Unlimited rice congee with lard and stir-fried rice noodles — Taichung’s affordable hotpot at just 99 NT

Text and photos by /Orange Dog Loves Candy

The periods right before, during, and after the Lunar New Year are peak times for group dining. After all, there are year-end parties, company banquets, and long-lost friends to catch up with. But choosing where to dine can be a real headache. If you’re looking for a place where you can eat heartily without breaking the bank, Taichung still has some great options. I remember when I first came to Taichung, there were actually quite a few “99 NT hotpot” spots. But with inflation over the years, that 99 NT price has gradually vanished. Still, there’s this long-standing eatery, 【Pier 9】, that continues to offer good food at great prices. It sticks firmly to the 99 NT menu without cutting corners on quality. Several branches across Taichung are still doing booming business. The ones I used to frequent the most were Chongde and Wucyuan West, but this time we specifically gathered at the Zhonggong branch near the World Trade Center, which I hadn’t been to before.

It happened to be the day after a severe cold wave hit. Honestly, a lively and bustling hotpot spot like this felt just right for warmth. I really enjoy the vibe here — the high ceilings paired with the all-wood interior, round tables spread out, and the clinking of glasses and bursts of laughter all around. Coming to a hotpot restaurant somehow makes everyone feel closer. I’ve always been grateful that hotpot joints exist in Taiwan, offering satisfying meals for people from all walks of life. Whether it's day or night, whenever hunger strikes, dropping by won’t hurt your wallet too much and you’ll still leave full.

Whether you’re in a big group or dining alone (yes, I’m talking about those of us who sometimes go to hotpot restaurants by ourselves), you can enjoy a hearty meal. What I love most about Pier 9 is that it’s not just unlimited rice — they also serve unlimited stir-fried rice noodles, a service not every hotpot place offers. And the portion of ingredients in the stir-fried rice noodles is quite generous and delicious too. Plus, you can even make your own lard rice if you want. With today’s rising ingredient costs, which other place still offers so many freebies? If you’d like drinks or beer, those are available too. Taiwan Beer paired with hotpot is just the most classic combo.

It’s actually not easy to keep running a 99 NT hotpot place these days. Many hotpot restaurants have had to slightly raise their prices due to increasing rent, food costs, utilities, and labor expenses. To hold onto the 99 NT price point, profit margins have to be squeezed. But there are still plenty of choices on the menu. For me, what surprises me most every time is the “soup” section. A whole pot of lamb hot pot or yam chicken stew is only 99 NT, yet the portion is almost enough for two or three people — it’s seriously such great value.

【Cold Dish │ Fish Ball Salad │ 99 NT】
A classic Taiwanese cold dish, you’ll see this at almost 90% of banquet spreads. Just drizzle with some mayonnaise and it’s delicious. With ten thick slices per serving, the surface lightly seared, once you get used to it, you’ll still find yourself wanting to order it.

【Stir-fry │ Salt and Pepper Shrimp │ 99 NT】
Crispy fried shrimp that’s so good you can eat the shells too. Personally, I prefer it that way. One, peeling shrimp is a hassle, and two, the crispiness and aroma of the fried shells are actually fantastic, with a slight spicy kick.

【Stir-fry │ Black Pepper Whelk │ 99 NT】
Packed with black pepper spice. It’s super moreish when you dig out the meat with beer and chat over it. Order two servings to really enjoy it.

【New Dish │ German-Style Pork Knuckle │ 99 NT】
This dish is also just 99 NT. The pork knuckle is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and is already conveniently chopped into bite-sized pieces. The texture isn’t dry at all, and the seasoning is flavorful without being greasy, though it comes with just pepper seasoning.

【New Dish │ Curry Monkfish │ 99 NT】
This dish is practically designed to make you eat an extra bowl or two of rice, because the curry sauce is perfect for mixing with rice. The white monkfish pieces are as bouncy as jelly and incredibly smooth, pairing well with almost any kind of sauce.

【Crispy │ Finger-Lickin’ Chicken Wings │ 99 NT】
This one surprised me. Don’t let its simple plating fool you — these are actually really tasty fried chicken wings. The crispy skin isn’t tough or dry. I recommend eating them as soon as they arrive. The juicy meat is hot but absolutely delicious.

【Crispy │ Pier 9 Shrimp Rolls │ 99 NT】
They’re already pre-sliced when served, so remember to eat them while hot. That’s the only way to enjoy the thin, crispy crust. The filling is generous, with leeks adding a sweet, crisp freshness. I think the portion size is pretty decent too.

【Steamed │ Thai Lemongrass Fish │ 99 NT】
A whole fish like this might cost around 120–150 NT at a typical Thai restaurant, but here it’s also 99 NT. Of course, it might not be as authentically Thai or as intensely spicy and sour, but it has a refreshing, tangy lemon flavor that’s very appetizing. The fish is firm and tender, and it’s definitely one of the must-order value dishes.

【Soup │ Yam Chicken Soup │ 99 NT】
Their soup is what I think is the best value option — it’s basically drinking your money’s worth. For 99 NT, you get a whole pot with big chunks of chicken thigh that are tender and flavorful, plus several slices of yam. It’s really thoughtful. The broth has a mild, herbal aroma, and it’s super warming on cold days without being overly greasy.

【Stir-fry │ Scallion Beef │ 99 NT】
I remember going to another hotpot place just a few days before visiting Pier 9 and ordering scallion beef there. That one was 128 NT, a bit pricier, but the beef strips were sparse and overcooked, so you had to pick through carefully just to find the beef. But Pier 9’s version is full of sincerity. After finishing the beef, you can keep eating the leftover scallions with rice and easily have two or three more bowls.

Don’t forget there’s also a fridge nearby with free fruit — mostly watermelon, with seasonal varieties rotated in. They really don’t want you to leave without feeling full. No wonder we all love Pier 9. They have quite a few branches — the main Chongde Road location, Wucyuan West Road, and Zhonggong Third Road. The portions are generous, and pretty much every local in Taichung has eaten here. When planning a meal out, Pier 9 is often at the top of our list.

Pier 9
◎ Address: No. 287, Zhonggong 3rd Road, Xitun District, Taichung City (near the World Trade Exhibition Center)
◎ Phone: 04-242249361
◎ Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM
◎ Consumption Tip: It’s best to go with a group of friends to fully enjoy the food

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