A classic in Taiwan is the hot pot. In a heavy large pot over a fire various ingredients simmer until done and everyone fishes for the pieces that seem yummy. It`s kind of a Fondu, the base being soup and various types of meat, seafood and vegetables and noodles swimming in it. Really delicious and it`s easy to overeat, which we did when having it at one of Kaohsiung`s night markets. It`s something that is obv
Being an island, Taiwan is an obvious destination for seafood. Although just like Japan, quite a bit of the seafood is imported and not caught locally. The still heavy polution of the sea water due to Taiwan`s rapid economic development in the recent past is a reason for this. Still, there is seafood sold everywhere. During the day you can buy grilled squid that is deliciously seasoned before grilling and cut into snack pieces. In the evening there are many restaurants that have a display of the seafood on offer in front and you can point to what you would like to eat and how you would like it
One thing that I did not appreciate much was the soup made of stinky tofu (impossible to describe that taste) and duck blood (see picture right). The duck blood is obviously frozen and then cut into pieces. I also ate little birds that are fried entirely (head and feet off only). I was made trying without knowing what it was and it actually tasted quite good. It`s not only Italians killing their singing birds... I missed out on the dog meat that is still eaten in certain places
The desert menu is quite nice too. It sounds a bit strange, but a popular desert is green bean soup, green beans in a watery cold soup. Very refreshing on a hot day. There are some other soups like these like taro. They don`t have the typical
My favourite drinks were the fresh fruit juices for one. Passion fruit, pineapple, guava, water melon, and and and... Nothing better than a freshly squeezed fruit juice. And does not cost a fortune like elsewhere. Reminded me of old times in Brazil where I lived on fruit juice only almost. And then there was my no1 favourite drink in Kaohsiung. It`s a speciality invented by a local guy, iced green tea with a special white froth on top. Very, very delicious. Just have to be careful, that tea is stronger than coffee and can keep you
By the way, Taiwan is inventive in terms of take-away drinks. Instead of the usual plastic cup lid, they have machines to put stick simply a layer of thin plastic over the top of the cup. Totally vacuum, so if the cup falls over in a car or so nothing leaks out. And it`s less garbage and cheaper as well for store owners. Generally Taiwan is less wasting on packaging (despite the fact that Japan likes to see itself as the no1 green nation). They skip packing every little thing separately and you have to ask specifically for plastic bags and pay a small amount for them.
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