Text & photos by ScenicSpots.com’s Liao Weiren
Zhongshan District is one of Taipei’s bustling food battlegrounds, and tucked away in the alleys just outside the exit of Shuanglian MRT Station lies a decades-old, sinfully delicious braised pork rice spot. Today, we’re taking you and our food editor Jingbian to try it out together...
![](\"/pic/20200120/5c46aa4622daa39b8e6cb4eeb8fde2df.jpg\")
A classic braised pork rice that has been fragrant in Zhongshan District for decades.
Just step out of Exit 2 of Shuanglian MRT Station, and you’ll find Xiangmanyuan at the alley entrance to your right rear. The seating isn’t plentiful, but the place is full of warmth.
![](\"/pic/20200120/3e1fc759464be9ac1a9df61815166192.jpg\")
Hot steamed white rice drenched in rich, savory braised pork sauce — absolutely heavenly.
The place is usually packed during meal times, but the staff work quickly. Even though there may be a line, the wait isn’t long, and many office workers come just for takeout.
![](\"/pic/20200120/75858cafcd2af83e2090c4b7115efcd1.jpg\")
The selection of side dishes is also quite varied.
Jingbian had just sat down after ordering when she heard the boss tell a customer that the braised pork rice was sold out. What?! Just barely made it on time, and without the braised pork rice, the visit would’ve basically been pointless.
![](\"/pic/20200120/baa1206f3d089799569918bcbc8272d6.jpg\")
This is the irresistible allure of aged braising liquid.
Specializing in classic braised pork rice, the shop uses the fat from pork hind leg — particularly the skin’s fat — and simmers it repeatedly to create a sticky, rich sauce. A spoonful of this glossy braising juice is poured over hot white rice, where it melts into the grains, then paired with pickled vegetables for a flavor explosion that’s simply mouthwatering.
- 1
- 2