5Miyahara
Central Dist. · Desserts & shaved ice
Xiao Chu Den
Michelin-listedWorth the queueBudget
VerdictAffordable Bib Gourmand braised pork rice and beef noodles; few seats, go early
A small Taiwanese eatery near Shui'an Temple, opened in 2018 and on the Bib Gourmand list. The braised pork rice is rich and gelatinous without being greasy, and the limited thick-cut beef noodles are another signature; with very few seats, expect to wait at peak times.
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Review
Xiao Chu Den is at 243 Daye Road in Nantun, about 200 metres from Shui'an Temple MRT station. According to Michelin, the owners opened a small shop selling Taiwanese light meals and snacks in 2018 and moved here in 2020; there are only three indoor tables and one outdoor table, and it is always full. It is a Michelin Bib Gourmand, with more careful presentation than a typical snack shop, and some diners describe the décor as having a retro old-house feel.
Michelin recommends two dishes: braised pork rice with a gelatinous texture and deep flavour, and beef noodle soup with thickly sliced braised beef. A listings site shows the signature braised pork rice at NT$38, the extra-thick premium beef noodle soup at NT$215 (marked market price), sesame noodles with a soft-yolk egg at NT$65 and shrimp wonton soup at NT$67, plus mushroom minced pork rice at NT$40, a golden pork chop bento at NT$110, garlic sliced pork at NT$65, a braised platter at NT$75, handmade jelly cubes at NT$25 and a half-cooked fried egg at NT$15. Diners say the braised pork rice is rich without being greasy and best with a half-cooked egg; the large beef noodles come with big chunks of beef, and the jelly is soft and bouncy.
Praise centres on the braised pork rice, the dry noodles with mushroom minced pork, the crisp pork chop and the jelly. Complaints include fluctuating beef noodle prices (one diner paid NT$180, another NT$195, both different from the listed price), a strong carrot taste in the soup, a dry pork chop, heavily seasoned chicken rolls, and a sticky braising sauce that may not suit those who prefer drier textures. Ordering and seating can get chaotic at peak times.
The beef noodles are limited each day and some items sell out later on, so Michelin advises calling ahead to pre-order; takeaway pickup gets 5% off, and delivery is available. Sources differ on opening days: Michelin and the listings site say 11:30 to 20:00 Monday to Friday and closed at weekends, but map listings show weekend opening, so be sure to confirm. Seats are very limited, so avoid the lunch peak.
It suits anyone after affordable Bib Gourmand snacks, solo or in a group of two or three. First-timers can order the signature braised pork rice with a half-cooked egg and share a bowl of beef noodles; to be sure of the beef noodles, call ahead to reserve.
Why go
- Signature braised pork rice is NT$38, gelatinous and not greasy
- Add a NT$15 half-cooked egg to mix into the rice
- Thick-cut beef noodles are limited; phone ahead to pre-order
- Takeaway pickup gets 5% off; delivery available
- Only three indoor tables, so avoid the lunch peak
- Weekend opening is disputed; check first
What people say
Liked
- Braised pork rice is rich yet not greasy, best with a half-cooked egg
- Beef noodles come with big chunks and generous portions
- Bouncy jelly and crisp pork chop show the sides are good too
Complaints
- Beef noodle prices paid often differ from the listed price
- Some find a strong carrot taste in the soup and a dry pork chop
- Very few seats, and peak-time ordering gets chaotic
Summarized from the common views of bloggers, media and diners; not direct quotes.
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Location
台中市南屯區大業路243號Directions ↗
Sources
This page is compiled from the articles below and rewritten in our own words. Hours and prices change, so check before you go.
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