Bird's Nest Fern Stir-Fry and Roast Chicken in Beitou, Taiwan

Taiwanese Bird's Nest Fern Stir-Fry and Roasted Chicken

by Ji Yuan Pu Garden Potherb Restaurant, Beitou, Taiwan

While traveling in Taiwan, I took a day trip from Taipei to Beitou District just north of the city. Beitou is famous for its hot springs and the beautiful Yangmingshan National Park.

After spending half a day hiking in the park, my tour group stopped at Ji Yuan Pu Garden Potherb Restaurant for lunch. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful misty valley surrounded by farmland and hydrangea nurseries and specializes in hearty Taiwanese country cuisine.

I didn't know what to order, so I asked my guide for his recommendation. He suggested that I start with a plate of stir-fried bird's nest fern.

Taiwanese bird's nest fern stir-fried with mushrooms and dried fish

The fern was lightly stir-fried with chewy mushrooms, shredded carrots, and tiny salty fish. The fern had an incredible crisp texture and tasted a bit like asparagus. I had never tasted fern before. I never even thought about fern being edible, but I really liked the taste and texture of the dish.

I also ordered the restaurant's specialty, roast chicken with a sweet and savory soy-based dipping sauce. The chicken meat was juicy and tender, and the skin was perfectly roasted and flavorful.

Taiwanese roast chicken at Ji Yuan Pu Garden Potherb Restaurant, Beitou

Location

Ji Yuan Pu Garden Potherb Restaurant is located at 112, Taiwan, Taipei City, Beitou District, Yangming Creek Walkway, 海芋大道. It's a nice place to stop for lunch after soaking in the nearby hot springs or hiking around the beautiful Yangmingshan National Park.

Ji Yuan Pu Garden Potherb Restaurant in Beitou, Taiwan