Stewed pork ribs in winter melon soup, sweetened with rock sugar instead of MSG — Hidden pork cracklings in Yilan Market

Text & Photos /Purple Smile

Hehe, I have to thank the show "Foodie Paradise" for introducing me to this old Wu’s pork cracklings spot. Otherwise, I would’ve walked past Beimen entrance countless times without ever knowing about this delicious hidden gem in the market. The last time I came, I missed it, but this time I finally got lucky. And get this — they’re open until midnight!! It can even be a late-night snack. So awesome!!

The little shop is located in the Beimen Hawkers’ Evening Market in Yilan City. Right next door is the famous Beimen Mung Bean Dessert, and just cross Zhongshan Road, and you’ll find the well-known Garlic Pork Soup.

At Old Wu’s Pork Cracklings, they don’t offer too many items, just a few small side dishes as well.

Now here comes the highlight — they emphasize using winter melon broth and rock sugar instead of MSG~~~ And it shows~~ truly legit (Jean didn’t have any allergic reactions afterward)

The prices are pretty reasonable too.

We also ordered a bowl of the fried rice that looked really tasty.

The lightly sweetened dipping sauce on the fried rice was pretty good too. The grains looked fluffy and separate, though the texture was slightly on the softer side — still, it was above average for sure.

We were here for this bowl of pork rib soup.

With noodles added — it felt even more filling. When the dish arrived, we naturally took a sip of the soup first. Hmm~~~ indeed the broth is rich and flavorful, sweet and delicious, as if the essence of the pork ribs had all melted into the soup!!!

The boss uses thin noodles, which soak up the soup flavor even better.

Plus the pork ribs, simmered in winter melon for ages — just a light pick with chopsticks easily separates the meat, showing just how tender it’s been cooked!!
It’s on our must-visit list. Everyone, feel free to save this spot!!

Old Wu’s Pork Cracklings
Address: No. 123, Jiucheng North Road, Yilan City, Yilan County (at the entrance of Beimen Market)
Business Hours: 11:00–14:00; 17:00–24:00

We are Ben & Jean. We love food, travel, photography, and gadgets.
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