Travel Web site Lonely Planet gave a nod to Taiwan’s culinary scene on Friday last week, calling the country a “secret foodie wonderland.”
Writer Megan Eaves said that many local dishes blend Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese culinary traditions to represent the different cultural influences in Taiwan’s long history.
“The word ‘fusion’ gets thrown around a lot in culinary circles ... but the Taiwanese really know what it’s all about,” she wrote.
On her list of “don’t-miss dishes,” Eaves included xiao long bao (小籠包, pork dumplings filled with soup broth) and niu rou mian (牛肉麵, beef noodles), among others.
Among the “if-you-dare dishes” were stinky tofu and fried sandworms (炒沙蟲).
Eaves also posted “drink your heart out” beverages.
Much of the best food is found in small, local restaurants, the article said.
“Perhaps the finest night market scene in the world” can be found locally, making up the mainstay of Taiwan’s snack culture and night life, the article said.
“The best plan is no plan: Get lost in the market, eat when you’re hungry and pop your head into shops and stalls that look enticing,” it said.
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