Ri Sheng Restaurant

Review

Ri Sheng Restaurant is at No. 66 Heping Street in Xinpu, in the old town and market area. Founded in 1959, it is one of the ban tiao shops most often mentioned in Xinpu. Online articles say former president Chiang Ching-kuo visited three times, which is why it is called one of his favourites; it remains an everyday eatery for locals and is often full before noon.

The signature is ban tiao in dry-fried and soup versions, and bloggers especially recommend the dry-fried noodles for their rice aroma and wok heat. Side dishes are classic Hakka: pork belly with kumquat sauce, Hakka sausage and pork bone soup are often named, along with candied sweet potato. Diners also recommend the pork intestine soup brewed with kumquat leaves, fresh and fragrant, with free refills of broth. Overall the flavours are not too salty or oily, good for groups sharing several dishes.

Fans praise the authentic Hakka food, fast service, friendly staff and solid portions, noting the cooking now uses less oil and salt than before, good for bringing elders. Critics mostly mention long weekend queues, too few floor staff, slow table clearing and some disorder when crowded; some also advise against parking in front of the shop or along the street.

There is no public fixed price list online; diners generally find prices reasonable, so check on site. Online listings show 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, closed Tuesdays. On holidays avoid the noon peak or arrive at the 10 a.m. opening; there are paid car parks nearby within walking distance.

Good for a Hakka meal while exploring Xinpu's old streets, visiting ancestral halls or buying dried persimmons, and for family gatherings. Two or three people can order a plate of dry-fried ban tiao and a bowl of soup ban tiao, plus kumquat-sauce pork belly, Hakka sausage and pork bone soup or kumquat-leaf intestine soup, for a taste of old Xinpu.