28andChange

So the cat is now officially out of the bag. I’ve headed to Asia and Taiwan is my first stop.

Before I left for Asia, I asked some of my Taiwanese friends for tips as to how to best spend my time in Taiwan. The response I got was unanimous:

just eat the food and the rest will take care of itself.

And so eat I have. My diet here has been a bit of departure from my recent fair. But it’s been a tasty departure for sure.

Before I get into what I’ve eaten, let’s talk about how I’ve eaten.

Frequent Meals, Small Portions

The Taiwanese seem to be always eating. From my limited experience, I’ve noticed that people tend to snack on a variety of smaller meals pretty much all throughout the day. Even the larger, more formal meals, are made up of multiple small dishes that are shared by the table.

It’s a very different approach to eating than what I am used to: 3 large meals a day in which I get one plate that is pretty much mine.

As well, the Taiwanese tend to consume far less “snack food” as we know it in America; things like chips and soda. Please do not be mistaken, from what I’ve observed (and partaken in) the typical Taiwenese diet is far from a super charged diet full of healthy food. A lot of it is fried and starchy. Also, while vegetables are present they aren’t prominent.

Still, I’ve noted a few advantages to how I’ve eaten here in Taiwan:

• there is more variety
• smaller frequent meals prevent binge eating
• frequent eating promotes frequent social interaction
• shared dishes also promote social interaction

Street food and night markets

I have yet to have a home cooked meal here in Taiwan. The streets are so littered with food vendors selling such a variety of low cost treats that I’m not sure if anyone here cooks. Or maybe, it’s actually the case that so many people do cook in Taiwan that if it’s not your vocation you don’t need to.

It’s these street vendors that supply the Taiwanese with a constant flow of mini-meals- served up street side, usually in a paper bag. For the equivalent of a dollar or two you can chomp down a mini-meal served hot off the grill, fresh out of the hot pot, or straight out of the deep frier.

At night, in various sections of cities like Taipei and Taichung, the street food vendors are joined by merchants who sell everything from novelty crafts to socks and shoes. It’s a festive atmosphere in which people mill around, hang out, and of course, snack on food. I’ve spent several nights strolling around night markets in different cities, each with its own feel.

Food for thought

My friends recommended that I come to Taiwan and eat. I have done just that. I am no foodie, but I must say the food has been as good as promised. Still, there is more to all this eating than just good food.

In just about every culture, eating is a social event. Taiwan is no exception. I’ve made several new friends here already, and most of those friendships started over a meal. In Taiwan people love to eat in large part because they love to spend time with one another. The Taiwanese eat often, they eat together, and they share.

Some say Taiwan is all about the food. I say it’s all about the people.

…

If you’re still wondering what exactly I ate, tune in next time for some highlights.

posted: 10 June 1
under: Travel