ah Xi Turkey Rice create a harmonious blend of tender turkey meat, perfectly cooked rice, and an intricate medley of secret juices and sauces that dance upon the palate. What truly sets this establishment apart is its unwavering commitment to preserving the authentic flavours of Chiayi city. As you embark on a journey through the diverse landscape of food in Chiayi, Ah Xi Turkey Rice undoubtedly stands out as a must-try, one of the best turkey rice in Chiayi, encapsulating the very spirit of this captivating city.
In the bustling streets of Chiayi city, the aroma of succulent turkey, simmered to perfection, wafts through the air, creating a sensory symphony that guides visitors to the unassuming yet iconic eatery. Amidst the dynamic tapestry of food in Chiayi, Ah Xi Turkey Rice remains a touchstone of tradition, offering a glimpse into the past while paving the way for future culinary revelations. For those venturing through the vibrant streets of Chiayi, Ah Xi Turkey Rice in Chiayi emerges as an invitation to savor a slice of this city’s culinary heritage, one delectable bite at a time.
Here are some useful links for you if you are going to Chiayi:
- Transportation
- High Speed Rail Tickets | Taiwan High Speed Rail Unlimited Rail Pass
- Private Multi-City Car Charter from Taipei
- Renting Scooters: Klook | KKday
- Renting Cars: Klook | KKday
- Tourist Attractions
- Alishan Day Tour & Multi-Day Tour from Chiayi
- National Palace Museum Southern Branch Ticket in Chiayi
- Other things to do in Chiayi: Klook | KKday
- Staying
- Klook | Booking.com | KKday | Agoda
Table of Contents
Definitely do not judge this place on the outside – it’s never going to win any beauty awards, but it doesn’t need to bother worrying about that when the food is as good as it is inside.
it’s off one of the main downtown roads that runs north to south through Chiayi city, on a slightly busy side street. If you’re driving here you’ll want to park elsewhere and walk, but if you’re walking then it’s actually only 10 minutes from Chiayi train station.
You should read my post on how to order in a restaurant in Taiwan, it will definitely help with what to do before you go in and sit down.
3 Fast Tips on How to Order in Taipei Restaurants like a definitive pro!
Once sat down, you'll want to get ready to order. There's absolutely no English here, and the only menu is above the serving area, so you'll need to order at one of the staff that will come to your table:
- Shredded turkey over rice 雞肉飯 jī ròu fàn
- Slices of turkey over rice 雞片飯 jī piàn fàn
- Braised pork over rice 魯肉飯 lǔ ròu fàn
- Boiled vegetables 燙青菜 tàng qīng cài
- Fried egg 荷包蛋 hé bāo dàn
- Tofu 豆腐 dòu fǔ
Slices of turkey are limited each day, so if you want to try it you'd better come here early. I have been here 3 times, and I only managed to get it once. Even though the shredded turkey is delicious, the slices are on another level.
What we ordered at Ah Xi Turkey Rice
Shredded turkey over rice 雞肉飯
Boiled vegetables 燙青菜
Unbelievably simple in every sense of the word. All it is is shredded meat over rice with some oil on top and a cursory slice of pickled radish on the side. So what makes it so good?
Well, aside from the fact that when you put an egg on anything it is delicious, the thing that makes this dish so delicious is the juicy meat that has been dressed with the cooking oils.
Fried egg 荷包蛋
As the egg drips down over your breakfast in Chiayi city, the smell of fried shallot starts to fill the air and you start to salivate uncontrollably. Well, I do, anyway.
We've probably all had dry chicken in our life, right? Well, dry turkey is not too dissimilar when it comes down to the texture. It can be stringy, it can be chewy, and it is just not nice to be a part of at all. But you don't have to worry about that here.
As the egg gives way to the fried shallots in the cooking oil, you'll start to see the juicy nature of the meat before you even put it in your mouth. Incredibly well cooked, the meat simply melts in your mouth. The coating of the cooking oil and shallots bring out a wonderful earthy oniony flavour that elevates the dish, too.
There's a remarkable amount of meat in the bowl here. Perhaps indicative of the good natured people who serve up the food in Chiayi city that they are truly passionate about sharing.
Do you have a dish that a friend or relative cooks that just evokes raw emotion in you when you eat it? I'm talking about the kind of emotion that is half-way between a yelp of glee and a whimper of a happy cry. Well, if you don't, then I feel truly sorry that you have not experienced that rush of emotion before. But, if you do, then you know exactly what I mean.
As I savour my first mouthful, I smile. I actually can't help it. It's an involuntary reaction that only truly deliciously humble food evokes in me. I look for it everywhere, but I seldom find it. Why? Because it's been waiting for me right here in Chiayi city! As I previously said, I have been to Chiayi 3 times before, and each time I have eaten here at this place it has delivered the same humble, delicious, and unadulterated food.
Tofu 豆腐
It baffles me how something that looks so blandly ordinary can be quite this tasty. There's an almost steamed egg-like consistency to this tofu. It's creamy texture (and flavour, actually) with a heavy soy flavour really is appropriate levels of delicate and delicious. The only challenge is how to use chopsticks to eat it, as it's so delicate that you can't really grab, skewer, or pincer it in any way... challenge accepted! In fact, I have genuinely slurped it off the plate a couple of times before, too. You'd think I'd be ashamed to share that with you? Wrong. I'm proud, if anything.
The bottom line
Is it worth it? If you're nearby, on a day trip, or passing through, then you must come here.
What's the best thing here? If you make it in time, then the slices of turkey over rice are where it's at. But definitely do not feel disappointed in any way if you get the shredded turkey over rice instead. They're both delicious. Make sure to get a fried egg on top.