Usually, I'm not someone who particularly chases new restaurants, because work is busy and life moves fast; often meals are just quickly solved. But occasionally, I want to find a comfortable space to "slow down," sit properly, and enjoy a meal prepared with care. This time, stepping into "Chiguo" hidden in a Luzhou alley, it's exactly that kind of "instant relaxation" place!
Chiguo is located at No. 51-1, Minsheng Street, Luzhou District, New Taipei City. It's a distinctive small restaurant tucked away in an alley. Though not on a busy main street, that gives it an extra sense of "escaping the noise." Walking from MRT Xuhui Junior High School Station takes about ten minutes, a convenient yet quiet spot.
One special reminder: the restaurant only accepts cash. Please bring enough cash before visiting to avoid finding out card payments aren't accepted on site.
The moment I pushed open the door, the space full of plants felt like it was saying, "Welcome home." No overly luxurious decor, just the warmth of home, even the air carried a reassuring atmosphere. When the dishes arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. Whether it was the Hua Diao chicken pot with its fragrant yet gentle broth or the pork hamburger steak rice with thoughtful layers of texture, both made me smile while eating.
"Chiguo" isn't the kind of restaurant you rush through and leave; it's a place that makes you want to stay longer and chat more. This post is here to share this Luzhou gourmet spot that I would make a special trip to revisit.
Chiguo's dining space is small, but that small-and-beautiful quality makes the atmosphere especially intimate. Sitting on wooden tables and chairs, listening to background music, and enjoying the natural light filtering through the windows naturally slowed my pace. Especially since I'm used to fast-paced environments where meals feel rushed, here I unconsciously wanted to savor every bite, even slowing down my speech.
This is also what I like most about Chiguo—not only the delicious food but also the irreplaceable "slow living atmosphere."
Each table and chair at Chiguo has its own character. Window seats are bathed in sunlight with softly glowing wooden surfaces; the central long table suits groups of friends, with chairs of varying styles yet perfectly matched without any discord. This thoughtful spatial arrangement gives even first-time visitors a familiar sense of comfort, as if walking into an old friend's home.
The wooden tabletops, polished by time, carry a warm sheen; every angle seems to tell an old story. Sitting here for a meal feels like being enveloped by these delicate layers of time, gradually relaxing.
I also noticed the lighting here is special—each lamp has a story. Some are antique lamps the owner personally found and restored; others are fixtures repurposed from old furniture. Warm yellow light spills across the wooden tables, casting gentle shadows and filling the restaurant with a tranquil, tender atmosphere. This thoughtful arrangement makes one truly want to sit down and savor both the meal and life at a comfortable pace.
I especially love the seemingly casual little corners. On an old wooden cabinet sit a few old books and small ornaments, giving the space an unpretentious warmth. Some furniture has weathered decades and, through the owner's skillful hands, has been restored and now serves as the softest light and shadow carriers. Every time I sit down, I can't help but examine every detail, discovering how those tiny cracks and sheens bring the space even more to life.
Besides the carefully selected vintage furniture, Chiguo has another delightful corner—the bookshelf. Filled with all kinds of books, from lifestyle essays to illustration collections, even cookbooks and literary works, guests are welcome to browse anytime. Sitting by the window, savoring the meal while slowly flipping through pages, the entire dining experience becomes more leisurely, as if time itself has slowed. The presence of board games adds extra fun; this thoughtful touch is not only charming but also makes the space feel even more welcoming~
Every corner here seems to say, "Sit down slowly and enjoy the moment." The bookshelf details make Chiguo more than just a place to eat—it’s a small world where you can relax and immerse yourself in life.
Besides the serene feeling from the bookshelf, Chiguo also offers various board games to make mealtime more enjoyable. Whether for friends gathering or a family get-together, you can pick a game after the meal to chat and play, adding interactive fun. The selection is diverse, from simple puzzle games to strategy games, suitable for all ages. These thoughtful touches turn the restaurant into more than a dining space—it’s a little world where you can slowly enjoy life and connect with others. Watching everyone discuss strategies around the table with constant laughter, I couldn't help but feel these details truly elevate Chiguo's warmth and sense of life.
This time I ordered two main dishes: Hua Diao Chicken Pot $380 and Pork Hamburger Steak Rice $330, plus some side dishes.
I originally thought this would be an ordinary hamburger steak, but the first bite brought a surprise. The seasoning was spot on, with a subtle spice aroma, smooth and not greasy at all. Paired with distinct purple rice grains that balanced the richness of the patty, the whole set meal left me satisfied without feeling heavy.
The pork hamburger steak rice feels closer to everyday home cooking yet carries Chiguo's signature delicate touch—every bite reflects the owner's care. While eating, I couldn't help recalling the atmosphere of slowly preparing dinner at home, but enhanced by the restaurant's warm decor and small details, making the experience more complete. Especially recommended for those who want simple deliciousness with generous portions that aren't overly greasy. The aroma and texture of the pork hamburger steak rice are very appealing, leaving you wrapped in happiness after finishing. Whether sharing with friends or enjoying alone, you can feel Chiguo's slow-living warmth.
I originally thought this would be an ordinary hamburger steak, but the first bite brought a surprise. It actually includes king oyster mushrooms, adding layers of texture so it isn't just meaty richness but a pleasant mix of "crisp and substantial."
The seasoning was spot on, with a subtle spice aroma, smooth and not greasy at all. Paired with distinct purple rice grains that balanced the richness of the patty, the whole set meal left me satisfied without feeling heavy~
Also worth mentioning are the side dishes. Chiguo's sides change seasonally and are served randomly, so every visit brings new surprises. The three sides I had this time were all made from whole ingredients with light seasoning, allowing me to taste their natural flavors. This thoughtful approach is rare—it feels like the owner treats guests as friends coming home rather than just serving customers.
Overall, Chiguo's dishes are not only delicious but also carry the warmth of "eating at home."
Usually, my impression of Hua Diao chicken is salty and heavy, but Chiguo's version is completely different. The broth is fragrant yet not overly salty—it's the kind you can even drink. It carries a light wine aroma but isn't sharp at all, very smooth instead. The subtle Hua Diao fragrance perfectly blends with the chicken's natural sweetness, making you want sip after sip. The pot is generously filled with whole chicken breast, tender vegetables, mushrooms, and some tofu—plenty for two women to share and feel satisfied.
Throughout the meal, the aroma kept wafting, creating a very slow-living feeling, as if time had stretched, allowing you to slowly enjoy every bit of warmth and flavor. This Hua Diao chicken pot perfectly embodies Chiguo's "slow living" spirit—not just filling the stomach but a warm experience that cares for both body and mind. Whether warming up in winter or gathering with friends on an ordinary day, it brings full happiness, and that Hua Diao aroma will have you chatting and exclaiming, "This pot is so good!"
The broth of the Hua Diao chicken pot is truly the soul of the dish. As soon as it arrives, you can smell the gentle Hua Diao wine aroma mixed with the chicken's natural freshness—soft and inviting, not sharp like typical spicy hot pots. The first sip is smooth, with wine and chicken essence perfectly fused into a gentle thickness that doesn't feel greasy or heavy. The seasoning is just right, with a subtle saltiness and sweetness in balance, making you want sip after sip.
The chicken inside slowly simmers in the broth, absorbing its fragrance and becoming tender and juicy, with every bite releasing the rich Hua Diao aroma without any alcoholic burn. What's special is the addition of various vegetables and mushrooms, whose natural umami merges with the Hua Diao wine, making the broth even more layered—refreshing yet carrying a warm sweetness. Even just drinking the broth, you can feel the careful simmering; no extra seasoning needed, it's already captivating.
After eating at Chiguo, my biggest feeling is "slowing down is truly wonderful." In this efficiency-driven era, finding a space to pause is truly precious. The cooking here doesn't pursue elaborate plating or gimmicks; it simply presents heartfelt meals in the most sincere way.
I especially love Chiguo's little details: seasonal side dishes, plants personally grown by the owner, furniture with stories, even the "cash only" reminder—all feel like a genuine slice of life. These details together create Chiguo's unique atmosphere.
If you're looking for Luzhou gourmet or a great spot for private gatherings, Chiguo is definitely a wonderful choice. Next time, bring friends, family, or even come alone, sit down for a meal, and feel the warmth from both the food and the surroundings.
Chiguo
🏠 No. 51-1, Minsheng Street, Luzhou District, New Taipei City
☎️ 0900-634-962
⏰ Wed–Sat 11:00–15:00, 17:30–21:00; Sun 11:00–16:00; Mon & Tue closed
👉 FB Page
👉 IG