Thanks John Ross for the kind words: …..the book is a landmark work, one of the most significant English-language titles on Taiwan published in the last decade. ‘What is Taiwanese Cuisine’ – Interview starts with this huge question and my attempt to answer in the space provided, in ways probably no one else has done, at least not in English. The full interview is here . http://bookish.asia/author-interview-katy-hui-wen-hung/ I take this opportunity to extract sections and supply with visuals, making it a 'tastier' read: 1. I always have trouble replying to foreign friends and family members when they ask: “What is Taiwanese cuisine?” What’s your stock answer for this? What is Taiwanese Cuisine? Taiwanese cuisine has been described by many Taiwanese (and Chinese) culinary professionals as ‘soupy’ and ‘small’ – adjectives I personally interpret as meaning ‘simple’ or ‘unpretentious’. In the old, poorer days, boiling in water was the only practi...

Last Sunday I went to Yang San-lang Art Museum (Yonghe) for a Junior high school reunion and was greeted by overwhelming surprises. The event organizer bought each attender a copy of the recently published book "A Culinary History of Taipei" I co-authored. On arrival, I was shown packages and told they were my books! I couldn't believe it and was totally overwhelmed and immensely touched by his support and generosity. The museum is now run by Daniel Yang (Yang San-Lang's only son), it is a beautiful place most suited for private gatherings and gorgeous weather it was too! The afternoon was just LOVELY. Lovely set meals at reasonable price. The dessert not in photo is also lovely - Crème caramel. After the meal. Daniel came to greet us and arranged museum guide tour for those wished to join. I didn't, as I had already seen the museum some 4 years ago and am fairly equipped with background story of the Yang family and related Tamsui history. Daniel s...

1.  Yilan  2. North Gate  3. John Dodd  4. Formosa Past in Dutch Village I am taking this opportunity to note down tidbits arriving in my attention from recent events since my last post. And report on some interesting 'discoveries' through a private group 'Taiwan-Old-Families' I was invited to join two months ago.  Equally important, directing you to GREAT links by the best, in my opinion, bilingual Micro-Historian of Taiwan in this half-century.  1.  Yilan  There are many private antique collectors in Taiwan who prefer keeping a low profile like this one - a History Professor in Yilan. On the other hand, he was also excited to share in the right circumstances to the right people.  He bought a 4-floor building specifically for 'storage' - first floor mainly books, I could not contain my surprise reaching the third floor - rooms and rooms of bowls & dishes and there was more!  T...