Fu Lai Plum Chicken Meiling

Review

Nanxi's Meiling is famous for plums, with several plum chicken restaurants on the mountain, and Fu Lai is one of the most often named. Yam Travel calls it one of Meiling's older plum chicken shops, with a century-old plum orchard right behind it for blossoms in winter and walks in summer, and Smile Taiwan's foothills guide also lists it among Meiling's dining choices. Its sign claims to be the originator of turmeric chicken, which stands alongside plum chicken as its two signatures.

The plum chicken soup uses pickled plums for a clear, tangy-sweet broth, with tender chicken, especially refreshing in summer. Turmeric chicken is a different style; diners describe juicy meat with a clear turmeric aroma that goes well with rice. Other recommended dishes include plum shrimp balls and cold bamboo shoot dishes from the hills. Rice and plum juice are unlimited, and the shop sells various plum products to take home.

Praise centres on the clean, spacious room, mountain views and distinctive plum and turmeric chicken, good for families and friends. Complaints: seasoning leans strong, the location is remote so allow time for mountain roads, weekend lunchtimes are busy with slower service, and dishes are large so small groups cannot try many. Prices are not detailed in sources, so check the menu on site.

Hours are about 10:30 to 18:00 (a little earlier on Saturdays, later on Sundays), closed Thursdays. Meiling is in the hills with poor public transport, so drive yourself and take care on winding roads. Plum blossom season and weekends are busy; avoid the noon peak or phone ahead. Payment methods are not stated, so bring cash.

It suits Nanxi and Yujing day trips or winter visits to see plum blossoms. Three or four people can order a pot of plum chicken, a turmeric chicken and one or two mountain side dishes; smaller groups can get plum chicken and one side, then stroll the orchard and take some plum products down the hill.