Zeng Jia Xiaozhan: Nostalgic Flavors of Hengchun Old Street, Authentic Home-Style Cuisine

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Zeng Jia Xiaozhan: Nostalgic Flavors of Hengchun Old Street, Authentic Home-Style Cuisine

Hengchun Township, Pingtung County

Gourmet

Zeng Jia Xiaozhan, located on Hengchun Old Street in Pingtung, is more than just a restaurant; it's a microcosm of a family's history. From its early days as a grocery store to its current incarnation as a distinctive restaurant, Zeng Jia Xiaozhan has witnessed the changing times of Hengchun and carries the shared memories of countless locals. Stepping inside is like traveling through a time tunnel, back to a simple and beautiful era.

The restaurant was founded by a young brother and sister who come from a sheep-farming family in Checheng. Passionate about cooking, they started by selling braised pork rice from a small stall on Hengchun Old Street, using slow-cooked pork belly paired with a unique sauce, quickly gaining popularity with customers. Encouraged by customers, they officially opened the restaurant in June 2015, preserving the old stall as a memento of their entrepreneurial beginnings, and incorporating their own fresh lamb into the menu. The logo design combines the characters "sheep" and "Zeng," symbolizing their commitment to never forgetting their roots.

The restaurant emphasizes sharing heartfelt cuisine, growing from a small stall to a popular eatery. Thanks to the efforts of the second-generation owners, Mr. and Mrs. Zeng, Zeng Jia Xiaozhan has become renowned for its authentic home-style dishes, making it an unmissable culinary landmark on Hengchun Old Street.

The interior is clean and bright, accommodating over ten tables, making it suitable for group dining. Both a la carte and set meals are available, and it's recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid waiting. During peak hours, there may be a time limit of approximately 1 hour, but the dishes are served quickly. The parking lot is spacious and free, with about 30 parking spaces. The restaurant is very popular, and waiting times are common during peak hours, so it's advisable to book in advance. Due to the large number of customers, dining time may be limited to about one hour during peak hours, but the food is usually served very quickly.

The menu mainly features traditional Taiwanese home-style dishes, emphasizing the freshness and original flavors of the ingredients. There are no elaborate presentations, only delicious food cooked with heart. Signature dishes include braised pork belly, with a good balance of lean and fat, rich in collagen, and with a soft, chewy texture; crispy chicken, which is thinly crispy and tender, leaving you wanting more; mouthwatering chicken, a cold dish suitable as an appetizer; and refreshing chilled ferns with a satisfying taste. Other popular dishes include braised pork rice, golden kimchi, three-cup tofu, clam soup, and steamed grouper in ancient style, mostly home-style Taiwanese dishes that are satisfying and of above-average quality.

In addition to a la carte dishes, Zeng Jia Xiaozhan also offers set meals, perfect for family gatherings or outings with friends. Here, you can taste the flavors of home and experience a simple sense of warmth.

Zeng Jia Xiaozhan

Address: No. 558, Section 2, Shenbei Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00–14:30, 17:00–21:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00–15:00, 17:00–21:00 (Special holidays may vary, it is recommended to confirm in advance)
Transportation: If taking a bus, you will need to take it to near Hengchun Township, but because the restaurant is located on the side of the provincial highway and is a distance from the city, it is recommended to take a taxi or rent transportation after getting off the bus for easier access.

Published in 2021