霖記甕缸雞

The Lin Ji Clay Pot Chicken in Wuri, Taichung, has always been a popular choice for group dining at Taiwanese-style banquet restaurants. During the Lunar New Year period, they introduced a full set of takeout New Year dishes, which is quite convenient for those who do not want to prepare their own family reunion dinner. This year, I reserved a table of their takeout New Year dishes for New Year’s Eve. The overall quantity was even more than I expected, and when I opened each dish, it was filled to the brim, creating a lively festive atmosphere that suits the New Year.

This year’s New Year dishes follow a traditional Taiwanese banquet style, featuring chicken, seafood, hot stir-fries, and soups, providing a complete and well-rounded selection. Although it was takeout, the flavors of most dishes were maintained quite well. After reheating, you could still enjoy the original taste without any noticeable loss of flavor due to the packaging, which is quite important for New Year dishes.

The most impressive dish was the drunken shrimp. The shrimp were large and very fresh, with firm, sweet meat, and the wine aroma was not overwhelming; it complemented the freshness of the seafood nicely. Even when taken home, this dish retained its great texture and was one of the most popular on the table.

Other dishes, such as the chicken and stir-fried items, leaned towards a stronger Taiwanese flavor profile, making them great for pairing with rice and perfect for the atmosphere of eating together during the New Year. The portions were also quite generous; after a table of people finished eating, there were still leftovers, which is just right for family gatherings.

Overall, the New Year's Eve dishes from Lin Ji Clay Pot Chicken take a straightforward approach without being overly extravagant, but they are large in quantity, stable in flavor, and convenient for takeout, offering good value for money. If you’re looking for a hassle-free option that doesn't lose the festive atmosphere of the holiday, it’s indeed a very practical choice.