The culinary philosophy of Taiwan is “eat often and eat well”. Speaking of food in Taiwan, what first comes to tourists’ minds must be the well-known delicacies such as traditional meals or night market food. With people’s passion in eating and cooking, Taiwan has a high reputation as a foodie paradise. This might trigger the curiosity of those who have no idea what built up this gourmet haven. In fact, there are three main factors that contribute to Taiwan’s reputation as a culinary destination.

 

  To start with, Location is one of the important reasons that this foodie haven was formed. Located at the junction of the East and South China Sea in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, the main island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa, is the bridge that connects various cultures. Back in the days, people in East Asia would travel by boat and expand their trading market to this island for the famous tea and sugar. As traders were getting more and more, the number of food stands around the ports were also increasing at a high speed. Some were selling traditional meals that were popular for the locals, while others were providing food with exotic flavor that met the foreign traders’ tastes. 

 

  Another factor that contributes to Taiwan’s reputation as a culinary destination was the history of Taiwan. With decades of colonized history by different countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, and China, the beautiful island underwent a succession of six different rulers and their dining habits. During each colonial period, the eating habits of people in Taiwan changed little by little due to the ruling policy of the ruler at that time. For example, the Japanese imported a new kind of rice and encouraged people to not only sell them but also eat them as a more nutritious food source in 1926. The colonized background of Taiwan has become a strong supporter of the variety and the width of food.

 

  Finally, it is said that the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan is the people, and people are the reason why the so-called “culinary destination” is formed. The charming personal traits of Taiwanese people make the adaptation and combination of food so much easier. The warm hearts of those people took different eating habits, cooking methods, and newly imported kinds of food into being part of their dining. It is because of these traits of those human beings in Taiwan, the 

 

  As a result, Taiwan’s reputation as a culinary destination has been contributed by three reasons, location, history, and people. These factors are all indispensable and precious for they all make the gorgeous Formosa a place that is prestigious in eating and cooking. Without any of them, there will not be a chance that this small island will be noticed by the whole world. Not to mention to be the so-called culinary destination that attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year.