Open until midnight in Taichung – a 50-year-old store’s signature “rrice with minced pork” paired with Dongquan chili sauce

Text and photos by /Orange Dog Loves Candy

A recent news article by a writer criticizing ‘Taichung’s breakfast culture’ became a hot topic, prompting many locals to recommend their favorite Taichung breakfast spots. Having moved from Tainan to Taichung for work, I had no trouble adapting to the local food scene because of its incredible variety. But what impressed me most was the fact that you can get rrice with minced pork (also known as lu rou fan) any time of day or night, 24/7. And the best part? The good places are almost always packed with long lines and no empty seats. How could I not plan to visit them all one by one?

That evening, after working near Houzhuang Road, a friend said there was a really delicious rrice place I should check out. I’d passed by several times without realizing that right at the alley entrance was [Houzhuang Old Store – rRice with Minced Pork & Spare Ribs Rice]. It was already 10 PM, but business was still booming. I thought to myself, “This is definitely the right place!” And we even had to wait a bit before a table opened up.

This [Houzhuang rRice] has been a local institution for nearly 50 years, clearly a well-established, community-rooted old shop. Business is brisk, and while there are plenty of great rrice spots scattered across Taichung at all hours, only personal taste can determine which ones are truly the best. Finding this place isn’t hard—it’s right at the intersection of Houzhuang Road and Zhongqing Road, with bright lights and a noticeable signboard.

Inside, there’s not much decor—just enough space for tables and chairs. Simple fluorescent lighting and a menu on the wall, with the kitchen and serving counter on the other side. In the kitchen, there’s a big wok where they stir-fry greens or offer free pickled radish with chili. The counter holds the side dishes and soup for the meals. Just tell the staff what kind of rice you want (soup is ordered after the rice is served).

Actually, they don’t offer many items—just two types of rice dishes and a few soups. The prices may not seem cheap at first glance, but once you see what you get, you’ll understand why they cost a bit more. Of course, if you don’t want rice, they also have fried noodles.

This price reminded me of my first visit to Fengyuan’s Lu Rou Lai—I also wondered why a bowl of rrice cost 80–90 NT$ back then. But the deliciousness of Houzhuang’s rrice can’t be judged by price alone. Otherwise, how could it still be packed every day?

▲[Signature rRice │ 65 NT$ │ Recommended]

In central Taiwan, a bowl of rice topped with braised pork belly is usually called lu rou fan, though some call it rrice—they’re essentially the same dish. But if you’re unsure, it’s best to ask before ordering. Better safe than sorry. While rrice in Taichung is similarly priced these days, most options range between 45 and 55 NT$.

Houzhuang’s version at 65 NT$ is justified: first, the pork pieces are quite large, with nice color and a good balance of fat and lean. Second, the portion of rice isn’t small, and it comes with side vegetables. For 65 NT$, it’s actually a pretty solid deal. The sides include water spinach and stir-fried cabbage—while the portions aren’t huge, most rrice places only serve pickled bamboo shoots anyway. The braised rpork is skewered, almost like kebabs, likely because they use thick skewers—you might even be able to choose your preferred cut.

It looks a lot like the skewers I had in Taipei before. The meal—holding rice in one hand with a toothpick and chewing meat while scooping rice—is quite bold and hearty. However, we didn’t specifically request it, but when it arrived I quite liked it. The fatty parts weren’t overly greasy in the mouth, and while the lean parts weren’t melt-in-your-mouth tender, they were definitely flavorful, soft, and undeniably delicious. The whole thing was very well braised and tasty. Also, I should mention Dongquan Chili Sauce. As everyone knows, it’s a must-have condiment for stir-fried noodles in Taichung, but there’s a unique phenomenon in Houzhuang: people even add Dongquan Chili Sauce to their pork rice. But I was afraid it might be too salty (considering there was already braising sauce), so I didn’t try it XD

▲[Signature Braised Spare Ribs Rice │ 70 NT$ │ Recommended]

Spare ribs rice is almost always paired with rrice, and the taste and texture vary from place to place. At Houzhuang, a bowl for 70 NT$ naturally comes with generous sides—the spare ribs cover about two-thirds of the bowl. These ribs are typically deep-fried before braising, and the pork here is fairly thick and tender.

Take a big bite, and the crispy fried coating is already soaked with savory braising juice. The flavor is rich, salty, and incredibly tasty. You’ll probably want another bowl right after finishing one. Overall, I’d say its appeal rivals that of the rrice. I wish they’d open one near my place.

P.S. The stir-fried pickled radish with chili is an absolute must-add. It’s fragrant, spicy, but not overpowering, and pairs perfectly with the rice. Don’t underestimate it—just look at how customers keep searching for that pot, and you’ll know it’s a favorite among regulars.

▲[Mixed Soup │ 40 NT$]

If you’re not sure which soup to pick, just go for the mixed one—it’s a safe bet. They make it generously, with ingredients like meatballs, white tofu, fried tofu, daikon radish, and intestines all visible floating in the broth. The only thing I’m not too fond of is their intestines, maybe because of their chewy texture. Still, they do have a nice bite.



▲[Intestine and Pig Blood Soup │ 40 NT$]

A great pairing with traditional Taichung-style fried noodles (the pig blood soup). The portions are generous, though I’m not a fan of their intestines—they’re a bit like chewing gum. But the pig blood is quite good. I feel both the soup and the rice really hit the spot.

Whether you look at online recommendations or media coverage, this Houzhuang rrice place seems to get less attention compared to other famous spots. But once you visit, you’ll see that it doesn’t need the hype—the business is already thriving. After all, fifty years of history isn’t built on nothing. The environment is simple, but the food is genuinely delicious. The auntie running the place is friendly, so it’s naturally attracted a loyal local customer base, from young people to older uncles. Plus, with late hours until 2:30 AM, business gets even busier as the night goes on. Both dine-in and takeout crowds are steady. If you’re interested, I highly recommend giving it a try.

[Houzhuang Old Store rRice with Spare Ribs │ Beitun District]

◎ Address: No. 1, Houzhuang Road, Beitun District, Taichung City (at the intersection with Zhongqing Road)
◎ Phone: NONE (if I remember correctly)
◎ Business Hours: 5:30 PM – 2:30 AM
◎ Tip: Closed on Sundays. Drivers, look for parking along Zhongqing Road.

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