中文版｜English　TICA 第八期　中華民國九十六年十月

My Favorite Taiwanese Food

By Miguel Conrado Valdez Vasquez
　

     In this article I will focus more in general Asian food as in my country is very popular, although the most popular is the famous Cantonese food, we can still find Taiwanese, Japanese, and Thai food. Our idea (very wrong in some way) about Asian food is the use of non traditional meats, reason by which general public think it is not safe food (there are even jokes about it). Another assumption is that Asian food is all Chinese food, it’s difficult to tell the difference between the different types of food. BUT, when we first get to know about Taiwan (even before coming here), we figure out many new things that enriches our culture and appreciation about the Asian food (more of course about Taiwanese food). We learn to find differences between the different Asian countries food, and we learn that the famous Cantonese food is the one in which they use non traditional meats for our knowledge and culture (a great relief !!), The spicy Thai food, the well presented Japanese food, the curry tasted Hindu food (Nun is spectacularly good), the famous fried rice and Chi Pai Fan (Fried Chicken Fillet with rice) and Tofu that we like so much from Taiwan.

      I will describe specifically every type of food I have tasted in Taiwan from different Asian countries, and of course the Local food. At first the Hindu food since it is for me the most tasty and exotic I have tried here. The best I have tried is Chicken Tika Masala, Curry vegetables, and the famous NUN (famous in many middle east countries as well), Carefull!!, its extremely spicy, but its great. Thai food can come as the second best option for food critics and for people who like to experience the culinary arts. Thai food is spicy and the use of different types of leaves makes the taste special. The best I have tried is a coconut soup with noodles and chicken, it is by far the best soup I have tried in Taiwan. Their noodles also have a special spicy and herbal taste. Less good, but not so worst Japanese food. What is special about Japanese food is the care they take for presentation, Japanese food is not the best one, but there is a saying in my country that everything comes from the eyes (means that presentation must be good to feel attracted). The Japanese food is in general simple, and the soups are not good, the teas cannot be compared with Taiwanese tea. Vietnam food has similarities with Taiwanese food, but particularly good is the sauces they use for their food. I would say that Vietnamese food quality is a bit lower than Thai, but has many things to say, and when you try it, you don’t regret, if u don’t like sweet their coffee is not for you, but for me is just perfect.

      The worst food I have tried here is the Phillipines food, no sense of presentation, and very simple food, the best is the garlic rice, and their crab can compete against the best ones, but then….stop counting, no more (this is only personal appreciation). Now the opportunity for Taiwanese food, that we tried so much, we have enjoyed, and not enjoyed so much. My first experience was Chinese sausage, it wasn’t so good for the first time, I particularly didn’t enjoy it, but then when I tried in a family barbecue was really worth it, (barbecue is really a special thing in Taiwan, don’t go back without going to one). My conclusion is that I was getting used to the change of food so I couldn’t appreciate it so much. There are many things I have really enjoyed in Taiwan, and many I didn’t enjoy, but all is experience for me. My favorites, Tofu (fried and boiled), Chicken Fillet with spicy powders, Fried dumplings, Duck, and duck neck (one of my favorite fast foods from night markets). Sweet sour chu rou (pork meat), soy bean root (fried), and of course fried rice and fried noodles. Honor mention to Milk Tea with the famous Zhenchu (black balls in bottom of cup). Soups are not good at all, even the famous Hot pot is ok but not spectacular. What I don’t finish to understand is the smell of Stinky Tofu since the taste is Ok, so why keep away new clients with that smell?

      All this is new and rich experience for us, and if I have to say something about the Asian food experience is that we have enough different and exotic types of food to even think in going to McDonalds or KFC. To be here so far away and not try this food is a capital sin, and even worst if we decide to eat a burger instead of all this. If you know Taiwanese people makes easier the food investigation. Dare to try it, I don’t regret in the most part, and I usually go back to eat again.