Jinbaoli Duck

Review

Jinbaoli Duck sits right in front of Guang'an Temple's courtyard on Jinshan Old Street. Supertaste says it has operated for over sixty years, and for many it is the first must-eat stop in Jinshan; locals often simply call it Jinshan Duck or temple-front duck. Nearly thirty staff work here, freshly cooked dishes fill the space in front of the temple, and the courtyard and surrounding arcades serve as dining areas, making it the liveliest spot on the street.

The signature duck is reportedly raised for about 130 days, giving firm meat that is not dry and stays juicy, paired with a savory house sauce. Beyond duck, around twenty cooked dishes such as fried noodles, stir-fried pork tripe, stir-fried baby squid, braised pork knuckle and bamboo shoots are laid out for you to pick. Portions come by the plate, good for sharing.

Diners enjoy the experience of carrying their own dishes at a temple-front eatery, finding the duck juicy, the fried noodles well-flavored and the tripe pleasantly tender, with fair prices. Complaints mention uneven cuts of duck, some hard to chew; tough baby squid; inconsistent plate portions, so compare before taking one; and the awkwardness of carrying food through crowds. Some also note that no plain rice is sold.

Hours are about 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., opening at 9 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Plates cannot be returned once taken, so choose carefully. A blogger suggests one person grab a seat in the numbered pillar areas while another collects dishes and duck; takeaway is handled at the stall across the street. A blogger recorded a quarter duck at NT$250. Several paid parking lots are nearby, and buses run to Jinshan.

It suits first-time visitors to Jinshan Old Street who want the temple-front dining atmosphere, and families or friends sharing dishes. Order a quarter duck plus one or two stir-fries like fried noodles or pork tripe, adding plates for larger groups. Avoid the noon peak or arrive at opening on weekends to find a seat more easily.