Taipei Chin Yuan Pai Ku (台北金園排骨)

fried pork chop rice (pai ku faan)

As you may all know, if there is one thing Jon likes, it's pork chops. So, a while ago I took Jon and the guys to Chin Yuan Pai Ku located in the food court of Metro Square (Steeles/Warden) for their fried pork chop rice ($6.00 + tax). Apparently, this is the best place for fried pork chop rice according to my Taiwanese friends, so you can't go wrong when even Taiwanese people like the place. After the meal was done, it was certified amazing by Jon and a good recommendation from me.

I myself tried it a couple of times before and I thought it was pretty good as well, seeing as how I personally am not a big fan of pork and pork chops. The chops just simply had something normal chinese or american pork chops don't have and I can't quite pinpoint what it is. But it was good, real good. The portion was big too, enough to fill me up at least. Also, aside from the piece of pork chop, you also get some pickled relishes and carrots, a tofu side dish, vegetables (it was brocolli when I took the pic but it changes) and an egg.

Recently, I went back to Chin Yuan again feeling for some nice fried pork chop rice. Boy was I disappointed. It had lost what brought me back to this place over and over again even if it was so damn far away (I live in Richmond Hill so the drive is at least 15-20mins). The pork chop was smaller, drier and too oily for my liking. Now, when you are famous for fried pork chop and you fail to match the standard you once had, then that's just sad. On the plus side, though, there was more rice! *thumps up*

So, it looks as though Chin Yuan has lost its title of best fried pork chop rice in my opinion. Hopefully, one of you guys curious enough to try it yourselves will find it as good as when I first had it a long time ago. And if you do, be sure to come back and tell me because as for now, I'm gonna go and explore other places, searching for the next champion of fried pork chop rice.

Rating: 6.5/10

Chin Yuan Pai Ku (台北金園排骨)
3636 Steeles Ave E Unit 105A (Metro Square food court)
Markham, ON