Qilipo focuses on health-conscious meals, with set menus that include a main dish, three side dishes, dessert, and a drink option. The red quinoa spiced chicken thigh rice set features perfectly cooked rice, tender and not greasy spiced chicken thigh, paired with a cold papaya salad side. Drinks like red quinoa honey tea are also rare choices in western Taiwan.
In Taitung City, there are many set meals, among which Qili Po, known for its health-focused dishes, stands out. The whole set includes not only the main protein but also three side dishes, and you can choose between rice or noodles as the staple, often accompanied by red quinoa, which serves as a nutritious source of carbohydrates. Additionally, there are dessert and beverage options. Although the price is somewhat high, the overall experience is very filling.
This time, I chose the Red Quinoa Spicy Chicken Thigh Rice Set (which can also be ordered a la carte). The rice is cooked to perfection, with each grain distinct while retaining its chewiness. You can also choose whether or not to add meat sauce.
Furthermore, the key flavor of the spicy chicken thigh lies in its numbing quality rather than in being spicy, making it very compatible with the rice. The meat is tender and not overly greasy. There’s also a side dish of cold papaya salad to balance the potential heaviness of the meat.
There are many beverage options available, including red quinoa honey tea, Luye red oolong tea, and jelly fruit juice, among others. Desserts also include jelly fruit panna cotta, which is less commonly found in the western part of Taiwan, so it’s worth trying.