Spicy sauce double-layer beef burger, juicy and delicious — Mr. Aico American Burger Restaurant in Taichung

Text and photos byOrange Dog Loves Candy

As a child, eating a burger was such a luxurious wish. Back in Tainan, Wendy’s was the top dog, and every time we visited the East Taiwan Department Store, Wendy’s was always packed. Burgers and fries became the rewards for doing well on exams. For kids, just one bite of a burger felt incredibly happy...

That desire probably grew with us, so seeing a burger still brings joy. In recent years, many specialty burger shops have popped up. Although fast food chains are almost as common as convenience stores, these specialty shops still craft unique flavors unlike those of typical fast food. Like “Mr. Aico Burger Specialty” — I had a good experience at the Qianmei branch last time, and this time friends gathered at the Jianxing branch. I heard this was their original first store.

Compared to other branches, the Jianxing branch isn’t particularly eye-catching because it’s located down an alley. So, I spent some time finding it. If you see 85°C on Jianxing Road and turn in, you’ll spot it. The long, narrow space is brightened with vibrant colors, adding a lively feel.

There’s also a second-floor loft area, so there are actually quite a few seats.

Plus, with Christmas around the corner, the shop is decorated with plenty of festive ornaments.


The colorful decor creates a really joyful atmosphere — that’s the energy of an American-style restaurant. It gets especially lively during Halloween or Christmas, and the manager here is another highlight. He’s very willing to interact and chat with customers, which I think is one of the key elements that make a restaurant appealing beyond just the food.


Also, if you order a fizzy drink here, you can refill it unlimited times — another hallmark of American diners.


But in winter, they also prepare warm black tea for drinking, which is a nice touch.

As far as I know, Mr. Aico has quite a reputation in Taichung, so most people probably aren’t too unfamiliar with the menu. But besides burgers, I also really like their sandwiches. Prices are generally under 200 NT per item, and with a fizzy drink added, you can get a meal for around 250 NT.


If you can’t eat beef, it’s a bit of a pity, but they do offer chicken and pork burgers too. As a place for gatherings, it’s actually quite affordable. If you order some shared fried items, the price stays very reasonable.


Because the prices are fair and the food is tasty, I quite enjoy coming here occasionally. Today I happened to bring my camera, so I’m documenting the experience.

First up is the [Combo Platter / 120 NT / chicken nuggets, chicken strips, and popcorn chicken]. The portion is quite generous — after all, even at KFC, a large order of popcorn chicken is pretty small. Especially the chicken strips, which have a lemony flavor, so they’re not greasy at all. Definitely worth ordering.


[Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Wings / 90 NT] — crispy outside, tender inside, with a decent amount of meat. The sweet and sour Thai chili sauce is appetizing, though not overly spicy. Their fried items don’t have that greasy, re-fried heaviness. Overall, the fried foods are really well done.


[Signature Spicy Meat Sauce Beef BBQ Burger / Double-layer 220 NT / Single-layer 195 NT] Of course, there’s a single-layer patty option, but I prefer the hearty feel of the double layer.

Actually, the owner originally trained in Western cuisine, so he combines Western cooking techniques with American-style burgers. Even the spicy sauce is carefully brewed with a variety of spices and ingredients, giving it a rich aroma. The spice level is quite mild — not so hot that it’s overwhelming, but still noticeably flavorful.


After all, you don’t want to overshadow the taste of the beef. The charcoal-grilled beef patty is super juicy when you bite into it, and there’s a slice of cheese in the middle for extra flavor. The overall texture is fantastic, with rich layers of spice and savoriness. It comes with lettuce and crispy potatoes on the side — the lettuce is meant to go inside the burger, but I like eating it on its own.


[Peanut Butter Beef BBQ Burger / Double-layer 220 NT / Single-layer 195 NT] — like the one above, this is also a signature item and practically one of the two I always order at Mr. Aico. Instead of spicy meat sauce, this one highlights peanut butter. It’s also a double beef patty with bacon.

In fact, it’s only been in recent years, since these specialty burger shops appeared, that the combination of peanut butter and burger patties has become popular. At first, a lot of people were put off by the menu name because of the odd pairing of sweet peanut butter and savory beef burgers. But actually, peanut butter is a great match for beef. That rich, creamy peanut flavor pairs perfectly with juicy beef — no awkwardness at all.

They add a bit of spice when mixing the peanut butter, and you can still taste the crunchy bits of peanuts. Though the only thing to consider might be the calorie bomb — but you can worry about that after you finish eating, right?


[Squid Seafood Sandwich / 190 NT] — as mentioned earlier, I really like their sandwiches because the bread itself is delicious. I originally wanted to try their signature charcoal-grilled sandwich, but the manager recommended we try this winter seasonal item: black bread filled with seafood fritters, served with lettuce and potato chips. The sandwich portion is also pretty generous.


The bread is lightly grilled on the outside, slightly crispy but still soft in texture. Inside is tartar sauce and lettuce, while the other side holds a fish paste mixed with crab meat fritter. It’s dry and not greasy, and the filling is really tasty — not inferior to their other sandwiches.

[Lava Cheese Soup Burger / 210 NT] — this is also a winter seasonal item. In addition to the double beef patty and crispy potatoes, it comes with a cup of hot melted cheese. There are also two thick slices of grilled beef that you can eat plain first, then dip into the hot cheese.


Of course, you can do the same with the fries, giving your standard burger an entirely new twist. After you finish, they’ll also serve a bowl of refreshing hot chicken soup. It’s not just for drinking — you can mix the cheese into it, creating a surprisingly unique flavor blend.


I think offering this as a winter special is meant to show that even a burger shop can serve hearty, warm winter fare. And it’s rich, creamy cheese sauce (not overly salty, actually). Adventurous eaters should give it a try. Though personally, I still prefer the original two signature burger flavors more.

[Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Lemon Tea, and Orange Juice / 50 NT] — these drinks are all refillable, making them perfect for chatting. But there’s a soda machine nearby, so you’ll have to pour your own refills.


Burgers are probably one of the types of food I’m not great at photographing, so just take the photos as they are. But I really love that big bite into a burger feeling. Whether Japanese or American-style burgers, I think each has its own delicious appeal. As for Mr. Aico, it’s a solid shop with generous portions and reasonable prices.

So whenever we can’t decide where to go for a group meal, we often end up here. I know there are three branches so far... but I’m pretty sure the passionate owner only works at the Jianxing branch!! Here’s a quick review to share with everyone—if you love burgers, don’t miss Up!!



 
【Mr. A Burger - Jianxing Branch】

Address:No. 192, Wuchang Street, North District, Taichung City
Contact Number:04-22033890
Business Hours:11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Consumption Tips:It’s recommended to make a reservation before visiting
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