Xihu A-Zan Pork Knuckle & Braised Pork Rice

Review

Xihu A-Zan Pork Knuckle & Braised Pork Rice stands at the corner of Yuanlu Road and Zhonggong Road, next to a power substation (sources list the address as Section 2 or Section 3, so search the shop name in your navigation app). It has been running for about thirty years and, mutton hot pot aside, is the cheap eat locals recommend most in Xihu. It long served nearby workers and market vendors, and many people come just for its lunch boxes. When Xihu held its once-in-24-years temple festival in late 2025 and the whole town ate vegetarian for nine days, owner Chen Ming-kuei told reporters he stayed open because most of his customers come from outside town.

The shop braises pork knuckle and pork belly in a huge pot of master stock said to be thirty years old, and you can ask for fattier or leaner pieces when ordering. Rice is doused with dark braising liquid, deep in color and strong in aroma, which reports compare to Taichung-style braised pork rice; the knuckle is the true star, well seasoned and tender. Supertaste lists braised pork rice at NT$55, pork hock at NT$70 and side dishes at NT$20 a plate. Pickled mustard greens and spicy dried radish sit on the side and are handed out generously, so help yourself.

Most diners praise the tender knuckle and fragrant braise and think it is worth a special trip, especially fans of bold flavors. Others feel it is not that cheap for a snack, that the dining room is ordinary, and some long-time customers say it is not as good as it used to be. Overall the feedback leans positive, but the flavor is strong, so those who like it light should be prepared.

It opens in two shifts, morning to early afternoon and late afternoon to evening, roughly from 6 am to 8 pm, and may open only in the evening on Wednesdays; sources disagree, so check its fan page before going. Prices are as posted on site. Lunch boxes make takeout easy.

It suits anyone craving a richly flavored bowl of braised pork rice or a cheap meal in Xihu. First time, order braised pork rice plus a pork hock, tell them how fatty you like it, add two side dishes, and top up with pickled greens and spicy radish.