I love food. I am what my parents call "food-oriented". So, before I decided to come to Taiwan, I did a lot of research into the food here. And I have to confess, it tastes even better than it looks in pictures and descriptions. (I will also confess: I miss cheese.)
I'm excited to introduce you to the food, not just because I love it, but because it is a really central part of Taiwanese culture and daily life. Much more than in the United States, the streets are lined with vendors offering fruit, prepared meals, raw meat and drinks. Night markets are a famous part of Taiwan's culture: packed streets with vendors shoulder to shoulder, customers waiting patiently in obediently neat long lines, performers juggling fire, dancing or performing acrobatics. In my experience, morning, afternoon and evening markets are just as common, but less crowded.
People here give food as gifts almost daily. This often includes fruit, crackers or candy, but also meals prepared at home and intended to share. There are many foods that are used here to show love and appreciation through gift giving, but I will focus on the most common: fruit. I wish I could give you a gift of the fruit. But since I can't ship produce across the Pacific, I will resign to doing my best to explain it.
