A Cozy French Bistro in Taichung！Crispy and Juicy “Pan-Fried Duck Breast”

Text & Photos /By Sanga Han

This little gem in Taichung, Xiangyan Bistro, has been around for 10 years. I heard it’s quite hard to get a reservation, but when I called three weeks in advance, there were still two seats left for Sunday lunch—not as tough as I’d imagined (maybe I got lucky). The dining atmosphere was warm and inviting, the portions were generous, the food tasty, and the prices reasonable.

Xiangyan operates by reservation. At exactly 12 noon, the female owner (also the head chef) opens the door and lets guests in one by one, so don’t be late. Afterward, she gives a brief introduction and takes orders at a leisurely pace—it felt just like visiting a friend’s home. The head chef was busy preparing meals for over ten guests, and by the time the main course arrived, there were also freshly squeezed juices available for self-service at the counter.

The bread rolls were bought from a nearby bakery called La Boer—they had a nice chew and paired well with high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

The corn soup had a sweet corn flavor with hints of vegetable sweetness. More bread was served, crispy and perfect for dipping into the rich soup. The bread comes from Luo Wa just a few steps away—I ended up doing some shopping there after the meal too.

The fruit salad was very generous, with nearly 10 different types of fruit pieces, all flavorful.

The baked potatoes had a delightfully crispy exterior, with thin, layered slices that had a great texture. The seasoning was rich but not overwhelming, and even those with smaller appetites might feel quite full after finishing this dish.

One of the main courses was herb-crusted pork chops served with French escargot. The pork chops were perfectly grilled with excellent control over doneness—juicy, tender, and full of meaty aroma, with naturally sweet juices. The sauce made with escargot and mushrooms had a deep, savory umami that complemented the sweetness of the pork chops nicely.

The pan-fried duck breast was quite generous in portion. The duck skin was super crispy—thick and crackly, just the texture I love. The meat’s doneness looked a bit high, but it was actually very juicy and flavorful inside, not dry or powdery like some can be. A touch of fleur de sel from the rim of the plate elevated the taste beautifully.

For dessert and drinks, you could choose tea or coffee—there were juices too, but the head chef reminded us we could help ourselves to juices at the counter, so we opted for something else. The cheesecake was decent, though I couldn’t tell which brand it was from.

The total for this meal without service charge was 1,650 TWD, payable only in cash. We enjoyed a relaxing two and a half hours there, and I personally really liked the atmosphere.

Xiangyan French Bistro
Address: No. 202, Wuchang Street, North District, Taichung City
Phone: 04-22030227
Business Hours: Lunch at 12:00 AM, Dinner at 6:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

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