Top-rated local delicacy in Changhua that sells out fast — the 40-year-old "Night Market Pork Rice"

Text & Photos /Feitian Xuan

A few days ago, I was obsessively checking in at various snack spots in Changhua on our fan page, and one follower commented: “If you haven’t tried the Night Market Pork Rice, you haven’t really been to Changhua!” Yes — I’ve had it, but that was ages ago, and I can’t remember why I didn’t write about it back then. Then, while sorting through old photos, I stumbled upon the folder labeled “Night Market Pork Rice.” The date? Three years ago!!! (Though my current photos aren’t great, the ones from back then are just unbearable to look at, right?!) To sum it up... “The Night Market Pork Rice is the best pork rice I’ve ever had!”

Don’t assume Changhua is only famous for its rice balls — its pork rice is also iconic, with countless variations and die-hard fans. The name “Night Market Pork Rice” might make you think it’s sold at night markets or only in the evening, but nope — it starts selling at 3:30 PM... (basically afternoon tea time). Google says it closes at 6:00 PM, but on weekends, it usually sells out within half an hour.

The “Night Market Pork Rice” has been around for 40 years and is now in its second generation. See the “Sold Out” sign in the photo above? No exaggeration — they put it up just 10 minutes after opening. We were lucky enough to get some, or I’d have been crying against the wall.

After getting a number, we waited to be called — it felt a bit like concubines waiting for the emperor to pick them, which was oddly fun.

Signature Chicken Leg Rice – NT$45If you order the chicken leg rice, the chicken leg is served separately.

I was being extra and placed it on top of the rice for the photo… so they could be together forever. The chicken leg was braised to a shiny, oily perfection — a gentle nudge with chopsticks and the meat slid right off the bone. The chicken was incredibly tender, flavorful, and delicious. The sauce wasn’t overly salty (maybe because I’m not a big fan of fatty meat anyway). Personally, I think the chicken leg rice here is way, way, way better than the pork rice.

Signature Pork Rice – NT$45There’s literally just one piece of fatty pork on the rice. No pickled mustard greens, no pickled radish, no dried bamboo shoots... (and yet it still sells out like crazy!). Even though it’s fatty pork, it doesn’t feel greasy at all. The pork is tender, flavorful, and has a slightly gelatinous, sticky texture full of collagen. The braising sauce is aromatic and super appetizing. The white rice isn’t overly mushy, and when eaten with the sauce, it’s absolutely divine.

If you’re not into super fatty pork, you can also choose a version with more lean meat, but it might not be as tender (and honestly, it doesn’t look as good either, XD).

Shredded Pork Soup – NT$30It contains dried bonito, giving it a more old-school flavor. For the price, it’s pretty solid.

Looking at the scene, I’m really glad I got to try it. People do different things at different stages of life. Back then, I was crazy enough to queue up over an hour in advance just for good food... (of course, I had company too!). Now, with little Cherry around, the timing and circumstances just don’t allow for that anymore. Writing this article is also a way to commemorate those wild days.

Night Market Pork Rice
Address: No. 10, Chenggong Rd., Changhua City, Changhua County
Phone: 04-7287567
Business Hours: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Feitian Xuan
I document my life's food, fun, ups and downs with a light-hearted touch?
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