A popular old-school pork rice joint in Changhua – perfectly balanced lean and fatty meat, savory and sweet with a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with rice!

Text and photos bySir Three Highs

Every time I write about Changhua, friends who often visit my page probably know another pork rice spot is coming up. It’s not just my personal bias – many people know the charm of Changhua pork rice, which you can only truly appreciate after trying it. Starting in the evening, I went on a series of ubike food hunts. More movement means more eating – just a little self-motivation~

A Gu was the third stop of the evening and is also an old shop. It seems to be run by the second generation now. I passed by once before, maybe too late as it was already closed. The stall is set up in what looks like an arcade-style corridor. Not long after opening, it was almost full of customers, and they offered an unusually wide variety of small dishes.

I didn’t know A Gu also offers different cuts to choose from. I just placed a simple order, and what arrived was the basic braised thigh and butt pork. The meat is cut with alternating fat and lean, then skewered together. Some pork rice shops in Changhua prepare it this way. The pieces are uniformly sized and sliced. If you have a keen eye, you might even guess A Gu’s flavor profile. During the braising process, most of the fat is rendered out, and the slightly springy fatty parts, compared to the richer, oilier style, lean more toward a savory, sweet, and refreshing taste that’s really delicious. The lean meat in the center isn’t overly dry but is a bit on the drier and looser side. If you’re at A Gu and see “circle slices,” they might be an even better option.

I ordered some side dishes to go with it. Surprisingly, the sausage had a very traditional flavor – in other words, not the refined texture you commonly see today. It’s chewy, oily, has chunky lean and fat sections, and a strong wine aroma. People who enjoy this style will absolutely love it.

Finally, there was that half-boiled duck egg. Its rich yolk was perfect for a trio with the pork rice and steamed rice. Paired with a bowl of mixed soup that included mushroom balls and shrimp balls, it made for a filling meal. And then it was time to hop back on the bike and pedal hard again!

A Gu Pork Rice
Address: No. 503, Minzu Rd., Changhua City
Business Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (until sold out)

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