‘Best food in the world’

IN a CNN International survey, Taiwan tops all other places as having the “best food in the world,” scoring 8,242 votes in the online survey. At far second is the Philippines, garnering 1,528 votes, followed by Italy then Thailand. Japan is at fifth, then Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Greece and Vietnam.

Taiwan has a simple culinary philosophy that goes, “Eat often and eat well.” This was cited by survey respondents as one of the reasons why they voted Taiwan as number one.

The amazing blend of Min Nan, Teochew and Hokkien Chinese cuisine along with Japanese cooking could be the reason for their palatable treats.

Tainan, the oldest city, is Taiwan’s food capital, with Taipei boasting around 20 streets dedicated to snacking alone.

A comment that resonates with foodies is that every time one thinks he’s “found the best street side bao, the most incredible stinky tofu or the mind- blowing noodle soup, there’s always another Taiwanese food shop that surpasses it.”

While most Asians serve rice at the beginning of a meal along with dishes that go with it, the Taiwanese have reversed it, serving rice toward the end of the meal instead, before dessert.

“It’s to fill one up if the early servings did not bring satisfaction to the tummy,” explained a Taiwanese national to The Sunday Times Magzine.

Besides delicious food, Taiwan is also the center of Mandarin pop music culture.