An emerging business model in Taipei leverages the high demand for food delivery, the power of big data analytics, and the agility and reduced overheads associated with cutting out the dine-in portion of the restaurant. The rapid growth of these ghost kitchens has raised concerns about their environmental and social impact, however. This must be…
Local food and alcohol importers have developed an attractive market in Taiwan, but must navigate the island’s complex bureaucracy, high tariffs on certain goods, and strict customs requirements. A pleasant Friday evening for many people includes a tender steak accompanied by a glass of wine or a cocktail. As a European, I never thought much…
Several regular festivals and markets selling unique plant-based foods have been popping up around the island, attracting a new generation of non-meat-eaters, as well as omnivores eager to explore this growing trend. Even though I am usually a business reporter and my friend, Hung Fu-wei, a school counselor, once in a while we get together…
Taiwan’s main claim to pizza fame is nontraditional toppings, but the island is home to some great artisanal pizzerias, too. Taiwan has fallen in love with pizza – not just with the fast-food staple from the major American pizza chains, but also artisanal and famously innovative versions of what is arguably one of the world’s…
Aiyu and mesona jellies and shaved ice, snacks ubiquitous at night markets and storefronts across Taiwan, have been popular with Taiwanese palates for over a century. The enduring popularity of these treats is closely tied to the island’s unique history. Taiwanese have been enjoying refreshing dessert-like snacks since long before refrigerators became commonplace. One such…
Long devoid of options for authentic Latin cuisine, Taipei in recent years has seen the emergence of several restaurants serving up delicious fare from all over the Americas. With Central and South American countries accounting for more than half of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies (even taking into account Nicaragua’s surprise departure last month), you’d be forgiven…
Although insects are not as big a part of Taiwanese food traditions as they are in some other parts of the world, a handful of companies and individuals are trying to bring this fledgling food trend into the mainstream. Crispy fried bee larvae appear on a few menus in the Taiwanese countryside, as do crickets….
A weekly snapshot of Taiwan business news stories brought to you by CommonWealth and AmCham Taiwan’s TOPICS Inflation Hits Taiwan’s Restaurant Industry Taiwanese restaurant group Wowprime Corp. has announced that, starting from October 25, it will raise prices at its 15 restaurant establishments by around 5%. Wowprime, whose brands in Taiwan include popular spots…
With the rise of conscious consumerism and investing, companies around the world are increasingly incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into their business operations. A company’s ESG performance is based on several indicators not related to financial performance, including carbon footprint and level of accountability. These metrics enable businesses to measure the sustainability and…
Food delivery is serious business in Taiwan. Although the government’s superb handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed most restaurants to remain open across the island, the National Credit Card Center reported that in April 2020, 6 million transactions were logged on Online Food Delivery (OFD) platforms, a sevenfold increase from the same month a…
