A single charcoal grill not only roasts delicious food but also strengthens bonds among people. The '2026 Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival' has revealed its popular yakiniku champions, with Taichung City Government Economic Development Bureau Director-General Chang Feng-yuan following the scent of charcoal to visit winning barbecue establishments and personally posting red plaques symbolizing public acclaim.

The Economic Development Bureau notes that from the grilled wild game on the icy Fire Island in Jin Yong’s 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber' to today’s Japanese, Korean, and creative-style grills in Taichung, while formats continue to evolve, three core elements—trendy innovation, grilling craftsmanship, and joyful gathering moments—remain captivating, perfectly reflecting the diverse landscape of Taichung’s barbecue market.

Director-General Chang explained that in 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber,' Zhang Cuishan, Yin Susu, and Xie Xun were stranded on a remote island where roasted meat became the catalyst for easing tensions. Over nearly a decade together, their relationship evolved from hostility to familial bonds, with shared meals around the fire becoming daily rituals. From fictional feasts to modern dining tables, what makes grilling enchanting isn’t just ingredients and heat control—it’s the memories created when people gather around the grill. The award-winning restaurants visited each showcase a unique facet of Taichung’s barbecue culture.

Chang visited 'Wu Ma Yakiniku Zhonggang Branch,' recognized for its premium meat selection and service experience that has earned strong consumer support. (Photo/Taichung City Government)

The bureau emphasized that great barbecue must first be 'trendy.' 'Shangwu New Korean BBQ Hanshin Intercontinental Branch' offers contemporary Korean-style grilling paired with side dishes and signature sauces, delivering distinctive flavors. 'Zhaka Yakiniku Hankou Branch' enhances dining fun with conveyor-belt service; its signature 'Treasure Box Beef' arrives with dramatic smoke effects, showcasing creativity and ceremony in both dish design and presentation—highlighting Taichung’s dynamic spirit of innovation.

Moreover, excellent barbecue requires 'true craftsmanship.' 'Wu Ma Yakiniku Zhonggang Branch' has built loyalty through careful meat curation and service excellence, while 'Chengju Yakiniku Zhongke Branch' employs tableside grilling to precisely control doneness, bringing out varied textures and flavors. Behind the seemingly simple act of grilling lies rigorous expertise in ingredient sourcing, cooking technique, and service precision.

The bureau further noted that barbecue also represents 'shared time' among family and friends. 'Sensen Yakiniku Zhongke Branch' offers diverse meat options and set menus catering to family dinners and friend gatherings alike. 'Kao Zhuang Yuan Japanese Yakiniku LEVEL UP Xinwenxin Branch' provides an all-you-can-eat format, ideal for lively group dining experiences. With various business models offering distinct strengths, Taichung’s barbecue scene accommodates everything from refined set courses to festive communal meals.

Chang added that just as a piece of grilled meat bridged gaps on a frozen island, today’s shared grill brings loved ones closer. Barbecue的魅力 lies not only in flame and aroma but in the joyful memories forged by 'eating together.' The bureau highlighted that from large chains to niche eateries, Taichung’s barbecue industry excels in ingredients, preparation, and customer experience. These award-winning stores emerged through public voting, and the city hopes site visits and plaque postings will sustain the festival’s momentum, converting online popularity into tangible consumer spending. The public is invited to follow the red plaques, explore Taichung’s top-rated barbecue spots, and experience the multifaceted charm of Taiwan’s 'Capital of Hotpot and Grills.' (Taichung City Government Advertisement)