Chiayi Turkey Rice

Turkey rice is a bowl of rice topped with hand-torn turkey breast, a spoonful of rendered fat with fried shallot, a splash of soy-based sauce and a few slices of pickled radish, and Chiayi has made it since turkeys arrived with American aid after the war. The shredding by hand rather than slicing is what people argue about, along with which shop does it best, and there are long-established rivals within a few streets of each other.

What you actually see

• The hand-torn turkey - meat pulled rather than sliced, which is the point of contention.
• The shallot fat - rendered fat with fried shallot spooned over the rice.
• The pickled radish - the standard accompaniment cutting the richness.
• The rival shops - long-established competitors within a few streets.

When to go

Year round; shops open early and many close by mid-afternoon when the day's turkey runs out. Breakfast and lunch are the traditional times. Weekends bring queues.

Honest expectations

The best-known shops close when they sell out, often by early afternoon. Portions are small and two bowls is normal. It is turkey rather than chicken and the texture surprises some people.

Nearby

Hinoki Village is nearby, and the Alishan railway starts in the city.