Cooking and sharing a meal with strangers can turn a chilly evening into a lively gathering filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unexpected connections. From learning how to devein shrimp to swapping stories over a home-cooked feast or dinner table, these experiences show how food has the power to break the ice and create lasting memories.
Expanding in range of products and quality, Taiwan’s foreign meat-product manufacturers cater to comfort-food cravings while broadening local palates. If there’s one Taiwanese snack that loses its appeal quickly, it’s the sausage. While many long-term foreign residents initially develop an affinity for the juicy, chewy – or often gristly – texture and the sweet, rice…
The distinction between lamb, sheep, and goat is lost in translation on Taiwan’s bilingual menus, blurring the lines for customers and business owners alike. STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN CROOK AND KATY HUI-WEN HUNG In Taiwan, not all yangrou (羊肉) restaurants make it obvious if they are serving lamb, the meat of mature sheep, or…
In the heart of Taipei, a new wave of wine bars is captivating both seasoned oenophiles and casual patrons, with a particular focus on natural wines. When former teacher Peggy Lin took her dogs for a walk one evening last year, she spotted a newly opened bar. Curious, she poked her head through the door…
Fires and ghost stories haven’t prevented the proliferation of Southeast Asian restaurants surrounding a historic shopping center from creating a novel blend of cultures and cuisines. When a fire broke out on Chenggong Road in Taichung’s Central District in mid-November, it brought back vivid memories of a mid-1990s spate of blazes that destroyed property in…
Known for its tolerance of different religious beliefs, Taiwan is also home to countless restaurants catering to those of faith. Taking a stroll through any of Taiwan’s enchanting night markets is a golden ticket to the sensory rollercoaster of smells and tastes of local edible delights. The sounds of sizzling oils, meat grilling, and the…
A burgeoning market, creative concoctions, and passionate bartenders are ushering in an era for gin on the island. Gin enthusiasts were long a niche group in Taiwan, where whisky famously dominates the liquor market. Just a decade ago, they would often be left disappointed, encountering the same three brands on nearly every bar shelf. But…
An excellent hotel breakfast ensures every bite shapes a traveler’s experience, fostering a sense of uniqueness, comfort, and convenience. While it is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, a good hotel breakfast should also be the most enjoyable. This morning ritual is an integral part of the overall guest…
Made in Taiwan, published by a division of Simon & Schuster underscores the rightful place of Taiwanese food on the global culinary stage. Admittedly, I shouldn’t be the best choice to write about a cookbook. My experience in front of a stove is largely limited to boiling water for tea or coffee, plus the occasional scrambling…
From beef noodles at Wego to donuts at Kura Sushi, Taiwanese establishments brim with culinary surprises. I have a confession to make. The term “danwu shop” is something I made up for this article after struggling to find a translation of the Taiwanese phrase 被耽誤的店 (bei danwu de dian). Consider it a descriptor for a…
