Since 1862, sold from a shoulder pole — The Century-Old Fried Rice of Daxi Old Street

▲The meat roll contains large chunks of pork tenderloin, with a slightly sweeter flavor.

Text and photos by Nine-Five’s Nagging Wife

In Daxi Old StreetCentury-Old Fried Ricecan be described as a renowned old shop that many travelers make a point to visit. The combination of the shop’s fried rice, meat rolls, and meatball soup is both popular and filling. Aside from a few signature items, the shop also offers triangular tofu, pasta, |?跤攵嘀秩忍馈＜/p>

Founded in 1862, the century-old fried rice shop originally started when founder You Zhaozan sold his food from a shoulder pole. After years of development, it is now run by the fourth generation. According to the shop, the fried rice is made by steaming glutinous rice in a wooden barrel, then stir-frying it over low heat with sautéed seasonings to preserve the integrity of the rice grains.

▲The century-old fried rice shaped like bamboo tube rice cake has distinct, separate grains.

Upon tasting, the fried rice shaped like a rice cake and drizzled with sweet and spicy sauce indeed contains ingredients such as mushrooms, shredded pork, and dried shrimp, adding texture and aroma variation. Compared to the more common oily and slightly sticky fried rice found elsewhere, their version has a drier appearance, with clearly defined grains and a chewiness that is neither too hard nor too soft. In line with the shop’s philosophy of being “healthy,” there is minimal seasoning, resulting in a more straightforward taste.

▲A corner of the interior at the Century-Old Fried Rice shop.

The meat roll in the signature combo contains large chunks of pork tenderloin, making it more substantial on the plate. The overall flavor is on the sweeter side but somewhat greasy. As for the meatball soup, the broth is lightly tangy and appetizing, with irregularly shaped meat pieces that are chewy. With a dash of pepper and basil leaves, it offers more layered flavors.

▲The meatball soup features solid, chewy chunks of meat.

Perhaps due to arriving later in the day and the poor weather, the temperature of several dishes was below par upon serving, slightly detracting from their flavors. Personally, I feel that while the century-old fried rice has a well-deserved reputation, its taste isn’t to my preference. However, many others love the shop’s dishes, which is why the place is always crowded with people during holidays. It just goes to show that food is subjective — everyone has their own preferences.

▲At the Century-Old Fried Rice shop, it’s common to see customers lining up to dine.

Daxi Century-Old Fried Rice
Address: No. 17, Minquan Road, Daxi District, Taoyuan City
Business Hours: 11:00–22:00
Price: Fried rice 35 NTD, meatball soup 40 NTD, meat roll 45 NTD