Reviewer comment: No restroom provided.
This snack shop located in Xindian is open only during dinner hours and specializes in braised pork rice and lamb soup with skin. During weekdays, the dinner time is often crowded. Upon arrival, customers need to fill out an order form and pay first, then take a number and wait to be called for their food, with a smooth flow of service. The braised sauce for the pork rice has a southern flavor, slightly sweet and savory, mixed with the aroma of Chinese herbs. The thoroughly braised, tender pork paired with distinctly separate white rice, allows the shiny sauce to seep into the rice, delivering a smooth and rich texture with every bite. Adding a braised egg makes it even more delicious. The lamb soup with skin is a must-order dish. The broth is rich, with a little ginger to remove the gamey smell, and the chunks of lamb skin are tender, fresh, and melt in your mouth. It's especially suitable for winter, warming you up from the inside out. I recommend dipping it in some chili sauce for added depth of flavor. The shop is located under the arcade, and parking on the road is limited, so it's recommended to ride a scooter there. Friends who love lamb with skin should arrive early; if you come late, you might miss out. Personally, I will definitely return! 😋
Eel noodles are a must-try dish in Tainan, and there are many options in the city. Having lived in Tainan for a while, I have lost some of the enthusiasm for famous restaurants that require long lines. Sometimes, the ordinary places you encounter on the street are actually very delicious and not much inferior.
Xiangxing is just such a place. The restaurant has been renovated and is comfortable and clean. As for the food, the eel meat is very tender and tastes quite fresh, without too much sliminess. The noodles themselves are not overly sweet; some restaurants have a sweetness that overpowers the saltiness, making the dish unappetizing.
However, a drawback of dining in is that the functionality of the exhaust hood seems poor. When frying the eel, the indoor space fills with a strong stir-fried aroma, which can become unpleasant after a while. Friends who care about this suggest taking it to go.
I was looking for a good restaurant in the Shilin area when I came across a place with an unusually high Google rating😅. It was introduced on social media, so I decided to check it out for lunch on the weekend!
[Atmosphere of the Restaurant]
It was a local Taiwanese restaurant located next to the MRT. Personally, I really liked the retro and unpretentious vibe! Since it had a good Google rating, I thought it might be a popular spot, but there were only about three groups inside, so we were able to enter without waiting! The ordering style was to write down the names of the dishes on a piece of paper and hand it to the staff. We paid in advance.
[Food Evaluation]
The menu had a wide variety of dishes, from typical Taiwanese cuisine to original creations! We chose grilled meat and a rice dish with a thick sauce from the main menu options.
The taste of the food was quite standard, but the abundance of ingredients was a positive aspect. The rice dish I had included mushrooms, eggs, deep-fried tofu, and water spinach (?).
The Eight-Treasure Soup had a strong herbal flavor, and it also had plenty of ingredients!
[Overall Evaluation]
I had somewhat heightened expectations because it had a Google rating of 4.9, but it was just an ordinary Taiwanese restaurant. The staff mentioned that if you add them on LINE or something, you might receive some kind of service, so perhaps the high Google rating is also tied to a promotion... However, there were many comments from customers on the wall, and since I didn't try the number one popular dish, I'd like to order other items next time and check the flavors! 😅
Translation:
Braces Person Review: There is a restroom, 👍
Xinhuaxi Beef Rice Noodles is located near the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Station in Guishan. During peak hours, you have to wait for a table; we waited for nearly an hour. We ordered the tomato sour soup grilled pork belly rice noodles (190 TWD), tomato sour soup grilled beef belly rice noodles with beef shank (260 TWD), fried egg tofu (60 TWD), and a three-star platter (60 TWD).
The tomato sour soup at this shop is rich and has a sour and spicy flavor, complemented by the grilled slices of meat. There is Sichuan pepper powder and chili powder available on the table for self-service, which enhances the flavor even more. The rice noodles have a chewy texture and are similar in thickness to noodles; the tomato grilled pork belly is particularly recommended. The appetizer, fried egg tofu, is refreshing and not oily, with tofu and century egg paired with fried Sichuan pepper and garlic. The shop offers hot barley tea and water. There is a parking lot in front of the store, and it is close to the airport MRT, making transportation convenient.
I have tried several braised pork rice places in Changhua City, but none met my expectations. Recently, a YouTuber visited Changhua City and tried this old shop, so I decided to go back to Changhua and give it another shot.
Ah Quan Braised Pork Rice is only open from morning until 1:30 PM. It seems unavoidable to queue on weekends, but the inside space is quite large, and I waited about half an hour. The shop does issue receipts.
I was amazed after my first bite! The skin of the braised pork is extremely tender and melts in your mouth, not greasy at all. The lean meat of the braised pork is not dry; it's heated well inside, making it very enjoyable to eat.
The white rice is distinct, and the braising sauce is not too strong, complementing the dish well without being greasy or overly wet. Even just considering the plain rice, this is the best braised pork rice I have tried in Changhua City so far.
The blanched vegetables and braised bamboo shoots were rather ordinary but cooked until quite soft. The sausage has a unique flavor, with a coarser lean meat texture inside, and it noticeably carries a hint of sorghum wine. I recommend giving it a try.
Later, I found out that starting from 2023, the United Daily News organized the "500 Bowls" of Taiwanese snacks, inviting 50 celebrities, chefs, and food critics to each select 10 shops. "Quan Braised Pork Rice" (the signature name of Ah Quan Braised Pork Rice) won the first season in 2023 and made it onto the list in 2024 as well, truly deserving of the recognition.
The old shop in Chiayi City, which is only open for four hours a day, what is its flavor like?
When I arrived at the shop in the evening, my first impression was that the indoor lighting was rather dim. Although there were elegantly patterned diffusers, I still hoped the owner could improve the lighting.
I ordered a small bowl of braised pork rice. The rice was warm, with slightly broken and a bit dry grains. The braised sauce was somewhat sticky. The fried duck egg was a soft-boiled egg, rich in flavor, which I'm sure many people would choose as a must-have side. The pork in the pork chop rice was thin and lean, with the savory sauce overflowing in my mouth.
The most impressive dish had to be the cold dish from Chiayi City. The baby corn seemed plain, but taking a bite brought extreme freshness, especially when paired with the unique "white vinegar" from Chiayi — a mayonnaise that is sweet but not greasy — which performed the best today!
The young owner, who was in charge of the kitchen, had an incredible memory, recalling the orders of multiple groups of customers. He was very enthusiastic, even suggesting we move to a larger table, and encouraged us to take more photos of the shop!
Tianmu's renowned Michelin one-star Taiwanese restaurant - 【Xing Peng Lai Taiwanese Restaurant】 has opened a branch in Daan Department Store! 🔥
I have always loved dining at Xing Peng Lai, whose main store is located at Section 7, Zhongshan North Road in Tianmu, and has been consistently awarded a Michelin one-star for many years. Many celebrities have visited, and it was also a favorite of Mr. Lee Teng-hui.
Recently, they finally opened another flagship store on the 12th floor of Daan Department Store. It’s very convenient for family gatherings since you can also shop in the department store!
As soon as you step into Xing Peng Lai, you can feel the restaurant's exquisite Chinese decor and warm atmosphere. The lighting is bright, and the furnishings are quite modern, providing a different feel from the main store.
At the entrance, there is a striking red sign with the restaurant's name inscribed in elegant calligraphy, creating a very imposing first impression. The dining space is larger than the main store and includes four private rooms, making it ideal for family gatherings, company year-end parties, or festive celebrations.
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Xing Peng Lai has several signature dishes that you must order; otherwise, you can’t say you've been here:
📌 Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
📌 Fried Pork Ribs
📌 Pumpkin Rice Noodles
📌 Fried Taro Puff
📌 White Cut Free-Range Chicken
📌 Five Spiced Fish
Generally, Xing Peng Lai specializes in rich Taiwanese flavors, making their dishes very authentic. In addition to classic dishes, they provide many options for vegetarians.
This time, I ordered quite a few classic dishes, and overall, it was immensely enjoyable and left me wanting more. I would definitely be eager to come back here with my family.
【Fried Pork Ribs】$760/pound
The first dish that was served is the classic: “Fried Pork Ribs.” This dish consists of a bone-in pork rib, which you can hold by the bone and gnaw on. The skin is crispy and flavorful, while the inside remains tender and juicy. Even the bone is fried to perfection, making it incredibly delicious. ✨ A must-order!
【Buddha Jumps Over the Wall】$1580
It’s served in an exquisite bowl with the name Xing Peng Lai engraved on it, which looks beautiful. The broth is rich and delicious, with the various ingredients blending perfectly. The taro is stewed to a soft and flavorful consistency, and the preserved egg is also a personal favorite, making it a dish that leaves you wanting more.
【Pumpkin Rice Noodles】$200
The golden rice noodles intermingled with pumpkin puree are chewy yet not greasy. The noodles have a delightful thickness of flavor. I can’t quite describe it – you can tell that it's definitely not your average fried rice noodles; this dish seems quite labor-intensive. The pumpkin is integrated beautifully into the dish, and it has no odd taste; even those who are not fond of pumpkin will likely enjoy this dish.
【Sauerkraut and Intestines】$320 (small)
This was ordered by my cousin, and since I do not dare eat intestines, I can’t provide an evaluation. However, my cousin mentioned the flavor was too sour for his taste, which he struggled with, but the ingredients were fresh!
【Spicy Stir-Fried Clams】$320 (small)
This dish is also quite intense in flavor. The broth for the stir-fried clams is very salty and rich, but the clams themselves are moderate in flavor and not spicy. The clam meat is quite plump, and paired with crispy stir-fried basil, it is very appetizing.
【Signature Taro Puff】$200 (5 pieces)
The crispy outer skin wraps around rich and creamy taro filling, making it a beloved fried dessert among both young and old. Personally, I find it just okay, preferring the taro chunks in Buddha Jumps Over the Wall which are soft and delicious. 🤤
【Stir-fried Water Lily and Mushrooms】$320
The water lily is tender yet not coarse, and the seasoning is rich but appropriate, making it an excellent accompaniment to rice. Overall, it's a commendable vegetable dish, and the elders praised it highly, so I would be willing to order a plate of it each time!
【Pineapple Shrimp Balls】$420 (small)
Although it’s not a signature dish, it's well-prepared and a classic Taiwanese dish that won't disappoint.
To finish, they served a super nostalgic taro peanut flower ice! This is the kind that was served at banquets in the past as the last course, in small individual packages with flavors like taro, red bean, or peanut. It’s a delightful and cute ending that made the elders very happy. 👍
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I must mention that the service at this restaurant truly deserves a five-star rating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The server who brought the dishes displayed a wonderfully warm smile every time he approached our table. We were seated at a round table, but the elders were in the inner seats. The server made a point to spin the dishes so that they were facing the elders as he served, and we appreciated that thoughtful gesture. It was really touching!
Additionally, the boss lady at the counter greeted each dining party personally. When we went to pay, she took the time to chat with my grandma and even presented a 2025 Xing Peng Lai calendar to each of my family members. It’s clear this restaurant knows how to win the hearts of the elderly, and these small gestures, while seemingly minor, greatly enhance the overall affection elders have for the restaurant.
No wonder this restaurant has received Michelin accolades. Even with a new location, they maintain an admirable standard of service, which I truly respect. 👍
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The dishes at Xing Peng Lai’s Daan Department Store location left a deep impression with their flavors, creativity, and ingredients. The staff were also extremely friendly and attentive, adding to a delightful dining experience. I wholeheartedly give it a perfect star rating and recommend it to all friends who love Taiwanese cuisine and Xing Peng Lai; you must try this place!
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✵ Address: No. 55, Section 2, Zhongcheng Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City (12th floor of Daan Department Store)
✵ Phone: 02-28771167
✵ Opening Hours: 11:00~14:30 / 17:00~21:00
✵ Reservations can be made online or on-site; some dishes require advance booking.
Atmosphere of the Restaurant
It felt like a typical Taiwanese restaurant. I went on a weekend afternoon, and it was reasonably busy, with everyone enjoying their meals, which created a relaxed atmosphere. The staff were very kind, coming to my table to pick up the menu I had written down and asking me on my way out, "Did you get full?" ☺️
Food Evaluation
The price was higher than I expected (though not excessively so, haha), and since there were many menu items I didn't understand, I opted for the normal beef noodle soup this time.
The knife-cut noodles were thick and chewy. They were uneven and short, which made them a bit time-consuming to eat, but they were quite satisfying. The flavor of the beef noodle soup was strong, the beef pieces were large yet tender enough to bite through in one go! The portion size was also substantial!
Overall Evaluation
The beef noodle soup I had this time didn't leave a particularly special impression, so I don't think I'll be returning for it. However, there are many dishes that pique my curiosity, so I'd like to try more and find something delicious!
🚩 Location 🧭
Located at the intersection of Side Road 4 and New House Road in Wufeng District, Taichung City, opposite the Si De Hardware Store; the sign is faded and not easily noticed.
🪑 Regarding the overall atmosphere 🎡
It’s a shop built with iron sheets, with a simple menu and cooking bar at the entrance. There are about five tables for dining inside, with basic plastic chairs. There is no air conditioning but there are electric fans; the table has Dongquan chili sauce.
💰 Regarding the price 💰
The braised pork rice I ordered was not on the regular menu; it was handwritten on yellow paper at $80.
🍴 About the meal ☕
For this price range, the value for money is quite good. There are three side dishes that cannot be chosen, plus they give you a fried egg. The side dishes are not oily or greasy, but I asked the boss for lean pork, so there was a bit too much soft bone. The meat was flavorful, but it was a bit too chewy for my liking; I prefer pork belly that melts in your mouth.
🤨 Conclusion ♥
The braised pork was a bit disappointing, but the side dishes and pricing were quite good. I will still come back to try other items on the menu next time.
The address of Shi Family Sesame Oil Kidney is located on Songshan Road, but the actual entrance is in the neighboring alley No. 540. The shop is always crowded during business hours, and during the beginning of winter, the whole restaurant was cleared out to the point where only rice was left to sell.
Today, I enjoyed sesame oil kidney, braised pork rice, braised bamboo shoots, and also took out sesame oil chicken and sesame oil pig heart, totaling 530 NT dollars.
Sesame Oil Kidney:
The kidney is processed very delicately, with a crunchy and bouncy texture. The sesame oil soup base is rich yet has a sweet fragrance. As you slowly bite into the kidney, the unique texture is truly something you can only understand by tasting it yourself. The tender ginger in the soup is so soft that you can enjoy it with the kidney, providing a different flavor experience.
Braised Pork Rice:
Shi Family's braised pork rice is impressive; each grain of rice is distinct, and the braised pork, while rich, is not greasy. Even if the sesame oil base is sold out, this braised pork rice is still worth trying.
Braised Bamboo Shoots:
Standard fare, it serves as a transitional side dish between the braised pork rice and kidney. It's not bad, but it doesn't stand out; the addition of some braised pork among the bamboo shoots is an interesting highlight.
Sesame Oil Chicken:
Bone-in, but compared to other sesame oil dishes, it's served in a larger bowl. The sesame oil itself needs no further mention. The portion of chicken with soft bones is quite satisfying, and the meat is very tender. The only downside is that the cooking wine in the sesame oil chicken seems a bit heavy... if you need to drive afterwards, you might want to reconsider drinking the soup.
Sesame Oil Pig Heart:
The bouncy texture of the pig heart is also worth trying; it's a different type of bounciness compared to the kidney.
Overall, I've specifically taken the time to visit three or more times just to enjoy this kidney dish. Even with the effort, it feels worthwhile because it's just that delicious.
The restaurant itself is very narrow; to improve seating efficiency, they even use partitions, so if possible, it's better to take it to go.
Highly recommended to everyone!
