If you ask a Taichung local where to go for a high-quality yakiniku experience, Umai Yakiniku (屋馬燒肉) is almost always the answer. Known for its premium meat selections, attentive service, and value-for-money sets, the Wenxin Branch (文心店) continues to uphold the brand’s stellar reputation – and might just be the best place in Taichung for an upscale yet approachable Japanese BBQ meal.
When we first told our guide we wanted to go to another Yakiniku place for dinner, he grew concerned. He had not heard of the place before and told us to try Umai Yakiniku (屋馬燒肉), which is popular among locals. I did a quick lookup on Google Maps to check its ratings and boy it had a 5 star rating from over 45,000 reviews – it was something I have not seen before! Our guide quickly secured a last minute reservation for us and we did manage to get one. Lucky us because this place was indeed fully booked but it didn’t go smoothly as when we showed up, the staff couldn’t find our reservation. We connected them with our guide and they managed to sort out and we managed to get seated around 40 minutes later.
Our table was on the second floor and upon exiting the lift, the restaurant was boisterous and full. The place is modern and spacious, with dark wood interiors, semi-private booths, and excellent ventilation. You won’t walk out smelling like smoke and grease – a major plus.
Staff are extremely attentive: they change your grill plate frequently, and frequently check on you. They poured us their free flow of chicken broth while we looked through the extensive menu. The chicken broth was tasty and comforting, just what we needed after walking 16,000 steps on Alishan. How does the Taiwanese make such delicious broths?!!
What We Ordered
Premium Wagyu & Angus Set (和牛安格斯套餐)
The star of the table.
- A beautifully marbled assortment of Wagyu, Angus short ribs, and beef tongue, served with thick cuts and generous portions.
- Each piece is tender, juicy, and full of umami, enhanced simply with a pinch of salt.
Miso Pork Belly & Chicken Thigh
A flavourful contrast to the beef. The chicken is juicy and lightly crisped – perfect for pairing with rice or dipping sauces. The pork belly is rich and slightly sweet, with a good char from the miso marinade.
Seafood Platter
Includes shrimp, scallops, and squid – all fresh and sweet. Grilled with just a touch of sea salt, it offers a clean, natural seafood sweetness that’s a nice break from the richness of the meats. The staff would specially request that they grill the prawns for you, which they do it with finesse and de-shell the prawns for easy consumption.
Side Dishes: Rice, Kimchi, Salad, and Soup
Umai’s set meals come with a full spread of banchan-style sides, including:
- A crisp salad with sesame dressing
- House-made kimchi
- Pickled cucumbers
- Free flow of lettuce for wraps
- Chicken soup that warms the soul
Final Verdict
Umai Yakiniku (屋馬燒肉) Wenxin Branch delivers a premium yakiniku experience with quality cuts, great portions, and exceptional service — all at a fair price point. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a proper grilled meat feast, this is a top choice in Taichung.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Umai Yakiniku 屋馬燒肉
408, Taiwan, Taichung City, Nantun District, Wenxin S Rd, 289號5樓
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H9hbdpepShPwLJ2d8
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