56-year-old local braised delicacies from Pingtung – Hou Family Braised Delicacies crafts Nanjing-style authentic brine duck

▲ The signature dish at Hou Family Braised Delicacies is brine duck.

Reported and photographed by intern reporter Qiu Yunrong / Pingtung

In business for 56 years,Hou Family Braised Delicaciesin Pingtung City sees a steady stream of customers during mealtimes. Owner Hou Xinren insists on personally simmering the broth to ensure customers enjoy the most delicious braised dishes — so much so that almost every day brings new visitors.

The founder, Grandma Hou, was originally from Nanjing, where the famous specialty is brine duck. Back then, having fled to Taiwan, life was tough. One day, Grandpa and Grandma Hou saw a retired soldier selling braised dishes at the market. Grandma Hou thought she was also good at cooking and believed her braised dishes would taste even better.

Inspired by this idea, the next day, Grandpa and Grandma Hou pedaled their worn bicycle, with a small basin tied to the back carrying their own braised tofu, marinated eggs, pig’s head meat, kelp, and other braised delicacies, and started hawking them along the street. Unexpectedly, business took off — from that small basin to a market stall, and now to this large storefront, where seats are nearly all taken during mealtimes.


▲ Seats are nearly all taken during mealtimes.

The signature dish at Hou Family Braised Delicacies is brine duck. A single bite reveals the firm texture of the duck meat, with the salty flavor instantly bursting in the mouth. The refreshing saltiness paired with fresh, tender duck meat creates an incredibly flavorful experience.Years ago, owner Madam Hong Meixin had planned to emigrate but unexpectedly tasted rock sugar soy sauce duck in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Finding it delicious, she not only learned how it was made but also improved the recipe — smoking the brine duck with sugar to add layers of aroma and sweetness.

Madam Hong Meixin mentioned that preparations begin at 4:30 AM each day, with sales starting at 6:30 AM. They gauge the expected customer volume and prepare the brine duck accordingly — this approach ensures consistent quality.Thanks to good business, they’ve maintained a positive cycle, offering customers the freshest meat possible. Regular customer Ms. Tang said her family eats Hou’s braised delicacies several times a week — it’s really delicious, and her father often gives them as gifts to relatives and friends.


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