Late-Night Tricycle Eats in Kaohsiung: Nostalgic Old-School Pork Rice & Mushroom Chicken Soup

Text & Photos byShadow

There’s a new late-night snack spot in town. Without a storefront, the owner operates from a converted tricycle under the arcade in front of a turkey rice stall near the bustling Ruifeng Night Market. Though it may look makeshift, the owner treats it as a form of personal challenge.

By day, he works in the food industry; by night, he sells braised pork rice. When asked if it’s tough, he says young people should earn more when they can—and that it’s really not hard at all. Watching him warmly serve every customer, amid the lively atmosphere, you can feel the genuine human touch.

Aside from the basic tricycle, the decorations you see are all customized by the owner, shining like colorful neon lights that add a trendy vibe to the vehicle. He chose to sell pork rice because it holds childhood memories for him—it’s a classic, timeless Taiwanese street food that’s widely loved.

In addition to pork rice, he also offers cold side dishes, marinated eggs & meatballs, and mushroom chicken soup. The pork rice comes in small and large portions, with the large size only costing 10 NT more—super affordable prices that let everyone eat their fill.

He operates only when the weather permits, from 10:30 PM to 1:00 AM, and closes early if the bucket of white rice sells out.

That day, I ordered a bunch of small dishes plus a bowl of pork rice and mushroom chicken soup each—it was a hearty late-night feast, and the next day, I found I’d gained a whole kilo.

The owner takes time during his work breaks to prepare the braised pork, whether it’s pork belly or pork rice—it all needs slow simmering to develop deep flavor.

While braising the pork, he also cooks meatballs, fried tofu, marinated eggs, and more. Step closer, and you’ll be hit by the rich aroma of the braised pork.

A traditional way to eat pork rice is with a bit of pickled mustard greens—it cuts through the richness. The white rice, glazed with savory sauce, turns amber-hued, making it hard to stop shoveling it in.

The pork belly might not melt-in-your-mouth, but it’s tender and easy to eat, with a bit of fat that enhances the fragrance.

The pork rice may look mostly fatty, but it doesn’t feel greasy—instead, it has a slightly sweet taste that makes it utterly delicious.

The side dishes vary day to day. Their flavors are simple, homey, and delicious, with a touch of creativity.

The mushroom chicken soup reminded me of my mom’s cooking back home—this is the taste of nostalgia. The aroma of mushrooms permeates the broth, and the chicken is so tender it falls off the bone. Highly recommend this bowl of soup.

Running a late-night pork rice stall is the owner’s way of testing his own limits. By interacting directly with customers, he learns what they want. Recreating the childhood experience of eating pork rice is the warmth he hopes to share. Next time you pass by Minlun Road near Ruifeng Night Market, don’t forget to stop by for some pork rice—highly recommended.

Tricycle Pork Rice
Address: No. 139, Minlun Rd., Gushan District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 0988-111780
Hours: 10:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Closed on irregular days

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