Discovery
For many tourists, a visit to Taiwan is incomplete without experiencing its vibrant night markets and indulging in its delicious street food. But beyond bubble teas and noodle soups, there is a world of Taiwanese flavors and culinary traditions waiting to be discovered, and this new series aims to do just that.
Discovery and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan), through Food Masters: Taste of Taiwan, want to give viewers a “taste” of the region’s diverse food culture as they delve beyond the surface of familiar and traditional dishes.
Food Masters: Taste of Taiwan throws together both food experts and passionate Michelin-starred chefs of restaurants that are representative of the country to discuss the history of Taiwanese cuisine and its challenges in introducing it to a wider market.
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It also centers around the untold stories behind traditional techniques and ingredients that are unique to the region, starting with Chef Leo Tsai of Mountain & Sea.
Tsai had this light bulb moment of bringing back the grandeur of 1930s fine dining, hoping that younger generations would continue keeping it alive. Using only sustainable and organic ingredients, his passion and talent earned the restaurant a Michelin Green star.
Platter from Mountain & Sea Discovery
RAW’s Chef Andre Chang, for his part, left his Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore to train the next generation of chefs in Taiwan. While doing so, he also aims to highlight the lesser-known ingredients unique to Taiwan by using Western techniques for an “inclusive cuisine” in his fine dining restaurant.
Also featured in the series is Chef Alex Peng of the high-end restaurant AKAME. Peng, a member of the Rukai tribe in Taiwan, opened his 19-seater restaurant in the mountains of Wutai to “reconnect with his roots” and invite others to learn about it through his food. His menu heavily relies on daily local produce available in his community.
Apart from fine dining restaurants, Food Masters: Taste of Taiwan, satiates its viewers with a glimpse of how food chains like Din Tai Fung operate and continue to maintain a following. Keeping its promise of quality, consistency, and exceptional service, Din Tai Fung—famous around the world for its xiao long bao—is committed to ensuring consistent quality through a mentorship system.
Making Din Tai Fung’s xiao long bao Discovery
Huaxi Night Market Discovery
And finally, breakfast spots like the ever-popular Fuhang Soy Milk and new player Soft Power, a modern Taiwanese breakfast place, were also featured, alongside Wang’s Broth and the Huaxi Street Night Market.
By the end, Food Masters: Taste of Taiwan leaves viewers with an insatiable craving for more, igniting a deeper appreciation for the richness of Taiwan’s food culture and a desire to experience it firsthand.
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