Dongyi Pork Chop (東一排骨): half a century of old-school pork chop rice, one stop from Taipei Main Station

Dongyi Pork Chop is on the 2nd floor of No. 61, Yanping S. Rd., near Zhongshan Hall in the Ximen area. From Taipei Main Station, take the Bannan (blue) line one stop to Ximen and walk about 5 minutes from Exit 5. Walking from the station takes about 15 minutes.

The family started with a small snack shop on Kaifeng St. in 1971 and moved here in 1979, renaming it 東一排骨總店. It is closed on Mondays. Bring cash.

Upstairs, the ceiling is stained glass and sparkling lights over rows of red chairs, like a 1970s nightclub. The owner says the space was a bare shell when they bought it, and the stained glass went up to hide the pipes. It became the shop's trademark.

A 2025 news report said the building will be rebuilt under urban renewal. If you want to see this decor, go soon.

The signature is pork chop rice. The pork is marinated in scallion, sesame oil, rice wine, soy sauce and five-spice powder, coated in sweet potato starch and fried, with a light hint of wine. The rice comes topped with minced pork sauce, with the day's vegetables, side dishes and a bowl of soup.

For two years right after I finished my military service, I lived nearby and ate here almost every week. Back then, pork chop rice was still NT$100.

Chicken leg rice is just as popular. The leg soaks in a seasoned brine first, then is fried until the skin is crisp.

The fried tofu is a well-known side, topped with a sauce of chili, fermented black beans, scallion and garlic. Great with rice. The soup changes daily; ours was bamboo shoot soup.

Dongyi is one MRT stop from Taipei Main Station, an easy dinner after work or class. Our monthly rooms near the station are in elevator buildings with building staff. Stays start at 30 days, the rooms come furnished, and you can move in with just a suitcase.