Page 118 - 來學華語課本第五冊

Lesson 07 臺灣味

英文課文 Text in English

Savoring delicious food is not just a must-do activity for tourists visiting Taiwan,
it is also a part of daily life for the people of Taiwan. Taiwanese cuisine is popular mainly
because of its wide variety of foodstuffs, abundance of flavors, and the fact that it’s

constantly undergoing innovation that brings with it many delights and pleasures.
The form of Taiwanese cuisine derives from a deep and diverse dietary culture
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tradition. In addition to Taiwan’s original Indigenous Peoples, from the 16 century onward
there was massive immigration from places beyond Taiwan’s shores. The immigrants came
to Taiwan in different eras and for different reasons, bringing with them the dietary customs

of various lands.
Moreover, the Dutch early on, the Japanese, as well as contact later with many other
countries due to globalization have all had an important impact on the use of ingredients,

changes in taste, and cooking techniques of Taiwanese cuisine. This interchange and
integration of cultures from various lands established a broad foundation for the Taiwanese

diet, gradually morphing into a Taiwanese flavor that is both traditional and inventive. For
example, Pearl Milk Tea combines ingredients and techniques from ancient and modern
eras, and from home and abroad to produce an innovative beverage.

The authentic Taiwanese flavor can be savored in different ways, including night
market snacks, home-style dishes in restaurants, and fine gourmet cuisine. Among these, the
night market is the most distinctive venue and easiest locale for experiencing the Taiwanese

flavor. There are night markets in almost every city, which, while varying in scale, allow
one to sample local dishes and experience different local cultures. Beyond food, many night
markets regularly have vendor stalls for entertainment and shopping, and thus are very

lively and interesting. Many people like to visit night markets because they are not just
night markets; they are also places where you can eat, drink, and have fun with family and

friends in a relaxed manner after a hard day’s work, spending a modest sum and finding a
few moments of happiness. Bit by bit, a sense of wellbeing and contentment fills the hearts
of native Taiwanese and foreign tourists alike when they stroll through a night market.

The Taiwanese flavor represents not just food but also culture. More intriguingly,
it is neither static nor fixed in content; it is constantly undergoing innovation, constantly

morphing in a way that always leaves one filled with anticipation. Through the unique
charm of cuisine, the Taiwanese flavor closely links people from all over the world, as
everyone not only savors the food, but also enjoys collective memories and feelings.

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