Weekend holidays are always a great day for our whole family to go out and get close to nature! This time we planned a relaxing trip to Yilan. Sitting in the car, watching the green rice fields outside the window, our mood naturally became lighter.
Coming to Yuanshan, Yilan, besides enjoying the beautiful mountains and waters, we certainly couldn’t miss the local specialty clay pot chicken! This time we visited "Song San Chicken" restaurant, opened by Chef Chen Po-sheng, who was once selected among Taiwan’s Top 100 Chefs, together with his brother Chen Yi-chang.
Most notably, the name "Song San Chicken" comes from the two brothers’ longing for their parents, combining their father’s name "A Song" and mother’s name "A San". They built a warm wooden restaurant on their family land. From à la carte dishes to refined two-person sets and even generous ten-person banquets, it’s perfect for family gatherings or meals with elders and children!
Song San Chicken is located in Huxi Village, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County. Although not in the bustling downtown area, it offers a tranquil countryside view. It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Yilan, passing large farmlands and rural scenery that give a relaxing feeling away from the city hustle.
The restaurant is spacious, surrounded by fields. While dining, you can enjoy the lush green scenery outside the window, making the atmosphere very pleasant.
Transportation and Parking Information
🚘 By car: Simply navigate to "Song San Chicken" to arrive.
🅿️ The restaurant provides free parking, so no need to worry about parking. It’s very suitable for family gatherings or group events.
🚌 Public transport: Because the location is more rural, public transportation options are limited. Taking a train to Yilan Station and then a taxi is more convenient.
📍 Restaurant Information｜Song San Chicken
Address: No. 111, Aijie 1st Rd., Huxi Village, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County
Phone: (03) 922-8223
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00 (Weekends & holidays 11:00–20:00; closed Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Song San Chicken is a warm wooden building. Walking inside, you can feel the strong countryside style. The spacious dining area mainly features large round tables, ideal for family gatherings, friend meetups, or company dinners.
The menu at Song San Chicken is elegantly designed and easy to read, mainly divided into native chicken dishes, cold appetizers, three-cup dishes, pork & beef, white shrimp & eel, fried items, stir-fries, wild vegetables, fish dishes, and soups.
Two-Person Set Meal: Includes clay pot roasted native chicken (half), sizzling tofu, cherry shrimp cabbage, eggplant and bamboo shoot soup, and two bowls of rice.
Group Banquets: For larger groups, the restaurant also offers multi-person banquets! For example, the NT$4,000 set includes ten dishes such as Song San Three-Color Platter, clay pot roasted native chicken, chestnut glutinous rice cake, ginseng bamboo shrimp, crispy double platter, and Thai seafood.
Two-Person Set Meal $900
This time, our family of four ordered the two-person set. The restaurant also kindly served a plate of fried sweet potatoes, and we additionally ordered a plate of stir-fried beef with green onions. The portions were generous, and all four of us felt satisfied after the meal.
Visiting Song San Chicken, you certainly can’t miss their signature clay pot roasted native chicken. They use black-feathered native chickens from Datong Township, Yilan, each weighing over three jin, grilled in the traditional clay pot method.
The most thoughtful detail is that the chicken is already cut and portioned before being served. No need to wear gloves and tear it apart yourself—easy and convenient to eat.
The chicken skin is golden and crispy, with an enticing charcoal aroma. The meat retains rich juices and is tender without being dry. Especially when first served, the aroma fills the air and instantly becomes the table’s focus.
The sizzling tofu arrives steaming hot with a rich aroma. The exterior is slightly charred, while the tofu inside is smooth and well-flavored. Paired with the sauce, it’s very satisfying—perfect for both adults and children.
The cabbage is stir-fried crisp and refreshing. Enhanced by the savory aroma of cherry shrimp, it adds a layer of seafood flavor. Simple yet very enjoyable.
The eggplant and bamboo shoot soup is also impressive. The bamboo shoots are crisp and sweet, and the broth is light and non-greasy—perfect to pair with the roasted chicken. After drinking it, you feel warm all over.
Stir-Fried Beef with Green Onions $310
Wanting more beef, we added a plate of stir-fried beef with green onions. The beef is tender, paired with plenty of green onions and onions, full of aroma. It’s savory without being overpowering—another very satisfying stir-fry.
They also served a complimentary plate of freshly fried sweet potatoes. The skin is crispy, and the inside is soft and sweet—perfect as a dessert after the meal.
After eating your fill, don’t rush to leave Yuanshan! Song San Chicken’s location is excellent, with many popular nearby attractions suitable for walks or taking kids out, all within a 10–15 minute drive—perfect to include in a Yilan day trip:
Wanglong Pond (Ruanpi): A stunning lake that became famous thanks to the idol drama "Next Stop, Happiness". You can take children to walk the Nine-Curve Bridge and lakeside trails while enjoying the lake and mountain views.
Crab Bubbling: A rare natural underground spring sand area in Taiwan. In summer, it’s a free parent-child paradise to play in the water and cool off.
Jim’s Dad Beer Factory / Yuanshan Bunker: Ideal for photo-taking, experiencing local culture, and light drinking (don’t drink and drive) for culture lovers and families.
The biggest impression from this visit to Song San Chicken is that "it’s not just a meal, but more like returning to the countryside to eat with family". The culinary skill of the Top 100 Chef is certainly excellent, but what’s even more appealing is the warmth and comfortable environment here.
With vast countryside views, spacious wooden space, and the aromatic clay pot roasted native chicken, it allows you to slow down and truly enjoy time with family and friends. If you’re planning a trip to Yilan soon and love clay pot chicken, Song San Chicken is worth saving.
■ More Yilan attractions and food: https://eeooa0314.tw/blog/categories/9003734030
⚠️ Notes:
Everyone’s travel, attraction, or dining experience may differ. This article is based on personal experience and is for reference only. Please evaluate whether to visit after reviewing the information.
It’s recommended to check details before departure to ensure a smooth and enjoyable meal or trip!