A-Bin Braised Pork Rice

Review

A-Bin sits on Lequn Street in the Fifth Market in Taichung's West District, right next to the long-running Space Black Tea Ice, and is one of the market's most often recommended braised pork stalls. The shop is small and the menu simple, with braised pork rice as the only main dish, yet it sells from early morning to midday, and lunchtime queues are common among office workers and locals.

The pork is braised until soft yet springy, with a savory sauce that is noticeably less sweet than southern versions. When you order, the owner asks whether you want a fattier or leaner cut; add bamboo shoots and eat it with sauce-soaked rice. Large and small pork bento boxes are available to go, and diners also recommend the fish ball soup as a light match for the rich pork.

Praise focuses on tender meat, well-seasoned bamboo shoots and fast service, and solo diners feel at ease. Criticism is mostly about the setting: very few seats, some outdoors in the sun, tables not cleared often enough, and you find your own seat after ordering. Some also note you cannot add condiments yourself, so those who like bold flavors may find it mild.

Sources disagree on hours, but it generally opens a little after 6 am and closes around 1 or 2 pm, or when sold out, so check before going. The lanes around the Fifth Market are narrow and parking is hard; park along the Liuchuan riverside and walk in. Afterwards, grab a black tea ice next door or explore other old stalls in the market.

It suits anyone after an authentic Taichung market brunch who prefers braised pork that is not too sweet. On a first visit, order the pork rice with bamboo shoots, tell the owner your preferred fat ratio, and add a fish ball soup. If you are in a hurry, take a bento to go, and avoid the rush around noon.