Saturday, March 30, 2013

Tour of Taste (1) : Taiwan


We know that Taiwan is famous with its night market, but do you know the origin of Taiwan’s night market? In the past when Taiwan was an agrarian society, there were few permanent shops available due the lack of financial and material resources and convenient transportation. Most rural residents purchased goods from travelling salesmen, who gathered periodically to form markets. The markets eventually began to offer not only daily necessities but foods, entertainment, medicines, adornments, and anything else that would attract customers and satisfy their needs. The arrival of these travelling merchants was a big event in rural communities. The festive, boisterous markets became popular places to socialize and relax, and they eventually gave rise to the permanent markets that exist today. Here are the lists of famous food in Taiwan's night market. 




Crispy Salt & Pepper Chicken

This is one of the most popular snacks in Taiwan. The name originally referred to breaded deep fried chunks of chicken, but is now used for a wide variety of deep fried foods including tempura, dried mushrooms, silver rolls, green corn, and dried tofu. Basil is usaully added right before it is served for a burst of flavor.


Chou Doufu (Stinky Tofu)

Many people are afraid to try this pungent dish, but everyone agrees that once you do you’ll love it. This simple dish is made by frying fermented tofu in oil then cutting it into bite-sized chunks. It is often served with sweet and sour pickled vegetables to complement its crispy–outside/ spongy-inside texture.


O-A-Mianxian (Oyster Vermicelli)

Without a bowl of oyster noodles, your trip to the night market is not complete. Fresh oysters are added to red flour noodles and broth thickened with starch, then served with stewed sausage, black vinegar, and a special sauce and topped with cilantro for a delicious and satisfying snack.


Jirou Fan (Chicken Rice)

One of Chiayi’s most famous dishes that eaten for lunch and dinner, as a midnight snack, or even for breakfast. It is traditionally made from white rice smothered in chicken and chicken gravy, but there are many variations. Chiayi chicken rice has many admirers throughout Taiwan.


Oyster Omelette

A very famous item, these omelettes are made from fresh oysters coated in potato or sweet potato starch and fried on a skillet with eggs and onions, then served with a special sweet and sour sauce. A taste you’ll be hooked.


Hujiao Bing (Pepper Pie)

Pepper Pie is an appealing and appetizing choice for the budget-conscious consumer in a time of rising food prices. A piping hot serving straight out of the oven makes for a great snack on a cold winter’s day or in between meals. The filling consists of ground pork or chicken that has been marinated in a special sauce and a generous amount of scallions.


Pearl Milk Tea

This beverage also known as bubble tea, this drink was created in Taichung by mixing black tea and chewy tapioca balls. Its popularity quickly spread, and today you can find pearl milk tea wherever you find Chinese people all over the world.


Aiyu Jelly

Aiyu Jelly is a refreshing Taiwan dessert. Aiyu is a climbing plant of the figs family that grows in Taiwan’s mountains between 1000 and 1800 meters of altitude, mainly in Alishan area. Aiyu Jelly is served cold with lemon juice or honey. According to the legend the name Aiyu, which literally means "Beloved Jade," was the name of a girl, the daughter of the discoverer of this Taiwanese delicacy.



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