Open from 6 AM to 2 AM daily — the braised pork rice highly recommended by "Kangxi Lai Le"

Text & photos byOld K

Time flies — it’s been a year since we lost our beloved dog Duo Duo. Before heading to Sanzhi, we stopped in Tamsui for lunch. It was a cold, rainy day when the two of us, Meiji and I, visited Yuanwei Braised Pork Rice on Beixin Road. We’d wanted to try it ever since seeing it featured on "Kangxi Lai Le," and finally got the chance. Their operating hours are incredibly long — open from 6 AM until 2 AM, closing only for four hours a day, so you can usually make it here without any problem.

When we arrived, Old K was a bit surprised — it looked more like a bento shop than a braised pork rice place. There were even bento models at the entrance. Usually, you see that kind of setup more in Japanese-style set meals, and they also sell sushi here!

The bento prices are very affordable — a price you rarely see in Taipei.

Time to queue up and order. Originally, I wanted to get the big chicken braised pork rice for NT$55, but the staff suggested getting a bento with three extra dishes for just NT$20 more. So I went with the chicken braised pork rice bento (NT$75) plus pork rib drop soup (NT$40), while Meiji ordered the classic mixed bento (NT$80) with radish pork rib soup (NT$45).

Two big bentos and two bowls of soup for a total of NT$240 — quite a bargain.

The classic mixed bento comes with red braised pork, sausage, half an egg, and three side dishes of your choice.

The sausage really has that old-school flavor — it’s springy and delicious.

The red braised pork is crispy on the outside and tender inside, with the fatty parts being especially Q-textured. The red braised pork is top-notch, and the other sides are also good — not too greasy, and the braised egg is flavorful and tasty.

This braised pork rice looks amazing right off the bat. Even though it’s mostly fat — and yes, that’s a cliché — it’s truly not greasy at all and melts in your mouth XD. The braising sauce isn’t too salty and has a hint of sweetness; poured over white rice, it’s super savory. Old K absolutely loves this braised pork rice — it’s really excellent. The shredded chicken is more average, probably there to add a bit of texture. We ordered six different side dishes between the two bentos, and almost all of them were delicious!

The pork rib drop soup is pretty good too — the ribs have more meat and fewer bones, which is a plus.

The radish pork rib soup is also nice, and surprisingly, there are fish balls in it too. But it’s a bit odd that the pepper flavor is stronger here — usually, the pork rib drop soup is the spicier one. Theirs is the opposite, so if you’re not a fan of pepper, be aware when ordering this soup!

Old K’s little tips: Most bento shops have great main dishes, but ones where both the mains and sides are this good are rare. The braised pork rice is truly delicious, and the rice is well-cooked too. This could easily rank in Old K’s top three braised pork rices. The red braised pork and sausage are great too — lots of people order the “Q meat,” which is probably good as well. I’d also love to try the chicken leg and pork ribs XD. If this place were near my home, I’d be a regular. Too bad it’s in Tamsui. Friends visiting Tamsui, don’t miss this place — it’s an awesome bento shop!

Old K’s personal rating (out of 10, higher is better)
Taste: 8.5
Value for money: 9
Dining environment: 5
Price: 8

Yuanwei Braised Pork Rice
Address: No. 147, Beixin Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2623-2301
Business hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM (closed on Sundays)

Old K
Keep eating, Old K!
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