“The 8th direct presidential election in Taiwan is scheduled to be held on January 13, 2024, as part of the 2024 general election. This election is noted as being particularly significant, with nearly 20 million voters expected to participate. Incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is ineligible for reelection due to term limits. The election is seen as crucial, not only for Taiwan’s domestic politics but also in the context of its international relations, particularly with China and the United States. Amidst this significant political event, it’s an opportune moment to delve into the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Taiwan. The island’s unique flavors, foods, and beverages – from the iconic bubble tea to the savory beef noodle soup and the array of night market delicacies – are integral parts of its cultural identity. Exploring Taiwan’s cuisine offers a delicious and insightful journey into the heart of this unique country, showcasing the tastes and traditions that make Taiwan a distinct and captivating destination on the global stage.”
Taiwan is unique
Taiwan is a unique destination with a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural features that set it apart:
- Cultural Blend: Taiwan’s culture is a unique mix of traditional Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and indigenous influences. This blend is evident in its festivals, architecture, food, beverages, flavours and daily life.
- Night Markets: Taiwanese night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, are famous worldwide. They offer an array of street foods, from bubble tea and oyster omelettes to stinky tofu and beef noodle soup.
- Indigenous Cultures: Taiwan is home to several indigenous groups, each with its own language, culture, and traditions, contributing to the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
- High-Tech Hub: Taiwan is a global leader in technology, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. Companies like TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) play a pivotal role in the global tech industry.
- Natural Beauty: The island boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the mountainous terrain of Alishan and Taroko Gorge to the scenic Sun Moon Lake and the beaches of Kenting.
- Political Status: Taiwan’s political status is unique. It has its own government and operates like a sovereign nation, but its status is a matter of international debate, particularly with regards to its relationship with China.
- Tea Culture: Taiwan is renowned for its tea, especially oolong tea. Tea culture here is deeply ingrained, with regions like Alishan and Maokong being famous for their tea plantations.
- Buddhist and Taoist Temples: The island is dotted with intricately designed temples, reflecting the religious diversity and history of Taiwan.
- Cycling: Taiwan has emerged as a great destination for cycling, with well-developed cycling routes around the island, including the popular Round-Island Taiwan Cycling Route.
- Conservation Efforts: Despite its small size, Taiwan is keen on environmental conservation, hosting a variety of national parks and protected areas to preserve its diverse flora and fauna.
- Art and Museums: The National Palace Museum in Taipei holds one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, many of which were moved from the Forbidden City in Beijing.
- Innovative Cuisine: Taiwanese cuisine, influenced by various cultures, is known for its creativity and diversity, ranging from traditional dishes to fusion cuisines.
These aspects make Taiwan a unique and fascinating place, blending traditional heritage with modern innovation, set against the backdrop of its complex political and historical context.
Brief history of Taiwan
The history of Taiwan is complex and multifaceted, marked by various periods of foreign rule and the influence of different cultures. Here is a non-biased summary of Taiwan’s history:
- Early History and Indigenous Peoples: Taiwan has been inhabited for thousands of years, primarily by Austronesian peoples who developed distinct tribal cultures. These indigenous groups are the earliest known inhabitants of the island.
- Dutch and Spanish Colonization (17th Century): The island, known to Europeans as Formosa, saw its first significant wave of foreign influence when the Dutch and the Spanish established colonial settlements in the early 17th century. The Dutch East India Company controlled areas in the south, while the Spanish settled in the north. During this period, there was an increase in immigration from mainland China.
- Ming and Qing Dynasties (17th to 19th Century): In 1662, Ming dynasty loyalist Koxinga expelled the Dutch and established a Chinese kingdom on the island, which lasted until 1683 when it fell to Qing Dynasty China. The Qing rule incorporated Taiwan into its territory, promoting further immigration from China and implementing various administrative and land reforms.
- Japanese Rule (1895-1945): Following the First Sino-Japanese War, the Qing Dynasty ceded Taiwan to Japan in 1895. During Japanese rule, Taiwan underwent significant modernization and industrialization. The Japanese developed infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems, significantly impacting Taiwanese society and culture.
- Post-World War II and the Chinese Civil War: After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Taiwan was handed over to the Republic of China (ROC) in 1945. Following the Chinese Civil War, the ROC government, led by the Kuomintang (KMT), retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after being defeated by the Communist Party of China, which established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland.
- Martial Law and Democratic Transition: Taiwan was under martial law from 1949 to 1987, one of the longest periods in world history. During this time, the KMT controlled the government and suppressed political opposition. In the late 20th century, Taiwan underwent a transformation from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy with a thriving civil society.
- Modern Taiwan: Today, Taiwan is a democratic society with a vibrant economy, primarily known for its high-tech industry. Politically, Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, with its own government and constitution. However, the PRC claims Taiwan as part of its territory, leading to complex cross-strait relations and international diplomatic challenges.
Throughout its history, Taiwan has been shaped by a diverse set of influences—indigenous cultures, Chinese settlers, European colonial powers, and Japanese rule—each leaving its imprint on the island’s cultural, social, and political landscape.
Unique Ingredients
Taiwan does have some unique ingredients, although many elements of its cuisine are indeed blends or adaptations of ingredients from various cultures, particularly Chinese and Japanese. However, the uniqueness often comes from the local varieties of these ingredients, which are specific to Taiwan’s climate and soil conditions, as well as from traditional Taiwanese methods of preparation and cooking. Here are some examples of ingredients that are unique or particularly distinctive in Taiwan:
- Taiwanese Fruits:
- Wax Apple (Lian Wu): This fruit is distinct in its texture and flavor, quite different from apples found elsewhere.
- Taiwanese Mangoes: Known for their sweetness and juiciness, they are considered unique to the island.
- Buddha’s Hand (Fo Shou): A type of citrus fruit unique for its long, finger-like sections.
- Vegetables and Greens:
- A-Choy: While similar to lettuce, it has a unique flavor and is especially popular in Taiwanese cuisine.
- Taiwanese Bitter Melon: It has a distinctive shape and taste compared to bitter melons from other regions.
- Teas:
- High Mountain Oolong: Grown in Taiwan’s high-altitude areas, this tea has a unique flavor profile due to the specific climate and soil conditions.
- Oriental Beauty Oolong: A Taiwanese oolong tea known for its unique aroma and taste.
- Sauces and Pastes:
- Taiwanese Soy Sauce: It’s often brewed in a way that’s unique to the island, with a distinct flavor.
- Taiwanese Black Bean Sauce: While black bean sauce is used in various Asian cuisines, the Taiwanese version has its own distinct taste.
- Snacks and Sweets:
- Pineapple Cakes: The Taiwanese version, with its buttery crust and pineapple filling, is unique to the island.
- Sun Cakes (Tai Yang Bing): A Taiwanese pastry that is not found elsewhere.
- Unique Seafood Varieties: Due to its island geography, Taiwan has access to a variety of seafood that can be unique to its waters.
- Indigenous Ingredients: Taiwan’s indigenous cultures have their own unique culinary traditions and ingredients, some of which are not commonly found in other cuisines.
While many of Taiwan’s ingredients may have counterparts in other cuisines, the specific varieties, flavours, and preparations often lend them a uniqueness that is distinctively Taiwanese.
Diverse and flavourful cuisine
Taiwan is renowned for its diverse and flavourful cuisine, with a variety of popular foods and drinks that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the most popular foods and drinks in Taiwan:
- Bubble Tea (Pearl Milk Tea): Originating in Taiwan, this sweetened tea beverage with chewy tapioca balls has become a global sensation.
- Beef Noodle Soup: A comfort food staple, this dish features tender beef, hearty broth, and noodles, often spiced with star anise and other seasonings.
- Oyster Omelette (Oh-Ah-Jian): A savory omelette made with small oysters, egg, and sweet potato starch, usually served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Gua Bao (Pork Belly Buns): Soft steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, cilantro, and ground peanuts.
- Stinky Tofu: A popular street food, this deep-fried fermented tofu is known for its pungent odor but is beloved for its flavor.
- Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): A simple yet flavorful dish of minced pork belly, slowly braised in soy sauce and served over rice.
- Taiwanese Fried Chicken: Also known as ‘popcorn chicken’, these bite-sized pieces of fried chicken are often seasoned with five-spice powder, garlic, and basil.
- Dan Bing (Taiwanese Egg Crepe): A popular breakfast item, it’s a thin crepe with an egg layer, often with added fillings like cheese, bacon, or tuna.
- Pineapple Cake: A famous Taiwanese pastry with a crumbly and buttery crust and filled with pineapple jam.
- Shaved Ice (Bao Bing): Particularly popular in summer, this dessert consists of shaved ice topped with various ingredients like fruit, red beans, tapioca balls, and condensed milk.
- Teas: Apart from bubble tea, Taiwan is renowned for its high-quality teas, especially Oolong and Green tea. High Mountain Oolong from regions like Alishan is particularly prized.
- Hot Pot (Huo Guo): Taiwanese hot pot includes a variety of ingredients like meats, vegetables, and noodles cooked in a flavorful broth, popular in both family gatherings and restaurants.
- Taiwanese Sausage: Sweeter than typical Chinese sausages, they are often enjoyed grilled or served with sticky rice.
- Aiyu Jelly Drink: A refreshing jelly drink made from the seeds of a local fig, often served with lemon juice.
- Taiwanese Breakfast Items: Including soy milk (sweet or savory), turnip cakes, and youtiao (fried dough sticks).
Taiwanese cuisine is characterized by its variety, the influence of different culinary traditions, and the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Street food, in particular, is an integral part of Taiwan’s food culture, offering an array of flavors and dishes to explore.
Popular Taiwanese Flavours
Taiwan’s cuisine is celebrated for its diverse and rich flavours, characterized by a blend of various culinary influences. Some of the most popular and distinctive flavours in Taiwanese food include:
- Sweetness: Taiwanese cuisine often incorporates a subtle sweetness into savory dishes. This is evident in popular dishes like braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan), where the pork is slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a staple in Taiwanese cooking, used as a base for many sauces and marinades, providing a rich, umami flavour to dishes.
- Garlic and Green Onion: These aromatics are fundamental in Taiwanese kitchens, providing a flavorful base for many dishes, from stir-fries to soups.
- Five-Spice Powder: A common ingredient in Taiwanese cooking, this spice blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, offering a warm, aromatic flavour.
- Sesame Oil: Often used as a finishing touch in dishes like cold noodles or salads, sesame oil adds a nutty, rich flavour.
- Rice Wine: Used in cooking, rice wine adds depth and sweetness to dishes and is often used in marinades and sauces.
- Chili: While not as predominant as in some other Asian cuisines, chili is used in Taiwanese cooking to add a hint of heat, particularly in street foods and sauces.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tangy and sometimes spicy flavor of pickled vegetables, like mustard greens, is a popular accompaniment in Taiwanese meals.
- Fermented Bean Paste (Dou Ban Jiang): This paste adds a salty and slightly spicy depth to dishes, commonly used in braises and stews.
- Tapioca Pearls in Bubble Tea: Sweet and chewy tapioca pearls are a defining feature of bubble tea, providing a unique texture contrast to the creamy and sweet tea-based beverage.
- Fruit Flavours in Desserts: Taiwanese desserts often incorporate local fruits like pineapple (in pineapple cakes), mango, and lychee, offering natural sweetness and freshness.
These flavours reflect Taiwan’s culinary history and its ability to blend traditional Chinese cooking techniques with local and foreign influences. The result is a distinctive and delicious array of tastes that define Taiwanese cuisine.
Interesting facts about Taiwan
Taiwan is an island of rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements. Here are some interesting facts about Taiwan:
- World Leader in Semiconductors: Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies.
- High Density of Convenience Stores: Taiwan has one of the highest densities of convenience stores in the world. These stores are central to daily life and offer a variety of services beyond just shopping.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Despite its small size, Taiwan is home to a surprisingly diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
- The National Palace Museum: Located in Taipei, it houses one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks in the world, many of which were moved from mainland China during the Chinese Civil War.
- Birthplace of Bubble Tea: This popular drink with tapioca pearls originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and has since become a global phenomenon.
- Marathon Monopoly Games: The Taipei Metro holds an annual event where people play Monopoly, the board game, on the moving trains.
- Ghost Month Festivities: Taiwan observes the traditional Chinese Ghost Month with various festivals and rituals, believed to be the time when spirits roam the earth.
- Alishan Railway: The Alishan Forest Railway is a century-old mountain railway in Chiayi County, famous for its scenic views and historic steam engines.
- World’s First Wildlife Overpass for Reptiles and Amphibians: Taiwan built the world’s first overpass specifically for reptiles and amphibians to prevent roadkill.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Taiwan is progressive in terms of LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. It was the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019.
- Penghu Islands: A stunning archipelago known for its beautiful beaches, unique basalt formations, and historical temples.
- Sky Lantern Festival: The annual Lantern Festival in Pingxi, where thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky, is a spectacular sight and a significant cultural event.
- Cycling Around the Island: Taiwan offers one of the best cycling routes in the world, with a well-established network of cycling paths encircling the entire island.
- Tea Culture: Taiwan is famous for its tea, especially oolong tea. Tea connoisseurs often visit Taiwan for its high-quality tea and beautiful tea plantations.
- Economic Transformation: Known as one of the “Four Asian Tigers”, Taiwan transformed from an agriculture-based economy to a highly industrialized and technology-focused economy in a few decades.
These facts highlight Taiwan’s unique blend of traditional culture and modern innovation, its natural beauty, and its important role in global affairs, especially in technology and environmental conservation.
