Hei Zhu Zao Braised Pork Rice

Review

Hei Zhu Zao Braised Pork Rice is at No. 59 Zhongshan Road, just a few doors from A-Zhen Meat Buns, and has been open for about twenty-five years. A yam.com article captures its popularity by saying even police officers join the queue, while Supertaste introduces it as the cheapest in Lukang and gone if you come late. A 2025 roundup of Lukang food also lists it as a signature afternoon snack.

The signature braised pork belly rice uses hand-cut pork, evenly fatty and lean, glossy and tender with a deep soy flavor; the skin is springy and even the fat is well seasoned, almost melting in the mouth and perfect over rice. It comes with a bowl of sweet, clear braised cabbage soup in which the cabbage keeps a little crunch, cutting the richness. There is also minced pork rice, pork knuckle rice, braised eggs and pickled greens. Diners suggest a sprinkle of white pepper and mixing the egg yolk into the rice.

A Dcard user recorded a small pork belly rice at NT$50, small minced pork rice at NT$30 and a braised egg at NT$15, while earlier articles list the small pork belly rice at NT$40 to 45 and the cabbage soup at NT$20, so prices have risen over time. Most people praise the tender, flavorful pork and fair prices. The minced pork rice is sticky and sweet in the southern style, which its fans love, but some say it is not especially memorable and wish there were more pork. At mealtimes the line often reaches next door, and it is crowded even on weekdays.

It opens only around 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. and runs until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m., closing once sold out. Sources disagree on closing days: some say Tuesday, some Tuesday and Saturday, others Sunday through Tuesday, so be sure to check before going. Takeaway customers queue, while dine-in guests find their own seats and wait for staff to take the order. The owner looks stern but is actually friendly and greets every customer warmly.

It suits anyone finishing an afternoon on the old street who wants an affordable rice bowl as a snack or early dinner. Order a small pork belly rice with cabbage soup and a braised egg; if you want to try both, add a small minced pork rice to compare, and go early to be safe.