It's not just in Changhua—these 5 spots in Taichung also serve flavorful braised pork rice

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

When it comes to braised pork rice, foodies instinctively think of Changhua City. In fact, right next door in Taichung City, you can also find delicious braised pork rice. The skin-on pork belly, marinated to perfection, is incredibly tasty with rice. ETtoday EBC has rounded up 5 great places in Taichung to try braised pork rice for your reference.

▲ Night School Braised Pork Rice. (Photo / Orange Dog Loves Candy)

Night School Braised Pork Rice
Blogger Orange Dog Loves Candy loves that the pork here tends to have a higher ratio of fat, with glistening pork leg sections that are very appealing. The aroma is mouthwatering, and when paired with a bit of pickled vegetables and drizzled with the braising sauce, the fatty parts are tender, oily, fragrant, and slightly sticky with a gelatinous texture, while the lean parts are also tender and well-seasoned.

Address: No. 109, Jingcheng Rd., West Dist., Taichung City (near Gōngyì Rd.)
Phone: 04-23200735

▲ Smart Braised Pork Rice’s signature braised pork rice. (Photo / Orange Dog Loves Candy)

Smart Braised Pork Rice
Blogger Orange Dog Loves Candy feels that the color of this one might be the darkest braising sauce they've ever seen. So dark that if not for the glossy fat, you’d barely tell the fat from the lean. Their favorite is the pork knuckle—it may lack the sticky texture, but it’s actually quite elastic, and the braising sauce gives off a rich fried shallot fragrance. The lean part is minimal, and rather than being soft, it has a nice chewy bite.

Address: No. 221, Zhongzheng Rd., Central Dist., Taichung City (near the Zhongzheng Rd. entrance of the Second Market)
Phone: 04-22260180

▲ Li Hai Braised Pork Rice. (Photo / From Taichung City Central District Second Market Facebook)

Li Hai Braised Pork Rice
Li Hai Braised Pork Rice and Shanhe Braised Pork Rice are two of the most popular eateries in Taichung’s Second Market. Both are known for their generous servings of braised pork over rice. They’re open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day, making them a delicious choice for a midnight meal, and some locals even grab a bowl for breakfast to kick-start their day. Aside from braised pork rice, the menu also includes cabbage stew, fried tofu, pig liver soup, and pig heart soup.

Address: No. 87, Section 2, Sanmin Rd., Taichung City
Phone: 04-2226-0180

▲ Shanhe Braised Pork Rice. (Photo / From Taichung City Central District Second Market Facebook)

Shanhe Braised Pork Rice
Braised pork rice is one of Taiwan’s most iconic comfort foods. At Shanhe Braised Pork Rice in Taichung’s Second Market, which opens as early as 5 a.m., the braised pork rice is a bit different from what you'd find in Greater Taipei—it’s more similar to the style in Changhua, featuring large chunks of tender, flavorful meat. A bowl in the morning will definitely keep you full until lunch.

Address: No. 372, Section 1, Taiwan Blvd., Central Dist., Taichung City
Hours: 05:00～15:00

▲ Houzhuang Braised Pork Rice. (Photo / Provided by Orange Dog Loves Candy)

Houzhuang Braised Pork Rice
A local institution for nearly 50 years, this feels like a truly rooted old shop. The pork pieces at Houzhuang Braised Pork Rice are larger, with good color and a balanced fat-to-lean ratio, and it even comes with a side of greens. The price is a bit higher compared to other places.

Address: No. 1, Houzhuang Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung City (at the intersection with Zhongqing Rd.)