These days, thin is in. ''Food'' is a four-letter word. Almost everyone is on a diet. Me too, on my way achieving my desired body shape. I mean, look at the fats on my belly and thighs. *crying at a corner* But wait, did you just say food in Taiwan?
There is no love sincerer than the love of food.
-George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950)
One of the best things about Taiwan is undeniably the food. It is simply irresistible! Mention Taiwan and anyone would immediately think of night markets and street food. In Taipei alone, there are many night markets that offer an amazing array of mouth-watering street food. Here I have compiled a list of must-try food in Taiwan, and hey, each of them has a secret message behind it! TIME TO EAT! And appreciate :)
#1 Braised pork rice (滷肉飯)
"Where there's a wisp of smoke from the kitchen chimney, there will be braised pork rice," goes the Taiwanese saying. In days gone by when meat products were unaffordable for most regular families, this humble dish of minced pork braised in soy sauce, rice wine, and five-spice over a bed of rice became a cost-effective but mouth-watering meal for the whole family. This explains why it holds a special place in the hearts of the Taiwanese. A little sweet, a little salty, simple but addictive.
Appreciate the simple things in life
#2 Fried Stinky Tofu (炸臭豆腐)
Just as the name suggests, this tofu is extra stinky - the odour can be smelled from 20 meters away! The smell of it comes from it being preserved and fermented from beancurd. People who love it say that the stronger the smell, the better the taste. Just like durian, you either love it or hate it. Silky soft inside and crunchy on the outside. Well you've got to try it to know!
Never judge a book by its cover
#3 Oyster Vermicelli (蚵仔麵線)
Another must try Taiwanese dish - a bowl of hearty oyster vermicelli that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. A bowl of good oyster vermicelli should have a thick, flavorful soup base while the thin rice noodles and oysters retain their distinct texture. Some people add chopped intestines for a funky dimension to the soup. Gooey and slurpable.
Warm and Homey, Rich and Hearty
#4 Fried Chicken Cutlet (炸雞排)
Many street food dishes have relatively petite portions, but it is definitely not the case with Taiwan's fried chicken cutlet - they want it big - and the bigger, the better. Just look at the massive size of this meat! It is moist yet tender. Fried to perfection. Don't miss the one from Hot Star (豪大大雞排) at Shilin Night Market in Taipei. Always a long line in front of the stall, but definitely worth the wait.
In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different
#5 Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)
If you like oysters or seafood, this is a great choice for you. If you like omelettes too, then you've hit the jackpot! More commonly known amongst Taiwanese as 蚵仔煎 pronounced ''oh-ah-tzen'', it is an amazing yet perfect combination of yummy oysters embedded in a chewy omelette. What makes it even better is the sweet and sour sauce smeared on top. Yummm.
A perfect combination can do wonder
#6 Small Sausage in Big Sausage 大腸包小腸
Directly translating to ''Small Sausage in Big Sausage'', this was a creation of Taiwanese street stall vendors. It's like a hot dog, but instead of a bun, sticky rice is stuffed inside sausage casing to make an oversized rice sausage. That's then slit open to stuff in a pork sausage. As easy as that, but good enough to make my mouth waters.
Simplicity at its best
# 7 Crushed ice dessert (剉冰)
The best dessert of all time. Especially when the weather is so hot and humid in Taiwan, try mango shaved ice! The incredibly fresh cuts of mango is not even the best part. The shaved ice texture is mind-blowing! It is like creamy, sweet, and a cotton-candy like texture. Imagine sharing this bowl of shaved ice with your friends in a hot afternoon. Pure heaven.
The best things in life are meant to be shared
#8 Pearl Milk Tea (珍珠奶茶)
A trip to Taiwan wouldn't be complete without a sip of its most iconic drink. Pearl milk tea (or 'bubble tea' as some call it) is a refreshing mixture of black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca balls. Especially refreshing on a hot summer day. You would argue that Malaysia has Chatime and Gong Cha too, but to taste the authentic flavour of pearl milk tea, Taiwan it is.
Happiness is a cup of bubble tea under scorching hot sun
Pictures courtesy of the following websites:
I believe writing this post doesn't do justice for how delicious the food are - I really wish to try them all! I have heard so much about Taiwan from my friends but I've never been there. So when I know that The Butterfly Project & Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur are going to send a lucky butterfly and her friend to Taiwan, I thought I would just try my luck! :) The trip includes a 5D4N stay, return air flights, accommodation and tour worth RM8,000. If you are a blogger too, come and join by telling them why you want to go Taiwan and how you will enjoy your trip inspired by 1 of the 3 themes available: Time to Eat (for foodies) / Time to Shop (shopaholics!) / Time for 2 Wheels (LOHAS lifestyle). I can't wait for summer, I am expecting a scrumptious food tour in Taiwan already :D
To know more about the contest, kindly log on to:
The Butterfly Project's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ButterflyProjectMalaysia
Time for Taiwan TTBKL's Official Website: http://timefortaiwan.tw/en/index.jsp
Time for Taiwan TTBKL's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tbrockl?fref=ts
Taiwan seems to be on everyone's wishlist these days! I guess the food and shopping does make it seem really awesome. For myself, I'm thinking Riga, Latvia. But I do hope you win this contest! :)
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