If there’s one dish that defines Taiwanese comfort food, it’s lu rou fan (滷肉飯) and few places do it better than Jin Feng (金峰魯肉飯) in Taipei. It is a must-try when you are in Taiwan but there are many competent places that do it well and it really comes down to individual preferences.
Located just steps from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT Station, this unassuming spot draws crowds at all hours, drawing locals and tourists alike. We got there on a Thursday afternoon around 1.20pm and we managed to get a table on the second level. The space was tight even for 2 adults and 2 children.
Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)
The signature dish and crowd favourite. A bowl of hot, fluffy white rice is topped with strips of slow-braised minced pork belly with the meat and fat distinctively separated. Our only grouse was that the meat was barely sufficient to cover the small bowl of rice.
Even though we ordered the kong rou fan (slab of pork belly) with the option of a leaner cut, ours still came with high fat ratio of 60% fat to 40% meat ratio. However the pork is tender, fatty, and melt-in-your-mouth, with gelatinous skin that add richness. The fat on its own is delicious and not overly cloying. The sauce seeps beautifully into the rice and every bite is umami-packed and addictive.
Soy Braised Egg (滷蛋)
A perfect companion to the pork rice. The egg is firm but creamy, soaked in the same braising liquid. Break it open and mix it into the rice for an extra hit of richness.
Meatball Soup (貢丸湯)
Light, clean, and comforting. The Taiwanese pork meatballs (貢丸) are bouncy and juicy, with a light gingery note. The broth is delicate, smooth with starch mixed in for the thickened consistency but flavourful.
Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables
Simple and refreshing. We got the leafy greens, stir-fried with garlic and a touch of soy.
Braised Beancurd (豆乾)
A classic accompaniment to braised meats. Firm tofu pieces braised in the same dark soy marinade and it soaks up the broth well.
This is a classic Taiwanese diner, bright lights, fast service, no frills. Expect a crowd during meal times and tightly packed tables. But turnover is fast, and the staff are efficient.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice (金峰魯肉飯)
No. 10-1號, Section 1, Roosevelt Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TZtGz81hzxyr22vr7
Browse more Taiwan food reviews
