5Miyahara
Central Dist. · Desserts & shaved ice
Arashi Braised Minced Pork
Local favoriteBudgetWorth the queue
VerdictLean, fragrant minced pork that never gets heavy — the meatball rice is worth ordering too
A minced pork rice specialist in the Second Market since 1992, named a top shop at the Taiwan Lu Rou Fan Festival three years running. The minced pork is balanced and not greasy, the pork shoulder rice is tender, and the stall has a simple Japanese-style look. There's usually a line.
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Review
Arashi Braised Minced Pork is a Second Market stall devoted to minced pork rice, open since 1992 with a recipe from the owner's grandmother, and a finalist at the Taiwan Lu Rou Fan Festival three years running. The current owner trained in graphic design and came back to help after seeing how hard her mother worked; both the stall and its dining room have a minimalist Japanese look unlike a typical market stand. The press also notes that Ho Shun-kai, chef of Taipei's three-Michelin-star Taïrroir, always eats here when visiting his Taichung hometown.
The minced pork rice costs NT$45 and uses lean-heavy pork hind leg — dark brown, deeply aromatic, balanced between salty and sweet and not greasy — finished with chopped scallion, unusual for a market stall. The NT$75 meatball rice is the popular signature: two handmade meatballs on rice, firm and savory. The pork collar rice, also NT$75, is made by slowly braising thin collar slices in the oil skimmed from the top of the pork sauce, keeping them tender rather than dry. The mixed soup, about NT$75, holds handmade swordfish-and-mushroom balls, radish, chicken roll and wontons, and the chicken roll soaked in broth gets special praise.
Most articles are positive, calling it fragrant without heaviness and kindly priced; others say the aroma recalls the pork sauce packet in instant noodles, which is a matter of taste. Its popularity also means a wait at nearly any hour, so allow extra time if you're in a hurry.
It is busy at almost any hour; take a number and wait to be called, and note that the counter and the dining room are in separate shopfronts. It closes at 3 p.m. and on Mondays; opening time is given as 9:20 in some places and 9:30 in others, so check before going. Drivers can use the Second Market parking garage, about a minute's walk away.
It suits anyone exploring the Second Market who wants a classic bowl of minced pork rice. First-timers can pair minced pork rice with the mixed soup; with two people, add a meatball rice or pork collar rice to share.
Why go
- Minced pork rice NT$45 — lean, topped with scallion, never cloying
- The popular meatball rice is NT$75 with two handmade meatballs
- Pork collar rice NT$75, slow-braised tender in the pork sauce oil
- The chicken roll in the mixed soup is especially good
- Take a number and wait; counter and dining room are separate
- Closed Mondays and done by 3 p.m. — don't arrive late
What people say
Liked
- Mostly lean pork sauce with deep aroma and no greasiness
- A bowl for around NT$45 — very affordable
- A clean, Japanese-style shop with handmade toppings
Complaints
- Some say the aroma recalls an instant-noodle sauce packet
- Closes at 3 p.m., which makes timing tricky
- Crowds mean waiting for your number to be called
Summarized from the common views of bloggers, media and diners; not direct quotes.
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Location
台中市中區三民路二段87號（第二市場內36、37號）Directions ↗
Sources
This page is compiled from the articles below and rewritten in our own words. Hours and prices change, so check before you go.
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