TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC, 台鐵公司), the island's national railway operator, reassured customers Wednesday (April 23) that its iconic NT$60 (US$1.85) pork chop bento lunchbox remains available throughout central and southern Taiwan. Officials emphasized that the beloved meal box, a symbol of Taiwanese rail travel for decades, "represents our brand spirit and will not easily disappear."
The railway company introduced 36 new bento flavors in 2024, selling 9.31 million meal boxes across its network. While sales volume has not yet rebounded to the pre-pandemic peak of 10 million units, the strategic introduction of premium-priced options has boosted revenue to NT$803 million (US$24.7 million), a record high representing 12.8% growth. During January and February alone, the company sold 25,000 bentos daily, generating NT$146,933,985 (US$4.52 million) in sales.
Despite the expanded menu, the classic NT$60 (US$1.85) pork chop bento remains a customer favorite amid recent rumors suggesting its discontinuation earlier this month. Ku Shih-yen (古時彥), director of TRC's ancillary business operations, emphasized the historical significance of the railway's bento tradition, which began in 1949. "The pork chop bento has always been the most classic and popular choice," Ku stated. "It is a symbol of our brand spirit and will not easily disappear."
Ku explained that while the budget-friendly NT$60 (US$1.85) pork chop bento remains available daily throughout central and southern Taiwan, including the eastern regions of Hualien and Taitung, availability is more limited in northern Taiwan due to greater menu diversity. The company operates railway kitchens in six cities across the island, with Taipei Station's restaurant offering the largest selection of premium bentos priced between NT$80-NT$120 (US$2.46-US$3.69), supplemented by rotating regional specialties. ★
