Taipei being an industrialized city is fast becoming a favorite host to International Trade Fairs. One of the most popular and largely attended by locals is the one held last Nov 23 - 26, 2007 at the World Trade Center. The 4-day Food Event was divided into three categories: 1) Taiwan International Chain Stores Fair, 2) Taipei Tea, Coffee & Wine Expo and 3) Taiwan International Food & Equipment Show. The Food Show presented the vastness and richness of the competitive Taiwan Market. As exemplified by the massive groups of consumers that flocked the event, Food is indeed one of Taiwanese's most prolific industries. Consequently, the event did not fail its local consumers with the enormous food choices and experiences it offered. But for foreigners like us, there are really not much to appreciate (or perhaps it just didn't meet some of our objectives for visiting the fair). Generally, it's all about imported goods intended for the end-consumers of Taiwan. What's more, languange is a limitation since very few can understand and speak english. Essentially though, a peek of what's inside the Taiwan Food Market is still an inspiring know-what and know-how.

Health and wellness is the name of the competition. A lot of products promoting health and vitality are very visible and popular. Replenish.., refresh.., restore.., re-young! These are becoming the mantra in this country.

In the Tea, Coffee and Wine Hall, you will feast on the delightful taste and aroma of warming beverages. Most Teas present in the trade fair were produced in Taiwan, Japan and China. Coffee products on the other hand, were made from Europe (Italy, Germany), America(Columbia, Honduras, etc.) and Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia). Green Tea is largely seen as more popular than Black or Oolong Tea. By the way, Tea here is elevated into a higher level. Promoting it doesn't stop from merely providing an appealing taste and aroma. From the finest tea cups to the right choice of concoctions, everything must be delicately taken cared of. From a visitor's point of view, it's like being transported to a homey tea house with the ambiance of natural tea landscapes. It's having a "complete tea experience" that exhibitors are trying to communicate. It is a culture that is worthy to share. Suffice it to say, most tea products came in natural, dried leaves form. Instant, powdered type is hardly visible. Likewise, it's more for end-user consumption rather than for further commercial processing. On Coffee trends, increasingly being well liked is the one with "no raw sugar" claim (2 in 1). Taste is strong and bold. It's under the brand name CAFE 21 made in Malaysia.

Among the few that offered commercial tea products for instant consumption is the KING KUNG HEALTH FOOD CO., LTD. They claim to have nutritional at the same time good tasting tea drinks. Some of the products we sampled which we found true to their claims were smoked plum soup, brown rice tea, ginger tea, burdock tea, taro coconut milk, maple syrup milk tea and ten grain nutritional tea.

Other products we also found promising when made available in an up and coming health and wellness driven market like the Philippines, are these Herbal Crackers and Vital Balance Biscuits. We noticed their high acceptability among Taiwanese. It only proved then that taste and health can complement each other in a finished product.

It's also interesting to find a drink that is made to be consumed at a "specified" time. Don't you find this 3:15 PM Milk Tea very intriguing (photo above)? I wonder what's in the 3:15 PM that you'll feel the need for a cup of milk tea? To ease some accumulated stress perhaps? At any rate, what is important to note is that products are becoming very specific and tailored-fit nowadays. Food manufacturers are getting into the "lifestyle" of the consumers and providing solutions to their needs.

Generally, the notable food items in Taiwan International Food and Equipment show are dried fruits (like plum and berries), dried seaweeds (which Taiwanese normally use as side dish in every meal occasion), dried shrimps, herbal teas for cooking, dimsum products, ice cream with innovative flavors (e.g. tiramisu), biscuits and bakery products, chocolate and confectioneries and some food cart favorites (such as fried corn on the cob, fried dumplings, etc.). Food processing equipment on the other hand, is largely on coffee and tea making, fruit extracts making and dimsum manufacturing. All in all, it was a visit worth of interesting Taiwanese food trends. Taiwan left a legitimate mark of being that Asian Neighbor who owns a booming vessel of consumer goods. A country of foodies willing to spend more for good food. Thus, Food is a money-spinning business to penetrate here. The considerable number of exhibitors in the trade show is a good proof of this claim. By and large, it's for the same reason that competition among manufacturers is getting more and more stiff and challenging.

It's my first time to visit one of Asia's bustling cities, TAIPEI. Although the trip was ultimately work related, it still gave me a chance to explore some of the city's wonders. In 4 days, the city left a remarkable impression in me. It was indeed an unforgettable taste of a Taiwanese life! There are so much to share and blog about. It's an experience filled with historical discoveries, real surprises and distinctive adventures.

For now I'll let you have a taste of the first installment, the delightful Taiwanese Cuisine and the good eats Taipei can offer. In the entire duration of the trip, there was no meal occasion that my colleague and I did not enjoy. Every food that got into our palate deserved a pleasing nod or that popular Japanese sensory gesture, OISHI (masarap, delicious)! I've read from one Taiwanese Blog, that food courts in Taipei have great food finds as well. So off in our first day, we tried the FOOD COURT Cuisine. Opportunely, my first official food in Taipei did not fail me. It's a typical Chinese Bento Box that's affordable, filling and tasty (photo below). What a good way to welcome a Pinoy Tourist! Further I came to know that indeed Food Court Meals in Taipei are not mere so so. Some are treasures underground.

Chinese Bento - NT$135 (P180)

Dumpling Noodles - NT$110 (P146); Generally, clean, non-descript soup. This noodle soup showed us how good the texture of the noodles in Taiwan can be. Firm but enjoyably chewy.

Most Food Courts in Taipei boast of an enormous selection of baked goods. In Sogo Department Store for instance, you would feast on the inviting showcase and aroma of sumptuous cakes, pastries, cookies and a lot more. Just a mere peek from the chiller will make you salivate already. What's more interesting is the design of the cakes. Oh, I love to have a slice of this so cute Hello Kitty Cakes! But a part of me also wants to keep it whole for the sheer delight of its beauty.

Just like in Japan, LUNCH BOX is also popular here. A complete meal usually comes in attractive paper box. What's important to note, is that the food packed inside is equally appetizing as the design of the box outside. Although not visually clear from the photo, the print on this box states delicious, healthy, fresh, natural! This gained Taipei an initial thumbs up from me. How I wish, the Philippines will slowly veer away from using styro and plastics. It's but high time for us to be more eco-friendly similar to what our neighboring countries are doing.





What's a food trip in Taipei without dropping by at the famous DIN TAI FUNG?! This Dimsum Restaurant has its own share of media hype and travel raves. Thus, I must not leave Taipei without trying its food and discovering its secrets myself. Luckily, one of their branches is near our hotel (Fuxing). So we made one of our nights, a Din Tai Fung Night. To maximize this great dimsum experience, we tried some of the finests in their menu - Steamed Pork Dumplings, Steamed Vegetables and Pork Dumplings and Braised Beef Noodles. I must admit that the dinner proved the restaurant's worth on all the claims and highly rated food reviews. The steamed pork dumplings alone is second to none. I haven't tried anything like it before. There's this characteristic flavor that the soup gives together with the overall succulent bite that lingers through your palate. It's a complete dimsum experience in all its authenticity.

Steamed Pork Dumplings (a natural winner, already good as is)

Steamed Vegetables and Pork Dumplings (another must try, chunky and juicy, best when dipped in soy-vinegar)

Braised Beef Noodles (a little spicy, quite fatty but juicy, flavoursome, worthy enough to be in Din Tai Fung's Finest Cuisine list)

There are two things Taiwanese love to do: shopping and eating. With no surprise, I lost count on how many night markets and shopping malls can be found in Taipei alone. Most Taiwanese flock to the Market not only to shop but more importantly to find great foods as well. Thus, it's not difficult to replenish that much needed energy whenever you do your shopping. Among the NIGHT MARKETS, the largest and the most popular in Taipei is the Shilin Night Market. There's a separate hall in this area that is largely dedicated for foods. The alleys can be easily filled with hungry mouths to feed, be it locals or wandering tourists. Different smells migrate from one corner to another, from one food stall to the next. Simply astonishing!

Outside the hall, there are people showing placards to sell foods. Isn't that a sample of Taiwanese's hard selling technique?

Another first that I saw in Shilin Night Market, is this Fruit Cart selling grilled and sugar glazed strawberries and cherry tomatoes. The fruits' inherent sweet and pleasant aroma is enough reason already to stop by at this cart.






We were also blessed to be invited by an industry colleague to partake in a traditional Taiwanese Dinner. This occasion introduced me to the authentic TAIWANESE CUISINE. Generally, I noticed that Taiwanese Cuisine is abundant in seafoods and vegetables. In particular, seaweeds, tofu and fish. Suffice it to say, the world renowned national dish is called "stinky tofu". Although taiwanese cuisine is a product of many influences, basically it's a steaming pot of delicious flavor notes.

To add more zest to this dining experience, we did not resist trying their traditional drinks as well, the Taiwan Beer and the Plum Juice. However, since I have very limited alcohol threshold, I can hardly say how different their beer was against ours. For the Plum Juice, I gave it a score of 5 out of 5. According to the Taiwanese, this is best consumed after drinking a beer. Probably because it's refreshing and the juicy, sweet and sour characters of the plum juice wash out some bitter notes left by the alcohol. As for me, it's sufficient to replace water on that dinner occasion.

From our bountiful table, we feast on the following dishes...

Steamed Native Chicken with Chili Sauce, taste is similar to our very own native chicken. Because it's believed to be flavorful, there's not much spices or flavourings added into it. It's plain salt that I noted. Fatty, juicy and a little tough in texture.


Sesame Noodles, comparable to our local Misua only the noodle strand is slightly thicker and more firm. This is tasty! A second serving is almost necessary.

Vegetables with some Internal Parts of Chicken, sauted and saucy.

Oysters with Tofu, another flavorful dish. This is really lip-smacking!. The spicy note and the coriander gave an exciting kick to its overall acceptance.


Bamboo Shoots cooked the Bulalo (BoneMarrow) way, another winning dish in itself. The bamboo shoots is cooked just right, tender in bite and served in interesting cut size.

Steamed Fish, this is a typical chinese way of cooking a fish. Very clean in taste, soft and succulent.

Stinky Tofu (cooked in soup), this is just another way of cooking the stinky tofu. It can also be barbequed or fried (normally sold in night markets or streets). When the tofu is cooked in soup, the stinky smell is somehow lessened. This one, I can consume without closing my nose. Though the stinky smell is overpowering, you can hardly taste the off note. Without that differentiating smell, it's the same tofu dish we have in the Philippines.

Beef Hot Pot, although it's not too visible from the picture, the beef and vegetables here were blackened. The soup is warming and tastes like "sibut" (chinese herbs). Also acceptable, only the black vegetables and meat are a bit different (bizarre).

The newest and intriguing dining place in Taipei that is becoming more and more popular these days is the TOILET RESTAURANT. I saw it featured in one of the local news in the Philippines prior to my trip in Taipei. Thus, it certainly made its way to the must see list. Contrary to my initial notion that it might be "yucky" to try, it turned out to be just another out of the ordinary experience. I didn't find dining here disgusting nor nauseating. Simply, the ambiance is just DIFFERENT. The food is like any of those you find in typical restaurants. On the whole, it's the unique experience you'll come here for. If diners will be captured by the taste of the food the restaurant offers, it'll encourage a consistent following. Otherwise, those into a more adventurous feel are the ones who'll likely frequent this spot.

These are Shaved Ice flavored with Ice Cream and toppings placed in a ceramic, "bed pan" inspired serving dish. This is Taiwan's version of their Halo-Halo. But ours is still a lot better. The photo above is Strawberry Flavor, below is Chocolate. Both generously topped with sweet biscuits, raisins, cereals, red beans, chocolate bits, wafer sticks, mongo beans, marshmallows and other fruits. Did the shape of the soft served Ice Cream remind you of something?
With only limited time for such a wealthy culinary haven that is Taipei, I'm already thankful for a slice of a superb Taiwanese Cuisine.

(watch out for the other 3 installments related to this post...)

Nonetheless, after some trial and error I finally made a version that suited our palate (at least something that my family and I will enjoy for breakfast :-)). When I perused the recipe, it made my hunch more clear that the off note came from too much Baking Powder. I cannot think of any other source. (Feel free to share if you consider otherwise). From my hands-on Martabak experience, the challenge really is to come up with a good pancake base. Tastewise, it should have clean, pleasant notes. Also, it should be golden brown in color. Thus, it's important to keep the heat low as much as possible to avoid overdoing it. Otherwise, you'll get some burnt note. With regards to the texture, it should be smooth, soft, a little airy and neither chewy nor tough. This is what I find very tricky to make - how to give the batter a good lift when pan fried. In my initial attempt, I got an almost pudding-like texture as a result of this not so nice batter consistency (see photo below).

Unfortunately, I mixed the batter hurriedly that's why I got a lot of unwanted lumps. The liquid portion was also not enough so I adjusted its level in my next trial. What's more, the coconut milk might have been too warm which, inactivated some of the instant yeast. With all the modifications considered, this was how my Martabak Manis recipe finally worked out:

Ingredients:
250 g soft flour / cake flour*

1/4 cup sugar

2 whole eggs (beaten)

All in all, it was a challenging and exciting know how of Indonesian way of cooking. Now, we have a new favorite morning treat! This is a natural pleaser! What's even better, we need not go to MOA or any Indonesian Cafe each time we crave for martabak manis. For the moms out there, you can put any of your kids' most love fruit / food as filling. Surely, it'll break the satiation to ordinary Pinoy Pancakes!

"Authentic English Pies" by Thermos Bakeshop is another recent food finds in Tagaytay. I recall it was featured by one of the leading local newspapers in its Lifestyle section. Definitely, the article stirred some curiosity in me since then. Thus, I never forget to include it in my "must grab food list". Finally, the moment to dig up this divinely delicious goodie has come. Upon reaching the store, its signage clearly stated authentic english pies with three banner flavors to choose from - Chicken Mushroom, Beef Mushroom and Apple. According to them, the best seller is the Chicken Mushroom Pie. Without further hesitation, we tried and savoured all the goodness this flavor has to offer.

Fortunately, it's another true to its claim! I find the blend of chicken and mushroom complementing. The characteristic note of the herbs used is also distinct but it did not come out too greeny. It rather fused nicely with the pie's creamy aftertaste. On the whole, it tasted similar to a good chicken a la king recipe. I think all the pies are fairly priced relative to the serving size and taste. In fact, even the small one is already too filling; good enough to be shared by two. (But of course that still depends on ones appetite and how hungry he was at the time of his purchase).

Thermos, being a bakeshop did not limit itself on english pies only. There are other equally appetizing breads available. Chocolate Chip Bread - P160, Ube Ensaymada - P135 and Banana Bread - P180. But I will reserve them for next time so that there are still more to look forward to. By the way, there's also a restaurant - cafe at the back of the store with the same owner. It might also be interesting to try.