Taichung's tastiest goose eateries

A-Chuan's Goose Meat

242, ZhongMei Street
(04) 2305-8670, 0972 088 899
Hours: 5 pm-12:45 am
(closed irregularly 3 times a month--call first if you are travelling from afar)

--By Niang Chen and Ann Li Translated by Tre Gordon

This business is run by a family well known for its goose meat and for running its own goose farm that raises and butchers geese. The boss, Mr. A-Chuan, says that it takes a goose about 100 days before it is fat enough to be slaughtered, so that the meat is sweet and rich. Ten geese are butchered and cooked each day. The gravy here is very thick, so that the meat doesn't lose any of its sweetness. Once cooked, it is taken out of the pot and rubbed slightly with nothing but salt and wine, following an ancient practice. Goose meat goes here for about NT$15 an ounce or about NT$100 a plate.

nce the customer has ordered, the meat is thinly sliced and soaked again in its original broth three times to help preserve original freshness, sweet flavors and soft texture. A few strips of ginger and the shop's own special sauce also helps create an enjoyable dining experience as it reaches your mouth. The blood cake (NT$35) and big, fist-sized pork balls (NT$30) made here are very chewy and enjoyable to eat. Shredded meat is hidden inside each pork ball for a rich, Taiwanese flavor not easily found elsewhere. You can also find vegetables and various noodle dishes here, all cooked in soup and not fried, making them non-oily, fresher and healthier. The street outside the shop is very narrow and crowded, making it hard to find a parking place, so it is better to park further away or come by bike.