“I’ve traveled to more than 10 countries and I’m currently located in the United States. One of my favorite places to visit is definitely Taipei, Taiwan. The city of Taipei has the charm of Tokyo but the aspiration of New York City – a conglomerate of Eastern roots and Western modernization. The food is phenomenal, everything packed with depths of flavor and bursts of freshness. My favorite dish has got to be the Taiwanese braised pork rice bowl. Steeped very deeply in Taiwanese tradition, the braised pork rice bowl consists of finely chopped pork belly drenched in spice-infused rice wine sauce ladled over a bed of warm, fluffy white rice. It is the perfect comfort food for people of all ages, especially during winter. When in Taipei, one definitely has to visit the local night markets, because that’s where all the fun begins. Tourists and locals all flood to the night markets once the sun sets. Vendors start firing up their grills, scraping their woks. The smell of the famous Taiwanese “Stinky Tofu” permeates the air. Many people have a love-hate relationship with this stinky dish. Its name really doesn’t disappoint, because its essence is so strong that it actually makes the entire street smell like clogged sewers. But, once you put it in your mouth, the smell immediately dissipates and the tofu, so crispy yet delicate, dissolves on your tongue – pure heaven. A more delightful-sounding street food would be deep-fried taro balls, and they taste as amazing as they smell. Guabao is the unmistakable Taiwanese answer to hamburger, except juicy pork belly slabs are the meat of choice and fluffy wheat buns are the carbs. Sandwiched in between are chunks of pickled mustard greens, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, and a couple sprigs of cilantro. Another quintessential night market dish is definitely the oyster omelet. The large oysters marry well with the sweet potato starch, egg and a little bit of chili sauce. Despite the hustle and bustle in that fairly small city, people are always polite and gentle. Never in my life have I met friendlier and more hospitable folk. It has been a wonderful experience of culture and a gastronomical journey. I’ll definitely be back, hungry for more.”
