Quan Mei Hang Chishang Bento

Review

Quan Mei Hang is at No. 1 Zhongzheng Road in Chishang Township, directly opposite the exit of Chishang Station, and is one of the long-standing names in Chishang bento. Global Views Monthly reports that it once sold railway lunchboxes on the station platform, a taste many locals remember fondly, and that it was once recommended by tourism authorities; diners also call it the original Chishang bento shop by the station.

The signature is a traditional Chishang bento in a wooden box. The rice is Chishang rice, the mains are mainly Taiwanese braised pork and sliced pork, joined by sausage, braised egg and local Taitung bonito floss, so lifting the lid reveals around ten old-fashioned components. One diner records the signature bento at NT$80 and another visitor at NT$90, so sources differ; check on site. There is also a vegetarian bento, making it one of the few old shops with a meat-free option.

Fans praise the chewy, fragrant Chishang rice, with one customer saying the rice is the best part, and say the wooden box and sides bring back memories of eating lunchboxes on old trains; the owner is also friendly. Complaints include sides that are a bit dry and mostly pork with little variety, and some feel there is nothing special beyond the rice and are disappointed if they judge it like a restaurant meal.

According to Google it opens from about 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., early enough for the first trains. It is a few steps from the station, ideal for taking on board or as lunch when cycling to Brown Avenue. Weekend lunchtime is busy, so buy ahead if you have a train to catch; cyclists can also take their bento to eat beside the nearby fields.

Good for travellers passing through Chishang by train who want a genuine wooden-box bento, and for bringing older relatives to relive railway lunchboxes. One signature bento fills one person, and vegetarians can choose the meat-free box. To compare, buy one each from other Chishang bento shops and focus on the fragrance and chew of the rice itself.