Lu Rou Qiu

Review

Lu Rou Qiu hides in a small lane off Taiwan Boulevard beside Taichung's Second Market and has been in business for more than sixty years. There is no big menu board and no phone; it lives on word of mouth among generations of regulars. It is lower profile than the market's longest-queue rice stalls, yet many locals call it their personal number one, and plenty of families have eaten here across generations.

The signature is braised pork belly rice: thick slices simmered until tender, with a well-judged balance of fat and lean and a sauce that is slightly sweet with a spicy edge, perfect over white rice. The owners will pick a fattier or leaner cut to your liking. Soups change with the season: Taichung's own jute leaf soup in summer and bitter melon soup in winter, both light enough to balance the rich pork.

Diners widely praise pork that melts in the mouth and fat and skin that blend beautifully with the rice, along with friendly owners and fair prices; one foreign traveler called it the best meal of their trip. Common complaints are limited seating, a no-frills market setting, and morning-to-lunch hours only, so some items may sell out if you arrive late.

Hours run from about 8 am to 1:30 pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays; check before visiting. There is no phone and no reservations, and it is likely cash only, so bring small change. Paid parking is available around the Second Market but fills up on weekends; taking a bus to the Taichung Station area and walking over is easier.

It suits fans of classic braised pork rice who want to skip the touristy queues. On a first visit, ask the owners to choose the fat-to-lean ratio for you and order a bowl of pork rice with the seasonal soup. In summer, try the jute leaf soup for a taste unique to Taichung, and add a side or a second bowl of rice if you are hungry.