Text & Photos by Scenic Spots Journalist Liao Weiren
Taipei’s Zhongshan District is scattered with hidden culinary gems, and this traditional eatery on Jilin Road is always bustling with patrons. Locals, office workers, and even cabbies are all loyal customers. Its tofu-like, tender pig’s blood is simply unforgettable. Today, we’re taking you and our readers along for a taste!
It’s currently their anniversary promotion—buy one bowl of pig’s blood soup, get one free.
Hongchangji Jilin Branch is located on Jilin Road in Taipei’s Zhongshan District. Their signature dish is pig’s blood so soft and tender it’s likened to natural red tofu. The broth is made by simmering pork bones, then seasoned with leeks, pickled mustard greens, and fried shallots. One bowl is all it takes to hit the spot.
At a traditional eatery like this, the way to go is to order a full table of dishes to truly enjoy the experience.
By the time HowToTrip arrived, there were only a few seats left inside, and several more customers were waiting outside for takeout. After scanning the menu, we ordered two bowls of braised pork rice, one bowl of pig’s blood soup with intestines, plus side dishes like fried tofu skin and bean curd sheets, as well as two cups of classic brown sugar tea.
Braised pork rice drenched in rich sauce.
The braised pork rice here is made with a higher proportion of fat. While HowToTrip found it a bit heavy on the richness, the aroma of the meat juices was excellent, and paired with the pig’s blood soup, it balanced out nicely.
The shop’s signature pig’s blood soup with intestines.
A bowl of their pig’s blood soup arrives piled high with ingredients. The pig’s blood is incredibly soft and tender—it literally melts away with just a touch of your tongue. Not only is the texture silky smooth, but the aroma of the soup bursts in your mouth too. Paired with chewy pork intestines, this is the very essence of street food.
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