The biggest highlight of Jiayi Overlord Pig’s Trotters lies in its daily freshly simmered braising pot and fresh-killed pork.

Text & Photos /MIKA

The Celebrity-Led Food Tour was an event invited by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Commerce Department, where we visited the popular ‘Jiayi Overlord Pig’s Trotters’ at the 2014 Taiwan International Pig’s Trotters Festival together with food critic Fei Qi. It is said that Overlord Pig’s Trotters originated in Zhongli. I’ve indeed eaten at this shop in Zhongli before. Their pig’s trotters are extremely famous there—renowned for their glistening, tender texture, Q-soft yet melt-in-your-mouth skin, and that gelatin-rich chewiness that makes your lips stick together. Little did I expect that after being away from Zhongli for so long, I would taste that nostalgic pig’s trotter flavor right here in Chiayi. The taste of ‘Jiayi Overlord Pig’s Trotters’ surpasses even what I remember—it’s richer and more delicious than before. The trotters are glistening, soft, Q-textured, and packed with gelatin, which is exactly my dad’s favorite. I even packed some to take back and serve to my parents as a treat.

Jiayi Overlord Pig’s Trotters—bold and full of presence. Though it may look like a simple, humble eatery, the irresistible flavor of their trotters is no joke. No wonder they rank second for pig’s trotters.

Their pig’s trotters come in three choices: leg meat, trotter tip, and mid-section, letting you pick your favorite part.

Besides pig’s trotters, they also offer braised pork rice, vermicelli, soups, and side dishes.

They even take pre-orders for festive holiday dishes.

The rice is grown using water from the Zhuoshui River, the soy sauce is brewed by the century-old Wan Chang Sauce Factory in Xiluo, and the pork is fresh, local, and delivered daily as warm-killed meat, all slow-cooked using traditional methods over low heat.

Trotter Tip
I’m not sure which part of the pig’s trotters everyone likes best, but the trotter tip has more bones, with smooth, non-greasy skin.

Mid-Section
Personally, I prefer the mid-section because it’s easier to eat and has a slightly firmer, Q texture.

Leg Meat
They also distinguish between lean and fatty meat. Hehe, this plate is super rich in gelatin. Eating it really makes your lips stick together from the abundance of collagen.

Lean Meat
I’m worried about gaining weight, so I prefer this lean meat. It still comes with that soft, Q-textured pig’s trotter skin, and it’s very flavorful.

Five-Spice Squid
The shop’s own blend of seasoning—sour, sweet, spicy, and fragrant—paired with blanched squid makes for a refreshing and crisp bite.

Braised Pork Rice
Made with rice grown using water from the Zhuoshui River, plus a rich, savory braising sauce, with a balanced ratio of fat and lean meat. Surprisingly, it doesn’t feel greasy at all.

Pig’s Trotter Vermicelli
The vermicelli is Q-textured, and when drizzled with the braised pork, it gains a savory umami kick that’s even more addictive.

Braised Tofu, Braised Egg, Dried Bamboo Shoots
Just look at the color from the braising—this tofu is incredibly flavorful. It’s slightly salty, but perfect when eaten with rice.

Mustard Green Fish Ball Soup
Three-Treasure Soup (shrimp, fish balls, oysters)
Most soup bases are made by simmering big bones, which I find rather greasy. But Jiayi Overlord Pig’s Trotters uses lizardfish bone broth—it’s much lighter and more refreshing. After eating those glistening, soft, gelatin-packed trotters, it can get a bit heavy, so sipping on a light fish ball soup or seaweed three-treasure soup helps cut through the richness perfectly. I absolutely love their soups—they’re so fragrant and refreshing.

The specialty of Jiayi Overlord Pig’s Trotters lies in their daily freshly simmered braising pots and fresh-killed pork. The fact that they can achieve such tender, glistening meat with rich collagen shows how much effort goes into it. The beautiful braising color alone is mouthwatering, and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture is just right for my elderly father who has trouble chewing. I happily bought a big bowl to bring home for him to enjoy to his heart’s content. It’s truly a pig’s trotter dish for all ages. This second-place-worthy flavor—you definitely have to try it.

Jiayi Overlord Pig’s Trotters openly discloses the sources of its ingredients. In today’s Taiwan, amid food safety concerns, this level of transparency is reassuring.
Please support shops that uphold dedication and integrity, and back this establishment—Jiayi Bawang Pig's Trotters—that remains committed to preserving the authentic flavors of traditional ingredients through time-honored cooking methods.

Jiayi Bawang Pig's Trotters
Address: No. 452, Zhongxiao Road, Chiayi City
Phone: 05-2710788
Business Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

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MIKA’s Travel & Food Diary