To save money in college, I used to bulk-prep meals and cook at home virtually all the time. When I got to Taiwan, the first thing I found out was that it is as cheap (if not cheaper) just to buy food, rather than go grocery-shopping. You can get a quick and hot meal from convenience stores like 7-11 or Family Mart for under 100 NTD ($3.20). And these meals are much more nutritious and filling than what you might be used to when buying from similar convenience stores in the U.S. Drinks are equally less expensive, here in Taiwan: for instance, that $6-8 bubble tea I had back in the U.S., I can get for just 50 NTD (~$2) in Taiwan. Now, I still enjoy cooking from time to time, especially some comfort foods and flavors from home, which are harder to come by. But eating out more has certainly helped me try the range of cuisine available in Kaohsiung and around Taiwan. In this field note, I hope we can explore a bit more about Taiwan’s food culture!
On a normal weekday morning, on Mondays and Wednesdays, breakfast usually comes in the form of a sandwich from FamilyMart. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, I buy a bag of Taiwan’s traditional egg crepe (蛋饼 Dan Bing) from the street vendor across the street from the other school I teach at. This is usually paired with an iced tea or FIN sports drink from one of the convenience stores.
