Daxi Century-Old Oil Rice | Taoyuan Signature Dish

The oil rice stall on Daxi Old Street does not rely on advertising — it relies on the stomachs of generations of Daxi locals. Long glutinous rice is cooked together with lard, soy sauce, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp; the fat coats every grain evenly, producing not a greasy sensation but a moist, fragrant richness. According to reports, the tradition has been passed down for over a century, and it is available year-round — not limited to festivals. That quality of being "a century-old everyday stall that is simply always there" is itself the most authentic mark of Daxi Old Street's local character.

What is Daxi oil rice

Taiwanese-style oil rice features long glutinous rice as the main ingredient, prepared in two stages: the glutinous rice is soaked in water and steamed until cooked, then shredded shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and fried shallots are stir-fried in fragrant oil, seasoned with soy sauce and lard, and thoroughly tossed together with the glutinous rice. The finished rice grains are plump and distinct — they do not clump — and the color is a deep, glossy brown. The savory umami of shiitake, the sea fragrance of dried shrimp, and the crispy shallot aroma layer together; the texture is moist, springy, and sticky without being gummy. The Daxi Old Street version is a modest serving, presented in a bowl, priced affordably, and ideal for eating while strolling the old street.

Daxi Old Street (along Zhongshan Road and Heping Road) is famous for its Baroque-style row houses and is one of Taoyuan's historically richest old streets. The oil rice stall has been operating here for over a century, serving year-round rather than only during festivals — a fixed presence in the old street's ecosystem, not a pop-up vendor for tourist events. Lite Travel's "28 Must-Eat Foods on Daxi Old Street" confirms "century-old oil rice" as a representative item, and it is mentioned in multiple Daxi Old Street food articles as well.

How to eat it authentically

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A bowl on the way throughDaxi oil rice is a modest serving at a low price — best enjoyed as a snack while exploring the old street. No need to queue at a special time; just walk up to the stall and order a bowl naturally.

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A little chili sauce makes it completeSome stalls offer house-made chili sauce or soy paste; adding a touch of either noticeably lifts the flavor. Asking whether there is any sauce is a habit among regular customers.

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Weekend mornings draw the biggest crowdsDaxi Old Street gets very busy on weekends, with the heaviest visitor concentration from 10 a.m. to noon. Visiting on a weekday gives you more space to eat at a comfortable pace.

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Pair it with tofu for the most local combinationDaxi tofu is another century-old tradition of the old street. Oil rice paired with braised tofu is the combination locals choose most often, and the two stalls are usually not far apart.

Local knowledge

Verified sources

Lite Travel's "28 Must-Eat Foods on Daxi Old Street" explicitly lists "century-old oil rice" as a representative item on the old street, with media coverage to support the claim.
Multiple Daxi Old Street food articles (from Shi Shang Wan Jia and local blogs) mention the oil rice stall as a fixed landmark on the street, not a passing vendor.
Daxi Old Street is a historic district managed by the Taoyuan City Bureau of Cultural Affairs, and the traditional food within it carries a degree of cultural preservation status.

Visitor tips

Most Daxi oil rice stalls have no official shop name or online presence. Once you are on the old street, ask local shopkeepers or follow the direction of the crowds to find the stall.
Oil rice is a hot dish. In summer heat, it is best eaten early; stalls typically supply from morning until sold out in the afternoon, and it may not be available by evening.
Daxi Old Street has limited parking on weekends. Taking the Daxi Old Street shuttle bus or arriving early is recommended; parking lots are mostly on the periphery of the old street.

Sources: Lite Travel "28 Must-Eat Foods on Daxi Old Street"; multiple Daxi Old Street food articles. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own photography.

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