5Miyahara
Central Dist. · Desserts & shaved ice
Tunghai Lianxin Chicken Feet Jelly
TakeawayLocal favorite
VerdictThe original chilled chicken feet jelly of the Tunghai area, NT$45 a box
The original cold-braise shop of the Tunghai area. It began as an ice shop, and the winter braised snacks became the hit. The caramel-colored chicken feet jelly is rich in collagen; dried tofu, kelp and pig ear too.
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Review
Tunghai Lianxin Chicken Feet Jelly sits at the entrance to Xinxing Road in Longjing District, in the Tunghai shopping area beside Tunghai University. A 2024 Mirror Media report says founder Chen Rong-gui started selling fruit-juice ice and mung bean soup at Taichung's First Market in 1984. When the market was rebuilt in 1989 he moved next to Tunghai University's side gate, slowly gaining a foothold with ice desserts students loved. To get through the slow winter season he began selling braised chicken feet, which unexpectedly became the year-round star and helped him pay off debts of NT$10 million. The shop took its current name after someone else registered the original dessert name, and his son is gradually taking over.
The braising liquid is made fresh daily from natural soy sauce, spices and Chinese herbs. Once the chicken feet have soaked up the flavor they are chilled, turning caramel-colored and rich in gelatin, with springy skin that is not greasy and bones that fall apart at a bite; the meat slides off with a light touch. The 2024 report lists NT$45 for a box of seven feet and NT$40 for a box of gizzards. There is also braised tofu, kelp and pig's ear, plus the NT$40 Lianxin ice (mung bean shaved ice with flower beans and red bean milk ice) and pineapple cakes.
Netizens mostly praise the well-balanced braising sauce, which feels even more refreshing chilled, making it a good late-night snack or drinking companion, and it is a nostalgic taste for many Tunghai alumni. Others think it is just ordinary braised food with nothing special. There are now branches around Yizhong and Meicun Road, plus a sister brand, Shangheyuan Braised Food; the Meicun branch has recently offered limited "imperfect" chicken feet jelly that looks less neat but tastes the same.
Hours vary slightly by source; recent listings mostly say 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., so check before you go (tel. 04-26320182). Parking in the Tunghai area is difficult, so it is mainly a takeaway shop; refrigerate your purchase once home.
It suits students and visitors exploring the Tunghai area, and anyone who wants chilled braised snacks to go with a drink or a TV binge. Start with a box of chicken feet jelly, add gizzards or tofu, and on a hot day grab a bowl of Lianxin ice too.
Why go
- A box of seven chicken feet is about NT$45
- Chilled gelatin is extra springy; meat slips off the bone
- Gizzards are NT$40 a box, worth adding
- On hot days add a NT$40 bowl of Lianxin ice
- Parking is hard in the area, so take it away
- Open about 10:00–22:00; check before going
What people say
Liked
- Well-balanced braising sauce; chilled gelatin is springy, not greasy
- Friendly prices, and one box is enough to share
- A shared memory for Tunghai students, with consistent flavor
Complaints
- Some say it's just ordinary braised food
- Parking is inconvenient and listed hours vary
Summarized from the common views of bloggers, media and diners; not direct quotes.
Videos
Location
台中市龍井區新興路1巷1之1號Directions ↗
Sources
This page is compiled from the articles below and rewritten in our own words. Hours and prices change, so check before you go.
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