The lottery system is popular among Taiwanese citizens, providing entertainment and excitement while supporting important social initiatives. The lottery announcements and prize amounts can look staggering to Americans, since $1 USD is roughly equivalent to $30 NTDs. I have attached a picture of such an example here.
In addition to its thriving economy and lottery system, Taiwan is known for its vibrant street markets and culinary scene. Street markets, such as Taipei's famous Shilin Night Market, offer a wide range of goods and delicacies. Although Kinmen has less night markets than some major cities in Taiwan, it offers vibrant street markets during the day. This weekend, I spent some time exploring a Jincheng street market where I picked up a juicy mango. Mangoes are highly popular in Taiwan, and the street market fruits are very fresh and sweet likely due to them being home grown.
One popular Taiwanese condiment that has gained international acclaim is chili crisp, a spicy and savory sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, and various spices. Chili crisp is commonly used as a topping or dipping sauce for dishes such as noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries. One of the most popular chili crisps is called Lao Gan Ma, and it is my favorite! It is tasty, crunchy, and savory. The popularity of chili crisp and other Taiwanese street food highlights the country's rich culinary heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, with small businesses and vendors playing a key role in shaping Taiwan's food culture.
