Popular Japanese izakaya in Zhongli with generous 100 NT pork cutlet rice bowls

Text and photos by /Zhou Huahua

Train stations are often hubs for local culinary hotspots. "Shangjiyuan," which has been in business for four years, consistently enjoys brisk trade and has cultivated a loyal customer base—proof of its solid culinary skills. This is a hybrid izakaya offering teishoku (set meals), kushikatsu (skewered deep-fried items), and yakitori (grilled skewers). Open from evening until 2 a.m., it’s a great late-night snack spot for night owls.

The restaurant is tucked away in a lane on Xinxing Road in Zhongli District. The main entrance is actually on Section 2 of Zhongbei Road. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the back entrance of Zhongli Railway Station, and there’s also a parking lot nearby, making it very convenient for both locals and visitors.

The exterior exudes a strong Japanese vibe, and it’s bound to feel even more atmospheric as the night deepens. The interior decor is minimalist—not overly elaborate—but this is reflected in the affordable prices, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes at reasonable rates. In addition to the first floor, there’s a second floor upstairs with more seats than expected, so you won’t have to worry about finding a table.

Here’s the menu at "Shangjiyuan."There’s no extra 10% service charge. The menu includes rice, udon noodles, soups, salads, skewers, grilled dishes, deep-fried skewers, fried items, stir-fries, and drinks—there are lots of choices. Some dishes change according to seasonal ingredients. The restaurant writes these on a small blackboard, which regular customers can check for something different."/travel/pic/20171129/6631c20446fdfdf951ec4e4fdab3924c.jpg" alt="▲ Shangjiyuan Teishoku, Kushikatsu & Yakitori Izakaya. (Photo / Provided by Zhou Huahua)" height="401" width="600" />

The edamame served to every table is perfect for staving off hunger while waiting for your food.

Umeboshi (pickled plum) croquettes—highly recommended.—130 NT

At an izakaya, you’ve got to have a drink. This low-alcohol highball, paired with umeboshi, is sweet and tangy—perfect for women.

● "ETNEWS News Cloud" reminds you: Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive after drinking.

Lychee fruit vinegar and cranberry fruit vinegar—90 NT

Non-drinkers can opt for fruit vinegar, with lychee or cranberry flavors to choose from.

Plum-marinated tomatoes—60 NT

These are homemade, marinated for three days to achieve a tangy, flavorful, and appetite-whetting taste.

Grilled pork intestine—40 NT

Just by looking at it, you can tell it’s not your average grilled pork intestine. It undergoes a unique double process of braising then grilling, resulting in rich flavor without being overly salty.

The fat is rendered out perfectly, giving it an ideal crispy-outside, tender-inside texture.

Satay beef ribs—60 NT

Brushed with a light layer of satay sauce, it’s not as heavy as the typical Southeast Asian version. Spices like cumin are added, giving the beef ribs a hint of Xinjiang flair. Though different from expectations, it’s still quite tasty.

Salt-grilled American beef ribs—130 NT

These are leaner beef ribs, beloved for their chewy texture. This dish is simply seasoned to let the natural flavor of the ribs shine. Paired with raw onion on the side, it’s incredibly satisfying.

Fried chicken wings—60 NT

The fried chicken wings unexpectedly became the highlight of the meal for me. They look like regular fried wings, but one bite was mind-blowing—the thin skin has zero greasiness, and the wings actually burst with juice when you bite into them. The pre-marinated seasoning is excellent, with a slightly salty flavor that pairs perfectly with drinks. I could easily eat three on my own. Highly recommended, a must-order.

Yuzu-marinated tofu—80 NT

The fried tofu also surprisingly made it into our top three. It has no greasy aftertaste either, and the egg tofu used is particularly likable. The base sauce is well-balanced too. Though it already has bonito flakes and scallions, a bit of grated radish would make it even better.

Crispy fried chicken thigh pieces—90 NT

These have a thicker coating and a milder seasoning, which makes them a bit heavy on the palate. Thankfully, chicken thigh meat is used, retaining its juicy texture.

Stir-fried water spinach—120 NT

Yes, this is definitely what Zhou Huahua would order. I absolutely love water spinach. After all that meat, a plate of stir-fried greens for balance is essential to keep eating (haha).

Homemade salted pork—120 NT

The concept seems inspired by Indigenous salted pork dishes. The meat is marinated, thinly sliced, and incredibly tender and addictive. Dipping it in garlic-vinegar sauce takes it to another level.

Hakka-style roasted pork—?? NT

It looks similar to the previous dish, but I prefer the Hakka version. The curing and cooking methods are completely different, resembling red-braised pork with a hint of spice, adding a rich layer of flavor. I’d say it’s a must-order.

Salt-grilled cod jaw—160 NT

A huge piece of cod jaw for just 160 NT—great value. Compared to typical grilled fish jaws, cod has a springier texture. Fresh seafood with just a sprinkle of pepper salt is absolutely delicious. Recommended for grilled fish lovers.

Clam stir-fried udon—160 NT

I thought it would be a typical Japanese-style stir-fried udon, but it actually combines Western techniques. The buttery sauce pairs perfectly with the udon, and the clam flavor is infused throughout. It’s a creative dish that defies expectations.

Japanese sake simmered clam soup—120 NT

End the meal with a pot of clam soup for a perfect finale. The clams are generously portioned—three people can each enjoy plenty. Japanese sake in the broth gives it a subtle alcoholic aroma without being intoxicating, staying true to the izakaya style.

Order over 300 NT and get free grilled saury in soy sauce. Though it’s a small side dish per person, the flavor is anything but mediocre. The saury is deeply flavored, even the bones are soft, so there’s no need to worry about bones getting stuck in your throat. Delicious.

Now, order over 1,500 NT at "Shangjiyuan" and get a free bottle of sake. Spend 3,000 NT and get two bottles—buy more, get more. It’s a pretty generous promotion.

Shangjiyuan Teishoku, Kushikatsu & Yakitori Izakaya
FB
Address: No. 29, Lane 194, Xinxing Road, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City
Phone: 03 284 2512
Business Hours: Tue–Sun 17:00–02:00 (Closed Mondays)

“Zhou Huahua, have you eaten?” Eat first, diet later.
Blog Facebook Page