After being in Taiwan for any period of time, one cannot miss the plethora of small-batch, artisanal food production at the local markets. This term “artisanal” is not reserved only for the Western hipster notions of local, hand-crafted food stuffs. This is how food has always been made across the world and continues to be,Continue reading “Foods – Xiluo (西螺鎮) Artisanal Soy Sauce”
Category Archives: Delights
Delights—Dry Markets
Dry markets are less common than the day markets but are just as special in what’s available. Basically, anything that comes in bulk dry form can be found at a dry market. One can buy a little or buy in bulk at wholesale. It is a window into the myriad of ingredients that go intoContinue reading “Delights—Dry Markets”
Delights – Scooter Life
Scooters are such an integral part of many Taiwanese lives that it almost feels like they are an extension of the physical self. Scooters have been and continues to be the most common form of transportation in Taiwan. While Taiwan has an excellent public transportation system and more people are acquiring cars, nothing can beatContinue reading “Delights – Scooter Life”
Delights – Traditional Day Markets （傳統市場）
I have decided day markets are what I would miss the most when we return to the U.S. These day markets are often considered “wet” markets, as opposed to “dry” markets that do not sell produce or meats. Some are open only in the mornings, others only in the afternoons. There are lively sights, soundsContinue reading “Delights – Traditional Day Markets （傳統市場）”
Delights – Universal Healthcare That Works Remarkably Well
Taiwan is one of the safest places to be during this current global pandemic. It is in large part due to the country’s robust universal single-payer healthcare system. One of the frequently cited reasons for Taiwan’s success is the fact they were able to quickly identify potential Covid cases through the national patient database becauseContinue reading “Delights – Universal Healthcare That Works Remarkably Well”
Delights – Night Markets (夜市）
Night markets are the heart of social life in Taiwan. Why go clubbing or bar hopping when you can go to a night market for both people watching and snacking on inexpensive street food until you just can’t anymore. They are completely casual where all social classes rub shoulders with one another. They all shareContinue reading “Delights – Night Markets (夜市）”
Daily Delights – A Day in Public School for a Second Grader
We made the decision to send our second grader to the local public school so she could be immersed in the language and the culture. Our daughter has learned a lot about both through her school. Remarkably, despite the cultural differences, I believe 8 year olds are fun-loving, curious and universally generous. Despite the languageContinue reading “Daily Delights – A Day in Public School for a Second Grader”
Daily Delights – What a Convenience Store Can Be (7-11)
Some people say they visit the 7-11 (referred to as just “Seven” here) almost daily. It is so integral to daily life, I feel as if it’s an extension of one’s kitchen, dining room, closet and office. There’s usually one within a few blocks. Sure you can get the usual convenience store packaged foods andContinue reading “Daily Delights – What a Convenience Store Can Be (7-11)”
Everyday Dan Bing 