Popular Queued Foods at Zhongyuan Night Market – American-Style Charcoal-Grilled Steak for Just NT$200

Photos & Text /MIKA’s Food Adventure Journal

A friend of mine opened an American-style authentic charcoal-grilled steak shop in the Zhongyuan Night Market area. I went to support them while visiting Taipei and heard that this kind of American-style charcoal-grilled steak has been really popular in Taoyuan lately. Who knew everyone was moving toward more natural flavors? With less sauce and more healthiness, the original taste really brings out the quality of the meat. To dare open an authentic charcoal-grilled steak shop like this, they must have a lot of confidence in their meat quality. The shop uses imported, inspected, U.S. Choice-grade beef, and the entire process involves vacuum packaging with strict temperature control for freshness. It really takes top-notch freshness to serve the meat as-is.

Located on Zhongyuan Shijian Road—I used to rent an apartment right on this street~ how nostalgic!
The competition among shops here is quite fierce, and the turnover rate is pretty high. You need real strength to stand your ground here.

Business is booming—the shop’s entrance is packed with young people waiting for a table, even in heavy rain.

First-floor dining area—there aren’t many seats, but the overall design is super American-style. I always feel like you could just put a TV here to watch soccer games, and it’d be great to have a bar too.

There are more seats on the second floor.


For an authentic charcoal-grilled steak, their prices are very reasonable, ranging from NT$150 to NT$420, and the meat quality isn’t bad either—it’s really great value.

My friend gave me special permission to take photos inside. I think running a barbecue business is tough because you still have to work next to the grill even in scorching heat—it’s really hard work.
 

The meat is grilled entirely over an open flame, giving it an authentic American charcoal-grilled flavor, and there’s not much smoke, which is healthier.

The sizzling sound and that amazing aroma—it’s so mouthwatering!

We were seated on the second floor, and every corner is decorated in an American style.

I took a photo of an empty corner when no one was around.

The wooden tables and chairs have a nice texture.

That huge photo of a charcoal-grilled steak is so eye-catching!

Since Zhongyuan Night Market is in a school district, the prices are super affordable. Main dishes range from NT$150 to NT$420, and for an extra NT$39, you can upgrade to a combo meal that includes a bubbling pita bread, ham and corn chowder, and a Coca-Cola. For just NT$39, you get all these sides—it’s such a good deal. Also, side orders like fries are super cheap too~~

On the table, there’s natural rose salt, black pepper, and chili sauce. Actually, truly delicious and high-quality charcoal-grilled beef only needs a sprinkle of rose salt or pepper to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.

The ham and corn chowder—considering the price, the soup is already really rich and flavorful.

Pita Bread that Bursts with Flavor
This pita bread really does burst with flavor—be careful, it’s hot when you eat it.

It bursts like this~~~XD

Premium Marbled Sirloin Steak 8oz – NT$200
At first, I wasn’t used to the steak being served without an iron plate sizzling—it felt a bit less dramatic, almost strangely empty. But honestly, that’s just a matter of habit. This authentic charcoal-grilled steak is meant to be served right after grilling, so there’s no need to reheat it. In fact, reheating would affect the doneness. So this is the right way. Of course, the plating is important—there’s blanched broccoli and corn, plus pickled sweet-and-sour radish, which cuts through the richness nicely~

The grilled color has a nice fatty sheen and that smoky charcoal aroma.

The meat is tender, juicy, and has a nice chew to it—gets more flavorful the more you chew.

Charcoal-Grilled Garlic Pork Chop – NT$150
I love fried or grilled garlic—it’s almost as delicious as fries. The charcoal-grilled pork chop has that garlicky and smoky aroma.

And at 150 NT, the portion size and thickness are pretty generous, don’t you think?

I think pork chops taste juicier and more tender when served hot—the texture gets a bit off when they cool down.
And I realized I didn’t even need to sprinkle any rose salt or pepper—the plain flavor was absolutely delicious on its own!

New Orleans BBQ Chicken Thigh Steak      150 NT
I’m in love with their chicken steak (throwing confetti)! The New Orleans sauce has a tangy-spicy kick, and it’s especially fragrant when grilled.

I just love that slightly charred grill color—it’s clear that a good amount of fat has been rendered out, and it gives a nice crispy bite.

Everyone knows chicken thigh steaks are tender, juicy, and always a hit. When grilled over charcoal, the aroma is even more intense—absolutely irresistible~~~

Premium Black Angus Ribeye Cap 10oz      280 NT
The ribeye cap comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It’s named that way because its location is close to where poultry wings would be.

The ribeye cap has more marbling. After being grilled over high heat, the juices are locked in, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
The meat is tender and pinkish, with a slightly springy texture—so fresh and juicy. It made me fall head over heels for the ribeye cap~~ This one’s a winner.

Bison Grilled Chuck Eye Steak 16oz      280 NT
Only 280 NT? Who are they trying to scare with such a thick slab, huh? XD For guys, this should be a one-plate knockout meal.
For girls, probably half of it would be enough to feel full~
 

It’s really bigger than a face—16oz is no joke.

Aside from being huge, the thickness is also legit—about 1 cm thick.

The bison chuck eye steak is super juicy and tender too, with a bit of connective tissue that gives it a nice chew. I thought it was really tasty (eyes lighting up). The texture is smooth yet has bite, sweet and juicy. With such a big size, it’s so hearty and tender—it’s almost unfair, I’ll definitely gain weight after eating this, but luckily we shared it among several people.

Recommended to eat with the house’s Mexican chili—they give the tender, juicy beef a slight kick, cutting through the richness and adding layers of flavor. It’s a bit spicy, but I love it^^

Single-order Golden Crispy Fries      60 NT
They’re fried so crisp and delicious. Honestly, fries rarely fail, and for 60 NT, getting such a big bowl is totally worth it.

Drinks included in the set meal
Coke and apple juice—the juice is from Minute Maid, actually. It was my first time trying Minute Maid apple juice, and it had a pretty nice aroma.

Another big highlight here is the energetic, cheerful, handsome, and gorgeous service staff—they bring the warm, lively vibe of an American diner, plus they’re good-looking and adorable too~ Want to experience their friendly service? Come try this delicious, affordable, classic American-style grilled steak. For this price, you get USDA Choice-grade beef steak—it’s seriously tasty, not an exaggeration. Rumor has it they’ll launch new items in July: Angus ribeye steak and a fried combo platter. So excited^^

Bison Original Grilled Steak
Address: No. 280, Shijian Road, Zhongli City, Taoyuan County (Zhongyuan Night Market Area)
Phone: (03)466-0089
Business hours: Weekdays 17:00–24:00. Weekends 11:30–14:00, 17:00–24:00
Facebook fan page:https://www.facebook.com/BISON.01

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MIKA’s Travel & Food Diary