Popcorn Fried Chicken at Ji Guang Xiang Xiang Ji in Taipei, Taiwan

Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken located outside Ximen Station, Taipei, Taiwan — Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken located outside Ximen Station

For over 40 years, locals have considered Ji Guang Xiang Xiang Ji, also known as J&G Chicken, to have the best fried chicken in Taipei.

Since opening in Taichung in 1973, J&G Chicken, or Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken, has become a household name.

Over the years, the restaurant has continued to expand across Taiwan. Currently, it has international branches in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.

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Waiting in Line

Line out front, Ji Guang Xiang Xiang Ji, Taipei, Taiwan — Line out front

J&G Chicken occupied a prime location at the entrance of Ximending, just outside exit 6 of Taipei’s Ximen Station. When I exited the station, I could see the line extending into the street.

The restaurant, more of a street food stall built into a building, has gained a loyal following with locals, tourists, and foodies.

Interior of Ji Guang Xiang Xiang Ji

Chefs frying chicken in hot oil, Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken, Taipei, Taiwan

While waiting in line, I took a peek into the small kitchen. In the kitchen, workers dressed in red shirts and visors prepared, breaded, fried, and served fresh chicken.

Bite-sized chicken breast pieces were coated in a flour and spice mixture and tossed in hot oil. The chicken was fried fresh to order, ensuring a fresh and crispy texture.

A peek inside the small restaurant, Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken, Taipei, Taiwan — A peak inside the small restaurant

After 10 minutes, I made it to the front of the line. After I paid, a worker handed me a white bag full of bite-sized popcorn fried chicken, and a toothpick for eating.

There were no tables or seats. Everyone was eating in the street out front of the restaurant.

No. 1 Popcorn Chicken

No. 1 at Guang Delicious Fried Chicken, Taipei, Taiwan — No. 1 at Guang Delicious Fried Chicken

With the name Ji Guang Delicious Fried Chicken, I expected the popcorn fried chicken to be delicious.

Since this was my first time eating here, I thought I’d go for the most popular item on the menu, a small order of the No. 1 Popcorn Chicken (75 TWD or about $2.42). There was also a larger option for 120 TWD ($3.88).

As mentioned, they fry all their chicken to order at Ji Guang Xiang Xiang Ji, ensuring a crispy and crunchy golden brown breading.

Since chicken breast is easy to overcook, I was worried the chicken would be dry. Fortunately, the chicken was cooked well, but not as juicy as Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken just down the street.

I enjoyed the seasoning the chicken was tossed in. It was different than fried chicken found back at home in California.

The flavors were sweet, salty, and spicy with a rich taste. After being pulled from the fryer, I could add spicy chili powder.

The chili powder was relatively mild. The sweetness stood out, most likely from star anise. A worker told me the chicken seasoning had ten different spices, but exactly what was a closely guarded secret.

There was not much else to it. I used the toothpick to eat each piece of chicken. But watch out for bones. The popcorn chicken was not boneless, so be careful. The bones will sneak up on you.

Pros

Chicken was fried and seasoned well
Chicken breast was not overcooked or dry

Cons

Watch out for bones in the chicken
Chili powder could be spicier

Conclusion

For over 40 years, Ji Guang Xiang Xiang Ji has been serving delicious popcorn fried chicken. The chicken was simple but executed well. Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside with a salty, sweet, and spicy seasoning. Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken will always be my favorite fried chicken shop in Taipei, but J&G Chicken is a solid contender that should be at the top of any list of must eat foods in Taipei.