As a lifelong Taipeian, I’ve had the privilege of growing up surrounded by Taiwan’s most delicious street food. And that includes the best braised pork rice in Taipei.
Let’s face it, plain white rice can be a bit boring. But elevate it with a rich, savory braised pork sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s simply irresistible. The tender, fatty pork, slow-cooked to perfection, is the perfect complement to the fluffy rice.
Source: 天下雜誌
Trust me, I’ve tried ’em all, from the hole-in-the-wall joints to the Michelin-starred restaurants. So, if you’re ready to try out Taiwan’s most iconic dish, braised pork rice, minced pork over rice, Lu Rou Fan or whatever you want to call it; grab your chopsticks and let me guide you to the best braised pork rice in Taipei.
As with my other food guides, I try to prioritize the accessibility of the restaurant so you can easily fit it into your itinerary. I also help you decide on which one to try by listing out who is best for which restaurant.
Braised Pork Rice vs Minced Pork Rice
Before I dive into my favorite braised pork rice in Taipei, there is something you need to know about this dish. It might sound stupid, but Taiwanese take food very seriously.
Have you ever wondered about the difference between braised pork rice (Lu rou fan 滷肉飯 or 魯肉飯) and minced pork rice (Rou Zao Fan 肉燥飯) ? Are they the same dish? If so, which one is THE dish of Taiwan? It’s a debate that has divided the nation! Taiwanese cuisine sure has an interesting history.
Source: 楊桃美食網
Braised Pork Rice usually refers to a hearty dish with big chunks of pork, often with a mix of lean and fatty meat. The pork is slowly braised in a rich, flavorful sauce until it’s tender and juicy. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Minced Pork Rice, on the other hand, is “often” made with finely chopped pork that’s stir-fried with seasonings and sauce. It’s lighter and more delicate than braised pork rice, and it has a more pronounced meaty flavor.
In my opinion, it might be easier think of the two dish as the same but on different spectrums. On one side we have minced (fine and lean); on the other side we have braised (chunky and fatty).
Different restaurants land in slightly different place on this spectrum, and they obviously each have their own unique formula. Every braised pork rice is different and I will try my best to point them out to you.
Wong’s Broth 小王煮瓜
📍 Google Maps, 8 min from Longshan Temple MRT Station (Orange Line)
❤️ Best for: Longshan Temple visitors, travelers from Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2
Source: Wang’s Broth FB Page
If I can only recommend one braised pork rice, it has to be Wong’s Broth. Apparently, the michelin guide has a similar opinion too.
Wong’s is famous for its “black gold” braised pork rice! The meat is so flavorful, it’s almost black. When you mix it with the hot rice, the pork fat melts, and every bite is full of delicious flavor. You have to try their “melon seed pork soup” too! It’s a sweet and savory broth with tender pork and a hint of pepper.
This is my favorite place to eat in Taipei! They are located just by Longshan temple and now even have a location at Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 (4th floor food court). The food is amazing, and the seating is renovated and super comfortable.
Ready to visit? We got you covered with our favorite restaurants near Longshan Temple!
Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice 金峰滷肉飯
📍 Google Maps, 1 min from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT Station (Red/Green Line)
❤️ Best for Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall visitors, who prefer lighter dishes
Source: TVBS
Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice is a famous restaurant in Taipei that’s been around for over 40 years! They’re open from 9 AM to 1 AM. Even when it’s not peak hours, the restaurant is always busy with both locals and tourists.
One of my favorite things at Jin Feng is their additional preserved mustard greens to their braised pork rice. They’re so tasty and go perfectly with the rice. The braised pork rice is also really good. It’s not too greasy or salty, and it’s a bit lighter than other braised pork rice restaurants.
I also highly recommend the braised duck eggs and the meatball soup. The duck eggs are cooked just right, and the soup is clear and flavorful. If you have time, also check out other recommended restaurants near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial!
Formosa Chang 鬍鬚張
❤️ Best for: who loves great service and hygiene standards, who needs flexibility for location
Source: Formosa Chang Website
Formosa Chang is a famous Taiwanese restaurant chain known for its delicious braised pork rice. They might be a bit more expensive than other places, but the hygiene of their kitchen, quality of their food and service is top-notch. They have stores all over Taiwan, so you can easily find one to try.
Imagine this: each pig only gives up a tiny bit of the best meat (around the neck) for Formosa Chang’s braised pork. They take this special meat and cook it slowly for hours and hours, using a secret recipe that makes it so tender and tasty. To make sure every bowl is perfect, they even use scientific tools to check the flavor!
The rice they use is also top-quality, and they cook it just right so that every grain is full of flavor. And get this, they add these yummy pickles called Nara pickles, which makes the whole dish taste even better!
Ai Zi Cai Braised Pork Rice 矮仔財滷肉飯
📍 Google Maps, 8 min from Beitou MRT Station (Red Line)
❤️ Best for: Beitou visitors, local market lovers
Source: TVBS
What makes Ai Zi Cai so special is their dedication to traditional flavors.
Every morning, the owner goes to the market to pick the freshest pork. He uses special cuts of pork and cooks them slowly over many hours to create a rich, flavorful broth. Their signature pork soup is made with premium pork and other delicious ingredients.
Every step, from choosing the ingredients to the cooking process, is done with care. Besides their famous braised pork rice, they also offer other yummy dishes like braised pork trotters, braised tofu, and braised large intestine.
You can find Ai Zi Kai in the Beitou Zhongji Market. On your trip to the relaxing hot springs of Beitou, do not forget to include Ai Zi Cai and other tasty Beitou dishes.
A-Yi Braised Pork Rice 阿義滷肉飯
📍 Google Maps, 8 min from Longshan Temple MRT Station (Orange Line)
❤️ Best for: Longshan Temple visitors, seafood or oyster lovers
Source: TVBS
As soon as you step inside, you’ll see the bustling staff scooping up steaming bowls of their famous dish. One of their most popular items is the Oyster Braised Pork Rice, which has even been named one of Taiwan’s top ten unique braised pork rice dishes.
This bowl is a sight to behold, with a mountain of oysters, pork, and green onions. The combination of rich, savory pork and sweet, juicy oysters is simply amazing. The crispy garlic bits add a nice crunch to every bite.
However, I personally prefer to order the oysters and braised pork rice separately, but the combination is truly special. And don’t forget to try their pork bone soup! The broth is so flavorful and the pork is incredibly tender.
If you love seafood, maybe you want to check out the best sushi in Taipei!
A-Cai Milkfish Belly 阿財虱目魚肚
📍 Google Maps, 5 min from Ximengding MRT Station (Blue/Green Line)
❤️ Best for: late night snackers, Ximending visitors
Source: Auntie.tw
If you’re ever in Taipei and looking for a late-night snack, A-Cai Milkfish is the place to go.
This Ximending eatery doesn’t open until 10 PM and operates until 5am, so you can satisfy your cravings even in the wee hours of the morning. Known for its delicious braised pork rice and fish belly, A-Cai Milkfish is a favorite among night owls.
The braised pork rice is definitely a must-try. The pork is tender and flavorful, with a good balance of fat and lean meat. It’s served with a generous amount of gravy, which soaks into the rice perfectly. If you like a bit of spice, you can ask for some chili sauce to add to your meal.
However, note that while the kitchen does a great job of preparing the food, the ventilation isn’t the best, so you might notice a bit of a smoky smell.
You can also find a lot of tasty milkfish in Kenting Beach too.
San Yuan Hao Braised Pork Rice 三元號滷肉飯
📍 Google Maps, 10 min from Zhongshan MRT Station (Red/Green Line)
❤️ Best for: Dadaocheng visitors, lean meat lovers, breakfast
Source: LINE Buy
Sanyuan Restaurant is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a bowl of traditional Taiwanese comfort food. They are open from 9am! The newly renovated dining area is clean and bright, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
While the menu may not be extensive, it offers a few classic dishes that they do exceptionally well. Their star items are undoubtedly the braised pork rice and the shark’s fin meatball soup.
The braised pork rice at Sanyuan is made with lean pork, but it’s incredibly flavorful. The meat is tender and juicy, and the sauce has a rich, savory flavor. It’s a little sweeter than some other braised pork rice I’ve had, but it’s still very delicious and pairs perfectly with the rice.
The shark’s fin meatball soup is another must-try. The soup is filled with a variety of ingredients, including bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and meatball, and it has a complex flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
Xiang Man Yuan 香滿園
📍 Google Maps, 2 min from Shuanglian MRT Station (Red Line)
❤️ Best for: breakfast/brunch, local experience adventurer, pickled and spicy food lovers
Source: 跳躍的宅男，Walkerland
Tucked away in a small alley near Shuanglian MRT Station, this hidden gem has been serving up delicious food for over 60 years! They open early in the morning, making it a great spot for a hearty breakfast.
Their signature dish is the braised pork rice with pickled mustard greens. The pork is so tender and flavorful, and the tangy pickled greens add a refreshing kick. If you like spicy food, don’t forget to add some chili peppers!
Besides the braised pork rice, they also offer a variety of other delicious dishes, including soup and side dishes. You can choose from a selection of side dishes, similar to a buffet.
If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Taiwanese breakfast, this is the place to go!
A-Er Mala Hotpot 雲鼎阿二麻辣食堂
📍 Have stores in Shipai, Zhongshan, Tonghua, Yonkang and more
❤️ Best for: spicy food lovers, hotspot lovers, Shipai visitors
Source: Uber Eats
A-Er Mala Hotpot is famous for its small spicy Sichuan hotpot, but their braised pork rice must not be missed! Instead of using pre-made soup packs, they carefully blend 48 different spices from all over the world which makes their soup extra delicious.
A-er provides a variety of hot pot flavors and each person usually orders their own small pot. The braised pork rice is a must-add. This restaurant is actually my personal favorite as I love a good fatty braised pork rice with spicy food!
It’s made with a generous amount of pork, with a perfect balance of lean and fatty meat. The rich, flavorful sauce soaks into the rice, making every bite satisfying.
Taipei MRT Braised Pork Rice Map
Source: Taipei Metro
Countless braised pork rice restaurants waiting for you to find!
If you are obsessed with this fatty dish, I think you’ll love this map released by Taipei Metro. Every neighborhood really has their favorite food stall for a simple quick meal! Even I have not tried every single one of these, and it is by no means a comprehensive list.
If you want to take on the challenge, let me know how it goes!
That’s a wrap! I hope you find at least one or two in this list that will work for your itinerary.
It is very tough to compile this list, there are such a variety of flavors and ways to cook braised pork rice. They certainly captured my heart, and many Taiwanese locals, I am sure you will enjoy it too.
If you like our food guides, you can find more of them in our compiled list of local Taiwanese food guides.
